A spreader is an invaluable tool for seed sowing or fertilizer placement into your lawn and garden. The manual process of seeding and fertilizing takes more time. Even that process would not be accurate, and it can keep you in touch of harmful chemicals. So, it is essential to own the best residential lawn spreaders.
Residential spreaders are specially designed for home use. It comes with multiple functions of applying fertilizer, lime, grass seeds, and insecticides. This machine will eliminate your time and effort. Most importantly, it can distribute the components equally in all places.
Here we have reviewed the top 5 spreaders for residential use based on our depth research. We believe these will be great for personal lawns and gardens.
Contents
What are the advantages of a residential spreader?
- The advantages of a residential spreader are incredible to keep your home lawn beautiful and pleasant.
- It eliminates your time and labor to apply fertilizer and seed at lawn
- It will help in controlling weeds and insects within quick time
- Applying fertilizer and seeds with a spreader is much easier than hand-spreading
Our Top Picks
Best for fastest speed-Scotts Elite Spreader
It has advanced features, comfort, durability and efficient, larger area coverage, dual rotor technology.
Best for small lawn-Scotts Turf Builder Broadcast Spreader
EdgeGuard Technology, good performer for sidewalks and edge, pre-calibrated assembly.
Best for professional use-Chapin 8620B Tow Behind Spreader
Unique style and function, heavy-duty construction, versatile setting, accurate result.
Best for rough terrain-Agri-Fab Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
Up to one-acre area coverage, 130 pounds capacity, rust proof material, original USA made.
Best for largest area-Agri-Fab Push Broadcast Spreader
Poly hopper construction, three years of warranty, Pneumatic tires, 25,000 square feet coverage area and long-lasting performance.
Top five residential spreader reviews
Residential spreaders are designed very differently from professional spreaders. The main reason for this is the difference in coverage of industrial and residential coverage areas. So, we have reviewed the top five spreaders based on our extensive research. So, let’s check.
Scotts Elite Spreader
The elite spreader is the advanced addition of Scotts brand, and it is tested for a more accurate result. It comes with a six feet spread pattern that allows a user to fewer passes around the yard. So, it is time and effort to eliminate the spreader.
Moreover, this spreader is efficient for seed, feed and weeds prevention. Also, you can use this to melt ice and snow in winter. Do note that the elite spreader is up to 20% faster to make your task easier. Overall, it is as comfortable as it is durable.
Specification:
The dimension of the elite spreader is 7.25 x 7.25 x 5.5 inches. And it is 19.75 pounds. Also, know that the ergonomic handle and two wheels are black. On the contrary, the main chamber color is dark green.
Key Features:
- The dual rotor technology provides accurate result, and six spread patterns reduce time and labor
- The durable, ergonomic handle comes with an adjustable smartphone holder
- It can hold seeds or fertilizer to spread up to 20,000 sq. ft. areas.
- The stable plastic tires are made never to be flat and can adjust on any terrain.
What customers are saying:
Overall, most of its customers are satisfied with the faster performance and expressed their positive feedback with the result’s ergonomic smartphone holder and accuracy.
Many customers are unhappy that this product is often out of stock and not received on time.
Scotts Turf Builder Mini Broadcast Spreader
Scott’s Turf Builder Broadcast is the best residential spreader of Scotts manufacturer. It is designed with EdgeGuard Technology that ensures the accurate spreading all around the landscaping, sidewalk areas.
Luckily, the user of the mini broadcast spreader is getting a pre-calibrated system and folding mechanism. So, it is easier to store in any small space. Moreover, it has an effective control panel with the correct rate setting.
Specification:
The measurement of the mini broadcast is 16 x 20 x 45.25 inches, and the weight is 1 pound. And the color is a dark green and black combination.
Key Features:
- Premium EdgeGuard technology allows the user to spread grass seed and fertilizer up to the sidewalks.
- It can hold enough seed or fertilizer for spreading up to 5,000 sq. ft. areas.
- It has a control panel to ensure the rate-setting for an accurate result.
What customers are saying:
The existing customer has been praised for the pre-calibrated assembled features. Besides, they have talked about easy storage. Most importantly, customers are pleased with the Edgeguard technology.
Some rare customers have complained about the fertilizer spreading.
Chapin 8620B Tow Behind Spreader
If you are looking for an advanced, efficient spreader for both residential and professional purposes, then Chapin Two Behind is a great model. In this model, uniqueness exists in everything from design to functionality. Besides, it works as a best residential salt spreader.
It is also called behind spread because of the user benefit with the rear of the vehicle. Not only that, this spreader has an auto-stop function that can stop spreading when it has not moved.
Its dimension is 26 x 36 x 36 inches. However, Chapin is a little bit heavier at 40.7 pounds. The lower part of this machine means the wheel is black, and the main chamber is red.
Key Features:
- Auto stopping function at motionless situation reduces the product waste
- It can hold 150 pounds of a product like fertilizer or grass seeds
- The saturated bronze bearings can minimize friction
- Up to 11 setting options for accuracy incrementation
What customers are saying:
The professional user is happy because of the heavy-duty trailer hitch construction. And residential users praised the two behind spreading and versatile settings for accuracy. Besides, the auto-stopping function gets popular with all users.
Some customers said that it is expensive and heavier in weight.
Agri-Fab Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
Are you looking for a suitable spreader for the best residential lawn fertilizer spreader? Agri-Fab is a good choice because it is designed to cover up to 1 acre or more. This spreader has a special gate control function that allows it to operate from the tractor seat.
Also, this broadcast spreader has featured on a precise controlling setting. At the same time, a smoother operation is also included. Although the construction material is imported, this tool is rustproof and made in the USA.
Specification:
The measurement of Agri-Fab is 31.5 inches. X 27.125 in. and the hopper capacity is 130 lbs. It is unique in color. The main chamber and wheel are black. And the handle is red.
Key Features:
- It is designed to cover a larger lawn, and the product holding capacity is 130 pounds.
- Handlebar rod is linked with an on-off controlling system
- It has an enclosed gearbox that ensures long-life durability and spreading
- Larger tire diameter and wider wheel offer stability on rough terrain
What customers are saying:
Existing customers are happy with its larger coverage areas. Also, they have said about the best performance in rough terrain.
Fewer customers are not satisfied with the spreading performance and plastic construction material.
Agri-Fab Push Broadcast Spreader
Agri-Fab push is a best residential broadcast spreader that is designed with the largest size. It is a versatile spreader that is useful for seed sowing in summer and ice melting in winter. Moreover, its role in grass planting and fertilizer application is great.
This spread is ideal for the care of any size of lawn and garden. And it will work for you from spring to winter. It is constructed with a poly hopper plate that is very durable. Also, a heat-treated bevel gearbox is included in this machine. In addition, the ergonomic handle and Pneumatic tires make this spreader more convenient.
Specification:
The dimension is 48 x 27.1 x 33.6 inches, and the weight is 35 pounds. Also, note that it has a 130-pound product holding capacity.
Key Features:
- Versatile performance for different seasons from spring, summer and winter
- The larger size allows applying seed and fertilizer with less time and effort
- It comes with a 25,000 square feet coverage area with 130 pounds capacity
- Poly hopper construction is promising for long-lasting performance
What customers are saying:
The rust preventing poly hopper construction gets praised by the customers. At the same time, the customers said about the Pneumatic tires and three years of product warranty.
Some customers have complained that this spreader is not suitable for salt spreading.
What to Consider When You Buy a Residential Lawn Spreaders
When you have considered buying the best residential lawn spreader, then some characteristics must follow. Here are some variables to help you choose the right spreader.
Operation method:
The broadcast spreader is most popular for the best operation method. Hence, it offers a maximum balance between the precise result and speed. This broadcast spreader comes in several sizes. And some models also come with a larger size that is convenient to add with the vehicle. Do note that a drop spreader is best for rough obstacles and little lawns.
Holding capacity:
Knowing the spreader holding capacity is essential. Your lawn size is also related to withholding capacity. If you have a larger area, you need to choose a large holding capacity spreader. Otherwise, the spreader has to be filled a few times. On the other hand, smallholding capacity is good enough for smaller lawns.
Spreading Capacity:
A spreader can spread several types of materials like seed, fertilizer and salt. A spreader can’t handle all types of material. So, it is essential to make sure the types of material you want to spread.
For example, a best residential fertilizer spreader can handle chemicals, fertilizer and grass seeds. On the contrary, some spreaders can handle powdered lime, sand, salt and compost.
Precision:
One of the great functions of a spreader is precision. You will never get accurate results like a precise spreader when spread seed by hand. Most importantly, there is some specialized spreader that comes with more preciseness.
There is a controversy between the speed and preciseness of a spreader. For example, a drop spreader is more precise but a bit slower. But a broadcast spreader is faster but less accurate. On the other hand, a liquid spreader is not very accurate but average in speed.
FAQ:
- What type of spreader is best?
- Elite Spreader (Best for fastest speed Scotts)
- Scotts Turf Builder Broadcast Spreader (Best for the small lawn)
- Chapin 8620B Tow Behind Spreader (Best for professional use)
- Agri-Fab Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader (Best for rough terrain)
- Agri-Fab Push Broadcast Spreader (Best for the largest area)
- Which is better, a drop spreader or rotary spreader?
Drop spreader and rotary spreader both have specific features and functions. In terms of drop spreader, it is more precise because it has a fixed edge placement.
On the contrary, a best residential rotary spreader is not precise like a drop spreader. It would help if you tried to get the precise result in the rotary spreader. So, it is difficult to say which spreader is best?
- What is the best tow behind the spreader?
Agri-Fab Tow Behind Broadcast and Agri-Fab Push spreader are the best two behind the spreader. Agri-Fab broadcast is best for performing on rough and narrow terrain. An agri-fab push spreader is best for larger areas spreading.
- Is a drop spreader is better than a broadcast spreader?
A drop spreader is better when you want to get a precise result without individual care. And a broadcast spreader is better when you want to observe every part of your lawn individually.
Final Word:
After completing this research on the Best residential spreaders, we have figured out that Scotts Turf Builder Broadcast Spreader is the best one. However, our mentioned other spreaders are best-branded and top customer-rated.
It doesn’t matter which product you choose, but it is necessary to check out the buying guide. A buying guide works like magic to find out the best product.
I hope you have learned a lot of new ideas about residential spreaders. If you love this guide, then share your love with others.
