A tow behind fertilizer spreader is a valuable tool for gardeners, lawn owners, and small farmers. It is a container on wheels that holds fertilizer or seed. It can be connected to a lawn tractor, ATV, or small tractor.
A tow behind fertilizer spreader is a wheeled cart with a hopper, a large container that holds granules of fertilizer, seeds, or similar materials. Under the hopper is a spinning disk or a moving plate that broadcasts the material on the ground. The spreader connects to the hitch on the back of a riding mower, lawn tractor, or utility vehicle.
Growcycle offers a high-quality tow behind fertilizer spreader. This tool saves time and effort compared to spreading by hand.
Key Benefits
It has several key benefits, which are as follows:
- Efficiency: Tow behind spreaders cover large areas quickly. Homeowners can fertilize an entire lawn in minutes, rather than hours, by hand.
- Even Coverage: The spinning disk or plate sends fertilizer in a broad, flat pattern. This helps prevent areas that are over-fertilized and under-fertilized.
- Adjustable Rates: Most models offer adjustable openings. Homeowners can choose how much fertilizer is applied. This helps follow the instructions on fertilizer bags.
- Versatility: These spreaders work with lawn fertilizer, grass seed, ice melt, and even sand or lime. This one tool can be used for many tasks.
- Reduced Labor: Homeowners do not need to carry heavy bags of fertilizer by hand. The spreader’s wheels and hitch carry the weight.
Types of Tow Behind Spreaders
There are several main types of tow behind fertilizer spreaders:
- Drop Spreaders: These release fertilizer directly under the hopper in a narrow band. Use them for precise applications along edges or streets.
- Broadcast Spreaders: These use a spinning disk to fling material in a wide arc. They cover more ground quickly. They are the most common type for lawns.
- Variable-rate spreaders: These allow gardeners to adjust settings on the fly. A lever on the handle or a dial near the hitch can adapt the rate without stopping.
- Seed/Slurry Spreaders: Some models add water to materials and spray a slurry. These are less common for home use but are helpful for large fields.
Ideal Tow Behind Fertilizer Spreaders
Tow Behind fertilizer spreaders are the best way to make a lawn flourish effectively and in a shorter time with minimal manual labor. Here are some good options to consider with different specifications:
1. Agri‑Fab Tow Behind Spreader
The Agri‑Fab is a top pick for medium lawns and small hobby farms. Its 130‑lb plastic hopper does not rust or fade in the sun, so it stays in great shape for years. The wheel is powerful, so it does not need any cord or tractor PTO, it only needs to be hitched to the lawn tractor or ATV and start spreading.
The easy-to-use slide‑gate allows gardeners to set how much they apply, from 4 to 50 pounds per 1,000 square feet. With a spread width of 10–12 feet, it can handle a two‑acre area quickly, and it is small enough to fit through regular gates.
2. Brinly Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
Brinly is built for big jobs and rough ground. It has a 200 lb steel hopper and two paddles that keep damp or sticky fertilizer flowing smoothly.
The strong welded‑steel frame and reinforced tongue hold up to bumps and knocks, and its large air‑filled tires roll easily over ruts. It covers 10–12 feet in one pass, which finishes the work faster. For landscapers or serious hobby farmers who need lots of capacity and toughness, the Brinly model is ideal.
3. EarthWay Precision Tow Behind Spreader
The EarthWay is an excellent option for accurate results, whether applying specialty blends or overseeing premium turf. Its micrometer-style metering allows setting application rates from just 1.5 lb to 20 lb per 1,000 sq ft, and the no-tool slide-gate adjustment is clearly labeled for effortless changes. The rugged yet lightweight 80‑lb poly hopper is easy to hitch to ATVs and garden tractors, making setup and takedown a breeze.
4. Spyker Poly Tow Behind Spreader
The Spyker is an excellent mix of capacity and flexibility. It has a 150-pound hopper made from UV-stabilized polyethylene, so it does not crack in the sun. The in-cab control lever allows gardeners to change the flow rate from the seat, which is useful when switching from fertilizer to grass seed or ice melt, or when going from a shaded to a sunny area.
It keeps everything inside the property lines by evenly distributing materials in a path that is 8 to 10 feet wide. Its ease of cleaning and compatibility with various attachments appeal to people who frequently switch materials, such as farmers and homeowners.
5. Chapin ATV Tow‑Behind Spreader
The Chapin 8300B is an excellent option and an affordable spreader for an ATV. It is designed for small utility vehicles and features an 80-pound poly hopper with a universal hitch, making it easy to attach and use. The built-in calibration chart helps set the correct rate, anywhere from 4 to 30 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Its 8 to 10-foot spread width is narrower than some larger models, which makes it easier to control in tight spaces and avoid overlapping. It does not hold as much as big tractor-pulled spreaders, but its low cost and lightweight design make it a wise choice for smaller jobs, such as yard work or spreading ice melt in winter.
FAQs
How can the spread rate be controlled?
Each model has a control dial or lever that adjusts the amount of material released. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer or seed bag for the correct setting.
Does it require cleaning after each use?
Rinse out the hopper and spreading parts after each use to prevent rust, buildup, and clogging, mainly if salt or fertilizer were used.
Can it be used in wet weather?
It is better to use it on dry days. Wet fertilizer can clump and clog the spreader, and damp grass makes it harder to spread evenly.
The Bottom Line
Tow behind fertilizer spreaders are an excellent tool for anyone taking care of large lawns, fields, or commercial landscapes. They save time, spread fertilizer evenly, and are easy to use. Choosing the right model depends on the size of the land area, the type of ground, the spreading material, and the type of vehicle used to pull it. To get the best results, it is essential to set up the spreader correctly, maintain it regularly, and follow safety guidelines.
Visit Growcycle for a good tow behind spreader. Homeowners can cover more ground faster and enjoy healthier grass or crops.
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