Types of Spreaders
When it comes to spreading materials like fertilizer, seed, salt or ice melt on your lawn or driveway, having the right spreader for the job can make a big difference in getting proper coverage without waste. There are several main types of spreaders to consider.
Broadcast Spreaders
Broadcast spreaders (also called rotary or cyclone spreaders) are push spreaders that fling material in a wide arc up to 10-20 feet. They are ideal for quickly covering large, open areas. Models are available in hand-pushed and engine-driven versions. Broadcast spreaders work well for fertilizer, seed and ice melt.
- Pros: Cover ground quickly, inexpensive models available
- Cons: Can be inaccurate around edges, prone to skips
Drop Spreaders
Drop spreaders operate by dropping material straight down through openings, creating a band of coverage directly under the spreader. They provide precise application and control, perfect for spreading fertilizer on lawns or ice melt on driveways. Walk-behind models are most common.
- Pros: Very accurate, eliminates skipped areas
- Cons: Slower over large areas, clogs can occur
Handheld Spreaders
Handheld spreaders are small, portable models that can be carried and used in any location. They hold less material than other types but provide precise spot spreading. Models include hand-crank and battery-powered options.
- Pros: Highly maneuverable, great for small jobs
- Cons: Limited capacity and range
Tow-Behind Spreaders
Tow-behind spreaders are pulled behind an ATV or tractor. They can cover very large areas efficiently. With hoppers holding hundreds of pounds of material, they are ideal for farms, parks and other large property spreading jobs.
- Pros: Cover acres quickly, large capacity
- Cons: Require a towing vehicle, less precise than walk-behind models
When selecting the best spreader, consider the size of the area, the terrain, required precision and accuracy, and types of materials to be spread. Matching the right spreader to your spreading needs will ensure a quick and effective job.
Spreading Fertilizer, Seed, and Ice Melt
When it's time to fertilize the lawn, overseed bare spots, or apply ice melt to your driveway, using the right technique and application rate is key to getting the best results from your spreader.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer should be applied at the rate recommended on the packaging, usually measured in pounds per thousand square feet (lbs/1,000 sq ft). This amount can vary based on factors like grass type, season, and desired growth rate. Use an edge guard and overlap passes to prevent streaking.
| Grass Type | Application Rate |
|---|---|
| Bermuda | 2-4 lbs/1,000 sq ft |
| Fescue | 3-6 lbs/1,000 sq ft |
Seed
When overseeding or patching bare spots, use the recommended seeding rate for the grass variety. Most cool season grasses call for 5-8 lbs/1,000 sq ft. Apply half the seed walking in one direction, then apply the other half walking perpendicular to ensure even coverage.
Ice Melt
For ice melt, apply 0.5-1 lb/100 sq ft around walkways and driveways before snow or ice accumulates. Heavier applications up to 4 lbs/100 sq ft can be used once ice has formed. Remove slush and reapply as needed. Avoid over-application which can damage concrete.
Application Tips
- Know your spreader's swath width and pace your passes accordingly
- Walk at a steady speed for even distribution
- Overlap passes slightly to prevent bare strips
- Refill the hopper before it runs empty to avoid uneven spreading
- Follow a crisscross pattern on lawns for complete coverage
Always read the label directions and use the recommended settings for optimal coverage. Taking the time to apply at the right rates will give you the lawn, landscape, or driveway you're aiming for.
Calibrating Spreaders for Accuracy
Getting accurate, even coverage when spreading materials requires taking the time to properly calibrate your spreader. Calibrating ensures the output matches the recommended rate for your particular product across the spreader's swath width. Following a few key tips can help improve spreading accuracy.
Know Your Spreader
The manufacturer's manual will provide guidelines unique to your spreader model for calibrating and making setting adjustments. Features that impact calibration include:
- Hopper size
- Swath width
- Adjustment mechanisms
- Ground speed
Follow Calibration Steps
- Fill the hopper with your spreading material
- Set the adjustment to the manufacturer's recommendation
- Mark a test area the width of the swath
- Pass over the area at normal walking speed
- Measure the amount of material dispensed in the test area
- Compare with the target application rate
- Adjust settings and retest as needed
Consider Slope and Speed
Pushing uphill causes more material to dispense at the lower end of the swath. Walking faster also increases the application rate. Adjust accordingly if spreading on hills or changing pace.
Watch Wear and Tear
Worn Spreaders discharge less product evenly. Replace worn plates, gears and agitators as needed to maintain calibration.
Check Output Frequently
Periodically place collection trays across the swath width while spreading to confirm even distribution. Recalibrate whenever swath shape, ground speed or application rates change.
While it takes a bit of time and material, dialing in your spreader settings for each product will ensure you apply the recommended amount. Your lawn and landscape will benefit.
Spread Patterns - Achieving Even Coverage, Avoiding Skips
When using a broadcast or drop spreader, achieving an even spread pattern is essential to properly applying materials without skips or wasted product. The spread pattern refers to the width and shape of the area covered in a single pass.
Understanding Spread Patterns
The ideal spread pattern is rectangular for broadcast spreaders and a straight line directly under the hopper for drop spreaders. However, factors like calibration, walking speed, terrain, and product can impact the pattern.
- Miscalibrated spreaders will deliver too little or too much product at the swath edges.
- Walking too fast widens the pattern and creates heavy edges.
- Slopes cause more material to land downhill.
- Light, fluffy materials like grass seed spread wider than dense salt pellets.
Achieving Proper Coverage
The key is adjusting your technique to match the spread pattern. Here are some tips:
- Pace yourself to walk at an even, measured speed.
- Maintain a consistent stride length and rate of cranking the spreader.
- Overlap each pass slightly to prevent bare strips and gaps in coverage.
- When spreading on slopes, reduce overlap on downhill passes.
- Use an edge guard to prevent spreading beyond target perimeter.
Checking Your Work
Occasionally place collection trays or sheets at intervals across the swath width as you spread. The material collected indicates distribution shape and density. Make calibration adjustments as needed to achieve even coverage across the desired swath width.
Taking steps to understand and adjust for your spreader's unique spread pattern will help ensure you use products efficiently and achieve the coverage you want.
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Spreader Settings - Understanding Adjustments Based on Materials
One of the keys to successfully spreading fertilizer, seed, ice melt, or other materials is understanding how to adjust your spreader settings based on the product. The required setting can vary widely between materials.
Spreader Adjustment Mechanisms
Common spreader adjustment mechanisms include:
- Rotary dials - allow numeric setting selection
- Sliding scales - provide a range of low to high flow
- Deflector vanes - alter flow pattern from the hopper
- Drop holes - change size of openings material falls through
Factors Impacting Settings
Settings are affected by:
- Density of the material - heavy vs. lightweight
- Particle size - fine powder vs. large pellets/granules
- Spreading rate - amount needed to cover area
- Ground speed - pace you walk while spreading
Guidelines for Materials
- Grass seed requires a low setting due to lightweight particles.
- Small fertilizer pellets need a lower setting than large pellets.
- Avoid high settings with ice melt to prevent over-application.
- Increase setting if walking faster to account for increased flow rate.
Refer to package labels for manufacturer recommendations on spreader settings. Conducting calibration tests for each material ensures the setting matches the desired spreading rate.
Taking the time to understand your spreader settings and properly adjust for the spreading material will improve coverage and reduce waste.
Spreading Tips - Walking Speed, Overlap, Troubleshooting
Achieving professional spreading results requires using proper technique. Here are some useful tips for walking speed, overlap, and troubleshooting issues when spreading materials with a broadcast or drop spreader.
Maintain Consistent Pace
Walking speed directly impacts spread width and application rate. Spreading too fast leads to an uneven pattern and missed strips. Go slowly enough to maintain a measured pace for your spreader's swath width.
- Aim for about 3 mph pace with broadcast spreaders
- Drop spreaders require slower 1-2 mph speed
- Use a GPS tracking app to monitor your pace if needed
Overlap Coverage
The key is slightly overlapping each pass to prevent gaps in application. Typical overlap amounts:
- Broadcast spreader - Overlap by 10-25% of swath width
- Drop spreader - Overlap by 2-6 inches
Troubleshooting Tips
- Streaking - Increase overlap or reduce walking speed
- Skips - Check spreader calibration and pattern
- Too much discharge - Reduce setting or pace
- Clogging - Use narrower setting or sift/dry damp material
Periodically place collection trays across the spread width to check even distribution. Making small adjustments and testing repeatedly is key to achieving a professional spread.
Paying attention to your walking speed, overlap, and troubleshooting issues will help you become an expert spreader operator.
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Spreader Maintenance
Performing regular maintenance keeps spreaders working properly season after season. Key maintenance tasks include cleaning, lubricating, and replacing worn parts.
Cleaning
Thorough cleaning after each use prevents material buildup and corrosion:
- Remove all material from hopper, wheels, and discharge areas
- Use a small wire brush to dislodge stuck particles
- Wipe down metal surfaces with solvent or water
- Flush hoppers and tubes with water to remove residues
Lubricating
Regular lubrication reduces friction and wear on moving parts:
- Oil axles, gears, and bushings with lightweight machine oil
- Grease fittings on wheels and impellers if equipped
- Spray silicone lubricant on plastic gears and bushings
- Apply graphite powder to reduce hopper clogging
Replacing Worn Parts
Look for signs of wear and replace as needed:
- Worn spread plates - cause uneven pattern
- Bent or damaged shutters - lead to off-center throw
- Cracked tires - result in application gaps/skips
- Defective impellers - reduce spread width
Consult the owner's manual for recommended replacement parts and intervals for your spreader model. Proper maintenance results in smooth operation and professional spreading results.
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