The best fertilizer spreader for 2024

A fertilizer spreader is a device used to spread out or broadcast an amount of fertilizer over a specific area. The device can be manually driven by hand, linearly powered machines such as front-loaders, side-discharge trucks, or pneumatically power-driven machines. The spreader is typically used on farms, but it may also be used in gardens and commercial landscaping. 

There are many types of fertilizer spreaders available on the market today. They range from manual-operated push-type devices for small areas to large-scale sweeping equipment for fields that require heavy applications of materials such as urea and ammonium nitrate.

1. Lesco High Wheel Fertilizer Spreader with Manual Deflector - 101186 - Replaces 091186

• Hopper Capacity: 80 lbs.
• With manual deflector kit
• Enclosed gearbox with 5:1 gear ratio
• Some assembly required ; Includes instructions
• Can be used year round

This model has a standard wheel and seat configuration. The wheel and seat are made of cast iron and are capable of swiveling 360 degrees for easy cleaning. The rear axle is mounted on roller bearings for smooth, continuous operation. The seat is bolted to the frame for maximum stability—a single lever on the right side of the deflection of the rear control. The unit operates at speeds up to 7.5 mph, or lesser as required for a custom application. This model is designed for operators up to in weight.

2. Chapin International Inc. 8401C Chapin 80 Lb. SureSpread Professional Spreader, Red

• 80 lb. Capacity hopper
• Enclosed metal gears to prevent debris interference
• Grease fittings for easy-access
• Wide tread pneumatic tires
• Spread pattern control
• Stainless Steel linkage with gate control
• Stainless Steel frame

The SureSpread is a frame-mounted swinging orifice spreader that is easy to operate and effectively delivers seed, fertilizer, and chemicals. The SureSpread features two wing-nut style handles for fast and easy flow rate adjustment. A wide handle provides extra leverage for large jobs. The SureSpread comes in various sizes to meet almost any application requirements, ranging from smaller plots to larger areas requiring higher speed. The 8401C model can spread 80 pounds of material at a time and top rates up to 6 mph.
 

3. Scotts Elite Spreader

• Dual rotor technology provides unbeatable accuracy and a 6ft spread pattern for time savings. This is our most accurate spreader ever!
• Holds up to 20,000 sq. ft. of Scotts lawn product, including grass seed, fertilizer, salt and ice melt
• Never-flat tires to conquer any terrain
• Ergonomic handle with smartphone holder
• Minor assembly required - Remove agitator pins when spreading coarse rock salt

The Elite is a high-performance moving spreader from Scotts. It will handle up to 10,000 pounds of material. It features a robust, easy-to-set 5 HP motor and a sturdy frame made from steel and aluminum. The wheels are die-cast aluminum for smooth operation. The hand lever on the handle provides fast adjustment of the material flow. This extra lightweight model weighs 46 pounds and has top speeds ranging from 3 to 9 mph. It is designed specifically for applications where an operator will be walking instead of driving machinery around the job site.

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1. Price:

The first feature that should be considered is cost. Though pricing can vary widely depending on the manufacturer and model, many models fall in a similar price range. For example, the Lesco 101186 (which was listed as one of the best spreaders above) has an average list price of between $1,000 and $1,200. Other models can cost much more; for example, the Scotts All-Terrain Broadcast Spreader is just under $2,000.
 

2. Weight:

The weight of a fertilizer spreader plays a significant role in its overall usability and efficiency and its ability to be transported from work site to work site. This is because the operator will likely be placing the spreader on a trailer or bringing it to and from another job site. So, the size of the spreader will be essential to consider. The Scotts All-Terrain Broadcast Spreader can spread up to 10,000 pounds per hour; however, it weighs in at 110 pounds. On the other hand, this Lesco model weighs just 44 pounds and has an average list price of under $1,000. The weight difference between a small fertilizer spreader like this one (which can only spread 20 or 30 pounds at a time) and a heavy-duty model can be substantial
 

3. Weight rating:

Other than weight, the operator should consider the weight rating of one's spreader. This can help reduce an operator's overall risk of injury during operation. In this case, larger and more cumbersome models are more durable and safer for the operator. The Scotts All-Terrain Broadcast Spreader has a rating of 59,700 pounds. In comparison, the Scotts Elite Spreader has a rating of only 25,000 pounds but is otherwise almost identical to its All-Terrain cousin in terms of many other features and options
 

4. Lifting capacity:

Another consideration is whether or not an operator will need to lift a fertilizer spreader as they work with it. Some models have a lifting mechanism built into their frame to make this easier. Of course, it is always cheaper and more efficient to purchase a lightweight machine that has a light-duty capacity.

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1. Is there a law that requires fertilizer to be labeled?

Yes, there are OSHA and FDA rules regarding the labeling of the spreader. These are two federal laws that mandate the labeling of certain products if they contain hazardous material. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require fertilizer to be labeled for the use of drivers and tractors.
 

2. Does fertilizer have to be packaged by a certified applicator?

According to the Department of Transportation's "Labeling Requirements for Hazardous Materials," fertilizer must be packaged by a certified applicator when considered hazardous due to its contents or other hazards associated with its use.
 

3. Is there a law that requires me to wear specific protective clothing when spreading fertilizer?

Yes. According to the "Labeling Requirements for Hazardous Materials," hazardous materials must be handled safely by the operator and bystanders. So, fertilizer is considered dangerous if it can cause injury or death to the operator or bystanders. Thus, wearing protective clothing when spreading fertilizer is required by OSHA and FDA rules.
 

4. Do I have to wear safety glasses while working with fertilizer?

According to OSHA rules regarding the labeling of "hazardous materials" like fertilizer, it is mandatory to wear safety glasses while working with them not to harm oneself or others.
 

5. Are safety shoes mandatory when working with fertilizer?

Safety shoes are not required, but safety shoes offer protection against being injured by the spreader. According to the "Labeling Requirements for Hazardous Materials," workers handling or using products that contain hazardous materials must wear:
 a. Safety clothes and equipment as required by OSHA rules; 
b. Safety glasses and gloves as required by FDA rules; 
c. A hard hat that meets the requirements established by OSHA; 
d. Steel toe boots, closed-toe shoes, and closed-toe work boots—if used—must be kept clean and well oiled or in good repair; 

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