When it comes to lawn care, many people turn to fertilizer spreaders to help keep their grass looking lush and vibrant.
It’s no wonder that many homeowners in pursuit of a green and lush lawn often find themselves asking “Are drop spreaders better than broadcast spreaders?”
Well, both of these spreaders are very common, serving more or less the same purpose, so it can be difficult to decide which one will work better for your particular project.
This article takes an in-depth look at both types of spreaders and helps you determine which one might be right for you. I’ll cover everything from what each type does and how they differ.
So, if you’re looking to get your lawn looking its absolute best, keep reading!
Drop Spreaders
How They Work
Drop spreaders are exactly what their name implies: rather than broadcasting fertilizer across your entire lawn like a broadcast spreader does, drop spreaders “drop” the fertilizer in a specific area. This allows for more precise spreading over smaller areas and gives users greater control over where the material is placed.
The width of coverage may vary based on the features of each particular model, but typically ranges from two to eight feet wide.
Advantages
Drop spreaders are becoming increasingly popular among gardeners and farmers alike due to the many benefits they offer, including:
Efficiency
Drop spreaders tend to be more efficient in terms of even distribution than broadcast spreaders.
With these models, users can precisely target areas where fertilizer (or any other material) needs to go without wasting any product on unwanted spots or pathways. The fact that there are fewer chances of overlap means there will also be less waste compared to using a broadcast-style unit.
Adjustable Settings
Drop spreaders come with adjustable settings that allow users to customize their application according to their specific needs – something that is not possible with a broadcast spreader.
Accuracy
Drop-spreaders provide greater accuracy in terms of spreading materials evenly across an area, thanks to its precision engineering.
These advantages make it clear why so many people prefer using drop spreaders over broadcast ones.
Disadvantages
Unsuitable For Large Quantities Of Material
Drop spreaders are not ideal for applying large amounts of material since the individual drops are small and limited in size.
Slow Working Speed
These types of spreaders can only disperse one type of material at a time, so multiple passes may need to be made if you’re trying to fertilize and seed your lawn at once – which is definitely energy-consuming.
Greater Operator Involvement
Drop spreaders require more precision from the operator as compared to broadcast spreaders due to how much control is needed over the rate and placement of each drop.
Without proper care and attention, it’s easy for areas on your lawn or garden to become under- or over-fertilized. This could lead to poor soil conditions which would affect any plants growing there negatively.
They’re Pricier
Drop spreaders tend to cost significantly more than broadcast models making them less accessible for those on a budget.
Ultimately, while drop spreaders offer many benefits such as customization and even coverage with little waste, they come with some tradeoffs when it comes down to efficiency and affordability. So, it’s best to consider what you need out of a fertilizer application machine before investing in one.
Now that you know about drop spreaders, let’s talk about broadcast spreaders.
Broadcast Spreaders
How They Work
Broadcast spreaders are devices used to disperse a wide area of material over a large surface in the form of droplets or particles. The materials can range from fertilizer and grass seed to ice melt and other chemicals.
Regardless of size or features, all broadcast spreaders work by projecting their contents outwards in every direction like a fan – which explains why they’re often referred to as “fan sprayers” too!
They are designed with an adjustable nozzle that disperses materials more evenly than hand-scattering alone. Some models offer multiple nozzles so you can cover larger areas quickly, while others have smaller ones for those tight spaces where precision is key.
To use one, simply fill it up with your desired material, adjust the nozzle settings as needed, and move forward while walking at a steady pace.
Advantages
A broadcast spreader is a powerful tool, capable of quickly and efficiently dispersing fertilizer or seed across any terrain. Its wide range allows it to cover large areas in no time at all. It’s an invaluable asset for anyone looking to keep their lawns lush and green. But what makes a broadcast spreader so great? Let’s look at some of the advantages they offer:
Versatility
Broadcast Spreaders are incredibly versatile – you can use them with different types of seeds, fertilizer, and even lime. This means that whatever grass, tree, or crop type you’re trying to cultivate; there will be something suitable for your needs.
Additionally, changing out the material is as easy as flipping a switch!
Easy On The Operator
Broadcast spreaders don’t require any manual labor on your part either. You can just set up the spreader where desired and let it do its work without having to lift heavy bags or push wheelbarrows around.
Speed Of Work
The speed of these machines make them efficient when covering larger areas too, ensuring that your job gets done in no time.
Plus, thanks to adjustable settings like width control levers and flow rate dials, you have full command over how much material you want dispersed into each area – making sure nothing goes to waste!
Disadvantages
While broadcast spreaders have their advantages, they also come with some drawbacks.
Heavier Than Drop Spreader
One of the main disadvantages is that broadcast spreaders are heavier than drop spreaders. This makes them difficult to maneuver and can cause fatigue during use.
It’s also very difficult to navigate around corners and tight spots with these models.
Less Accurate
Another issue with broadcast spreaders is accuracy; it’s hard to control how much material you’re dispersing, which may lead to uneven coverage or increased waste.
Large In Size
The last major disadvantage of broadcast spreaders is their size; because they disperse materials in a wide pattern, they require more space and take longer to cover large areas. This means additional time spent on spreading materials compared to using a drop spreader over the same area.
With the advantages and disadvantages of both spreaders in mind, let’s change focus to selecting the right tool for your needs!
Selecting The Right Tool For Your Needs
When it comes to lawn care, having the right equipment for your needs is essential. With two main types of spreaders – drop and broadcast – you’ll want to consider which one would be best for you.
Drop spreaders are ideal if you’re working with a small space, and if precision is a priority.
A drop model is best for applying fertilizer over smaller areas or those with many obstacles like trees and shrubs that need avoiding. They offer precise applications because they allow you to control the amount being applied by the user as well as where it goes.
Broadcast spreaders are ideal for large open spaces.
A broadcast model will help cover larger areas in less time due to its ability to disperse material while moving forward. This makes it perfect for large open spaces such as golf courses and sports fields but may not provide accuracy if there are too many objects in its path that need avoiding.
So now that you know what sets these two apart from each other, it’s up to you to decide which option works better for your situation! Whether you choose a drop or broadcast spreader depends on what job needs doing and how quickly you need it done!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, none of these spreader is entirely superior to the other – it’s up to you which type works best for your needs.
Drop spreaders are great for accuracy; however, they require more frequent stops due to their smaller capacity than broadcast spreaders. Broadcast spreaders can handle larger amounts of material but may not provide as precise coverage.
For most people, it comes down to what fits their lifestyle and budget. If time isn’t an issue then either option could do the job equally well – just make sure you read up on each before deciding! Whichever way you go keep in mind that proper care and maintenance should always be taken into account no matter which type of spreader you choose.
With these tips in hand I hope you find the perfect one for all your spreading needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type Of Material Can Be Spread With Each Type Of Spreader?
Drop spreaders and broadcast spreaders are two types of tools used to spread materials like:
- Fertilizer
- Grass seed
- Ice melt
- Mulch
- Weed-control
However, there are some key differences between them that may make one better for certain materials than the other.
For instance, a drop spreader is ideal for spreading fertilizer or grass seed. This is because the drop model will ensure an even distribution over a small area compared to broadcast spreaders which tend to spray the material farther out in larger clumps.
On the other hand, broadcast spreaders carry the day when dealing with ice melt or any kind of granular product as they cover a much wider area faster.
For something like mulch or weed control products though, either method will do just fine.
What Size Drop And Broadcast Spreaders Are Available?
Drop spreader sizes range from about 10lbs up to 200lbs depending on the model, while broadcast spreaders usually start around 15 lbs and go as high as 1000 lbs or more.
The dimensions of these machines also vary greatly. Some are compact enough to fit in tight spaces, while others have wider frames that give them extra stability when working over uneven terrain.
In terms of capacity, smaller drop spreaders are ideal for smaller areas, while larger models can cover larger surfaces quickly and efficiently.
On the other hand, broadcast spreaders come in different capacities – from light-duty ones suitable for home gardens to heavy-duty models capable of tackling commercial projects.
How Much Material Can Drop Visa-a-viz Broadcast Spreader Spread In One Trip?
Drop spreaders are capable of handling anywhere from 8-10 pounds per 1,000 square feet with each trip. Broadcast spreaders on the other hand hold up to 15-20 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
This means that if you have an area larger than 10,000 square feet, then using a broadcast spreader is likely your best bet as they can handle more in one go.
It is important to keep in mind the size and capacity of your drop or broadcast spreader so that you don’t overload them beyond their recommended limits. Doing so could lead to uneven dispersion which would cause issues for whatever materials were being used.
How Much Maintenance Is Required For Both Models?
- Regularly inspect your spreader for any signs of wear and tear such as cracked parts or broken seals.
- Gently clean off any excess material that may have built up on the machine after each use.
- Ensure all moving parts are lubricated and tune-up annually as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Replace air filters when needed as well as other components like tires, belts, bearings, etc.
Taking care of these simple tasks will go a long way in making sure both types of spreaders remain reliable for many years—allowing you to get the job done quickly and efficiently every time!
Are These Spreader Models Good For Large Or Small Yards?
When it comes to large and small yards, drop spreaders and broadcast spreaders can both be good options. Each type of yard spreader has its own advantages when it comes to size and maintenance.
Drop spreaders are great for smaller yards because they come in various sizes that make them easier to maneuver around tight corners or around obstacles like trees. This makes them ideal for use on narrow sidewalks or other areas where a larger machine wouldn’t fit.
On the other hand, broadcast spreaders are perfect for larger spaces such as golf courses or farms due to their ability to cover more ground with each pass. The bigger size also means less time spent pushing the unit over uneven terrain.
Photo by Olivier Alfaiate.
