Are you looking for a reliable way to spread fertilizer, seed and other materials around your yard? Look no further than broadcast spreaders!
These nifty tools make it easy to evenly distribute material over large areas with minimal effort.
But how do you choose a broadcast spreader for you yard?
Read on to learn more about choosing the perfect broadcast spreader! Starting with the types.
Types Of Broadcast Spreaders
There are four basic types of broadcast spreaders:
Push Spreader
A push spreader is great for small lawns or yards. It has a hopper mounted on wheels that can easily be pushed around the yard by hand.
Push broadcast spreader require some manual effort but offer precise coverage in tight spaces such as flower beds and between shrubs.
Drop Spreader
Drop spreaders have metal plates with holes in them that evenly distribute the fertilizer over the ground. They usually require more space than a push model because they must be pulled behind you while walking at a steady pace.
Although less precise than a push model, a drop spreader works well when spreading grass seed or larger amounts of material like sand or gravel.
Rotary Spreader
Rotary spreaders rotate while distributing materials across a wide area quickly and efficiently.
They’re perfect for large areas where uniform application is desired, but not necessarily precision accuracy.
Rotary spreaders work extremely well in wet conditions since the rotating action helps keep material from sticking together during distribution.
Tow Behind Spreaders
Tow-behind models provide an even greater level of convenience and efficiency by allowing users to stay off their feet while applying product to their property quicker than ever before!
From small yards to sprawling landscapes, there’s sure to be something here that suits your individual needs perfectly! Let’s change focus to the features to consider when selecting a broadcast spreader!
Features To Consider When Selecting One
When it comes to selecting the right broadcast spreader for your project, there are a few features you should consider. These includes:
Capacity
How much material can the spreader handle? You don’t want one too small that’ll need to be constantly refilled during larger projects.
Coverage
What area does the spreader cover at once? Make sure you get one with plenty of reach so you don’t have to spend all day in the same spot!
Durability
Make sure you go with a well-made model designed to last for years on end, and withstand tough conditions if needed.
Maintenance and Attachment
Is this something you’re willing to do yourself or will you need an expert’s help? Also, check out any attachments available for extra versatility.
Once you’ve got those factors figured out then it’s time to assess your capacity and coverage needs as they relate to your planned project.
Capacity And Coverage Needs
When it comes to choosing a broadcast spreader, capacity and coverage needs are two of the most important factors.
The key is finding a balance between too large and too small of a model.
If you choose one that’s overly big, you may end up wasting fertilizer as well as your time and energy in getting it done faster than necessary. On the other hand, if you opt for something that’s too small, it could take more trips around the yard just to cover all areas evenly – not ideal either!
Measure out your lawn space and consider how often you plan on using the spreader so you can make an informed decision about what capacity will work best for you.
Durability And Ease Of Use
When choosing a broadcast spreader, it’s important to consider the durability and ease of use.
Durable spreaders are an investment that will save you money in the long run because they can last for years with proper maintenance. Look closely at the materials used to make the spreader – is it made from quality components? Does it have rust-resistant parts and other features that increase its lifespan?
Ease of use is also key when selecting a broadcast spreader. If you choose one that’s too complicated or difficult to operate, you may find yourself frustrated every time you need to use it. Consider how easy it is to adjust settings on the spreader, as well as maneuver around your property while using it.
If possible, ask someone who has experience with this type of equipment before making a purchase decision so you know what works best for your needs.
Maintenance requirements for broadcast spreaders coming up next!
Maintenance Requirements
Regular upkeep of your spreader is essential to ensure long-term performance and reliability. Below are some helpful tips on how to maintain your broadcast spreader.
Cleaning Tips
- Clean out any remaining fertilizer or seed after each use with a stiff brush and warm water.
- Be sure the housing, hopper, axle tube, and wheel bearings are free from dirt or debris.
Spreader Maintenance
- Lubricate all moving parts regularly with oil or grease as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Check for loose bolts, nuts, screws and replace, if needed.
Once you’re done taking proper care of your broadcast spreader, you’ll be ready to tackle accessories and attachments!
Accessories And Attachments
Choosing the right broadcast spreader for your lawn or garden can be like finding a needle in a haystack. There are so many different models, features, and accessories to consider. Fortunately, there’s an array of spreader-accessories and attachments available that make it easier to find the perfect fit.
Spreader-attachments vary depending on the model you choose, but they typically include:
- Hoses
- Nozzles
- Tanks
- Tubing
- Air filters
- Built-in sensors
Some come with adjustable nozzle settings which allow you to customize how much product is being released into the soil. Other spreaders may have built-in sensors that let you know when water levels need to be refilled or adjusted.
TIP: If you’re looking for something more sophisticated than basic hose-fed systems, then look for a broadcast spreader with advanced features such as variable speed control and digital readouts.
Let’s move on to budget considerations before making your final purchase decision.
Budget Considerations
When it comes to choosing a broadcast spreader, budget considerations should be at the forefront of any decision. After all, spending your hard-earned money on something that doesn’t fit your needs or isn’t right for you can be a costly mistake!
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make an informed decision.
Price Range
Make sure the price range fits in with what you can afford. You don’t want to blow your entire budget on one piece of equipment when there might be other options available at lower prices.
Online Reviews
Check out online reviews from previous customers who have purchased similar models. This will give you an idea of how well the product performs and if it’s worth its cost.
You can also ask around about experiences people have had with various broadcast spreaders – particularly experts – before deciding which one is best for you.
Compare Different Models & Brands
Compare different brands and models against each other so you know which features are important for you.
Pay attention to things like capacity, weight, durability, and ease of use – these factors can make big differences in terms of value.
Warranty
Consider whether or not warranty information is provided by the manufacturer, as this could save time and money down the line if something goes wrong with the spreader after purchase.
The majority of broadcast spreaders come with some sort of limited-time warranty or guarantee against manufacturing defects. Others offer free replacement parts or repair services as part of the warranty program.
If you’re investing in a high-end model, then considering extra coverage could be worthwhile. The more peace of mind you have regarding your purchase, the better off you’ll be in case something does go wrong down the road!
Conclusion
A broadcast spreader is an essential tool for any garden. It’s a great way to ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need, and it can help save you time and money when it comes to fertilizing or salting large areas of land.
With a little bit of research and knowledge, choosing the right broadcast spreader for your needs should be easy!
When selecting a broadcast spreader, consider its maximum spreading width; if you’re tending to a larger area such as a football field-sized lawn, then opt for one with a wider range – this will make sure all parts of the lawn are evenly covered.
Likewise, make sure that whatever model you choose is suitable for use with salt and fertilizer – both of which are commonly used in gardens.
Finally, safety should always come first when handling heavy machinery like spreaders. Make sure you read through the manufacturer’s instructions properly before using one so that no injuries occur during operation. With these tips in mind, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect broadcast spreader for your backyard gardening needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between A Broadcast Spreader And A Drop Spreader?
When it comes to lawn care, there are two main types of spreaders- broadcast and drop. How do they differ?
Broadcast spreaders use an impeller system that throws out the seed or fertilizer in all directions, giving your lawn even coverage over a large area, fast. Since they cover such a wide area quickly, you don’t have to spend as much time spreading compared to using a drop spreader.
On the downside, they can be tougher to maneuver into tight spots in your yard, but with practice this won’t be much of an issue.
Drop spreaders work by slowly letting gravity do its job; dropping small amounts of material onto the ground below as you push it along. This gives you more control when dealing with those tricky corners and edges around trees and shrubs
However, drop spreaders tend to be slower than broadcast ones because you have to go back over spots multiple times before getting full coverage. But they still get the job done nicely if accuracy is important to you.
What Is The Maximum Spreading Width Of Broadcast Spreaders?
Different models and sizes will offer varying spreading width. But the maximum spreading width of a broadcast spreader is up to 10 feet! That’s enough for most residential yards, but larger commercial properties may require more capacity.
Small spreaders typically have a maximum spreading width between 4-6 feet. This makes them ideal for small gardens or residential yards with tight spaces.
Compact spreaders tend to be slightly bigger than their smaller counterparts, offering a max spreading width of 6-8 feet. They’re perfect for medium sized areas such as public parks or golf courses.
Large broadcast spreaders have a maximum spreading width of 8-10 feet. They’re ideal for farms, agricultural fields, and other expansive plots of land requiring even coverage.
Can They Be Used To Spread Salt And Fertilizer?
Broadcast spreaders are a great tool to have if you need to spread salt and fertilizer over large areas. Whether it’s for your lawn or garden, these handy devices can help make the job much easier.
The main advantage of broadcast spreaders is that they allow you to cover larger areas quickly and efficiently while still maintaining an even spread across the area.
Are They Suitable For Large Gardens?
Yes!
Broadcast spreaders are great tools for large gardens, as they allow you to evenly distribute salt and fertilizer over a wide area. The size of the broadcast spreader will determine how much material can be distributed in one pass – larger gardens may require more passes with a smaller spreader.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the spreading width of your chosen spreader; generally speaking, wider is better when it comes to large gardens.
Is There Any Safety Equipment Required When Using A Broadcast Spreader?
With broadcast spreaders, all that’s needed is some basic safety gear – such as goggles and gloves – and knowledge about where and when not to apply fertilizer.
A great way to learn more about spreader safety is by talking with an expert or researching online for tips on best practices before beginning work.
When done right, using a broadcast spreader can save time while keeping your garden looking beautiful – just remember that safety comes first! Taking the time upfront in gathering the appropriate safety equipment will benefit both you and your plants in the long run.
Photo by Max Artbovich.
