A drop spreader is a carting tool that is used to maintain the lawns and gardens. These small mowers are manually carted and their job is to plough new seeds in the grass or spread nutrients to feed the plants.
Finding the best drop spreader is a quest, especially that is purchased for a certain intended purpose.
These are variably sized pulling carts that you can either use in a pushing mechanism or pull behind a utility vehicle.
Their dropper opening also varies in size that ensures that amount of seed, soil, and granules you will be able to spread at one time.
These spreaders are very helpful for the professional gardeners or people with lawns in their house.
In this review, you will find help in form of leading recommendations in these models.
In this post:
Drop Spreader vs. Broadcast Spreader
Between drop spreaders and broadcast spreaders, there is a common confusion that people usually come across.
Making a decision between the both is usually complex because there are not a lot of major variances.
However, since these are two different garden units, it is important to know about the differences.
Drop Spreaders
A drop spreader is a smaller unit than its counterpart. It drops from underneath the spreader and leaves a trail behind. The spreading is more controlled, and you can take these appliances to confined areas.
It is most suitable for the people that have smaller and strangely shaped lawns. Also, if you want more controller disposal of material from the spreader then your choice should be of a drop spreader.
For example, if you have flower beds in the garden and want to add more seeds then a drop spreader will be a better pick as it will carefully make its way in the tight and small spots and deliver efficiently.
The drop spreaders are less expensive than the broadcast spreaders. On the downside, their coverage is not more than 10,000 sq ft. Therefore, it will only be suitable for the smaller lawns.
Pros:
- Easy to fit in small spaces
- Gives more controlled spreading
- Usually less expensive
Cons:
- Less coverage area
Broadcast Spreaders
The alternative product is a broadcast spreader which is larger. It covers more area and takes less time to spread the material on the ground. A broadcast spreader spreads the material in an arc. No wonder it gives more uniform results.
Its coverage area is more than 15000 sq ft in a single go. If you have a large lawn and less time in your hand for perfect gardening then broadcast spreader is a better option.
What you might not like about these products is they cannot enter any confined area. Also, the dropping is not very balanced. These have large openings and mostly spread the contents speedily.
If you need a planned and more arranged garden then broadcast spreader will not be of much help.
Pros:
- Useful for people with less time
- Have large capacity
- Cover huge area in single round
Cons:
- Cannot enter in confined places
- Not suitable for complex gardens
Buying Advice: Search for the best lawn drop spreader if you have a small garden to maintain. If there is a large garden then a broadcast spreader will be of major help.
How to Choose the Best Drop Spreader
Since the drop spreaders are available in scaling ranges, this section of drop spreader review will help in introducing some key points of evaluation.
1. Capacity
The capacity of a drop spreader is among the most determining features that helps in making decision. The capacity is usually measured in pounds. A product that list its capacity to be 100 pounds will be able to cover almost 10,000 sq ft area.
The selected capacity of a spreader is directly proportional to the size of your garden. For a medium size garden, a capacity of 100 pounds is probably sufficient. At this point, you should also consider picking the best tow-behind drop spreader over the push models.
Since the tow-behind ones are pulled using a utility vehicle, they are easier to use. You see, as the capacity of a drop hopper increases, its cost will also go up. So, make sure to pick capacity very carefully.
2. Rustproof
When you spend money, you expect to make a fruitful purchase. As far as drop spreaders are concerned, you will be using these hoppers on wet grass. Therefore, it is important that the spreaders have properties of being rustproof.
This comes down to the material used in the making. It will be better if you can find models made of galvanized steel as it can prevent rust for a long time.
Since you will be planning to spread fertilizers every year, you wouldn’t want the drop spreader to rust and become useless after the very first year. Even if a high-quality spreader cost you more than the others at first, don’t hesitate to invest because it will prevent future purchases.
3. Aeration
Aerating a lawn is very important to make sure that fertilizers are deeply embedded in the soil. An extra benefit of a tow-behind hopper is that they give great mileage and eventually, you will be able to fertilize large lawns in a little time.
They could demand an extra penny from you, but these hoppers will be able to aerate seamlessly, giving more care to your garden.
Therefore, you should make it an essential to search for an aerating spreader with galvanized spikes so that it can perforate the surface of lawn and make it suitable for dropping material on the ground.
4. Control
The drop spreaders are preferred because they give you great control. You would want to know where the seeds are dropping and in what amount. You should be able to control the output of the spreader using different selections or knobs.
For higher coverage, you can set the hopper to 3 or 4 setting so that it can disperse in a relative way. You should always check controls in a hopper to ensure if it will give you control over the material dispersal or not.
5. Tires
Tire is the most overlooked features while it holds great significance. You should make sure that the quality of tires is high so that it can be used on different terrains and also during the months you will have snow in the garden.
Therefore, it is essential to look for the pneumatic and heavy-duty tires as they will be able to move comfortably on any terrain, and you are less likely to get stuck on rough patches.
6 Best Drop Spreaders of 2023 Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Scotts 76565 (Affordably-Priced) |
|
 | 2. Agri-Fab 45-0288 (Maximum Width of Drop) |
|
 | 3. Brinly AS-40BH (2 in 1 Design) |
|
 | 4. Agri-Fab 45-0543 (With Spike Disks) |
|
 | 5. Precision Products DS4500RDGY (Smallest) |
|
 | 6. Agri-Fab 45-0545 (Large Capacity) |
|
1. Scotts 76565 (Affordably-Priced)
Photo: Scotts
- Type: Push
- Width of Drop: 22 inches
The opening model of the drop spreader review is this amazing push model from Scotts. The USP is that this is a lowly priced drop spreader on our list that comes equipped with various amazing features.
It comes in large capacity to be able to cater 10,000 square feet area. This model is suitable for medium-size lawns. It is constructed with heavy-duty frame for great stability. Also, it gives wide-coverage through 22 inches dispersal opening.
Interestingly, it is pre-calibrated which means that you will not have to mark the material dispersal amount after measuring the quantity yourself. The hopper reaches you fully-assembled and ready to use.
You will find this product really simple and easy to use. However, the steel is not completely rustproof and this model comes with no warranty.
Pros:
- Available on the most economical price
- Able to cater 10,000 square feet area
- Comes pre-calibrated
- Fully-assembled and ready to use
Cons:
- Steel is not completely rustproof
- It comes with no warranty
2. Agri-Fab 45-0288 (Maximum Width of Drop)
Photo: Agri-Fab
- Type: Tow-behind
- Width of Drop: 42 inches
- Capacity: 175 pounds
From Agri-Fab, this is a perfect model for people who want a high-capacity model with large opening. It has 42 inches width of drop that make your work super-fast.
The capacity of this hopper is 175 pounds and it is suitable to cover a large area. If you have a commercial area and needs a drop spreader for the same then this could be a suitable product.
It is constructed with galvanized steel, so you will not have to worry about rusting. The pneumatic tires will ensure smoothness of the hopper. It also comes with 3-year warranty to protect your purchase.
Sadly, this model is not pre-calibrated, and you will have to assemble it yourself.
Pros:
- Comes with maximum width of drop
- Very high capacity
- Made of promising material
- Pneumatic tires for smooth movement
Cons:
- It is not pre-calibrated
- You will have to assemble this model
3. Brinly AS-40BH (Best 2 in 1 Design)
Photo: Brinly
- Type: Tow-behind
- Width of Drop: 40 inches
- Capacity: 120 pounds
So, this tow-behind drop spreader has a unique 2 in 1 design that not just spread the material but aerate the land and prepare it for fertilization. It has galvanized steel star pine 8 inches in size that spins and help with the aeration process.
It comes in high capacity of 120 pounds and has 40 inches wide opening to drop the material. Likewise, it comes pre-calibrated and has various settings to adjust the proportion of output from the spreader.
This can be used for large lawns and made with high-quality steel. Although, it is not completely rust-resistant. Also, the price of this model is immense.
Pros:
- Comes in 2 in 1 design
- Suitable for aerating the lawn
- Available in high capacity
- Has wide opening from dropping material
Cons:
- This model is very expensive
- Steel is not completely rust-resistant
4. Agri-Fab 45-0543 (Best with Spike Disks)
Photo: Agri-Fab
- Type: Tow-behind
- Width of Drop: 32 inches
- Capacity: 100 pounds
It is an interesting model that comes with spike disks made of galvanized steel. It helps in aerating the soil and then spreading the material.
The hopper has a decent capacity of 100 pounds. Also, it has a wide opening of 32 inches from where it releases the material in the soil. It comes with 10 inches flat tires that are smooth in working.
The rustproof hopper is a great in quality. It comes with 3-year warranty. On the downside, this model is not capable of aerating in very wet grass. Also, it will require assembling.
Pros:
- Comes with spike disks
- High capacity of 100 pounds
- Flat tires for smooth movement
- Rustproof hopper in great quality
Cons:
- This model will require assembling
- Not capable for aerating wet grass
5. Precision Products DS4500RDGY (Smallest)
Photo: Precision Products
- Type: Push
- Width of Drop: 22 inches
- Capacity: 75 pounds
If you have a tiny yard and wants to maintain it then this drop spreader will be a smart pick. It is available in 75 pounds capacity and has a small opening of 22 inches.
It is a simple push drop spreader and made of heavy-duty poly material. You can simply push the hopper and its compact size can fit into any nook and corner.
The 12 inches wheels are not very smooth. Also, this model is not pre-calibrated, so you will have to mark and adjust the output level yourself.
Pros:
- Suitable for small and complex yards
- Made of heavy-duty material
- Simple working mechanism
Cons:
- Not pre-calibrated
- Wheels are not very smooth
6. Agri-Fab 45-0545 (Large Capacity)
Photo: Agri-Fab
- Type: Tow-behind
- Width of Drop: 42 inches
- Capacity: 175 pounds
This is one of the best lawn fertilizers drop spreader that comes in large capacity of 175 pounds. It has a wide opening of 42 inches.
Just like any other high-end model, this one can aerate and spread the material on the ground. The 10 inches galvanized steel spikes are used to aerate the ground.
The body is also made of galvanized steel which makes it completely rustproof. To make it more productive, it has got flat wheels that can move on any terrain.
To protect your purchase, the company gives you 3-year warranty with this model. However, it costs a lot more than other competitive products.
Pros:
- Available in high capacity
- Made of galvanized steel
- 3-year warranty
- High-quality flat wheels
Cons:
- This model is pretty expensive
Conclusion
This is all about the best drop spreaders. We have tried to put together the most valuable information so that you get the best benefit. These drop spreaders are suitable for all kinds of buyers.
Whether you need the best commercial drop spreader for simply for home use, we have got you covered.
Explore the amazing product range on our list but first, as we always say, don’t forget to refer the buying guide so that your search criteria are straight and precise.