The 10 Best Pull Behind Spreaders of 2023

Photo: Agri-Fab

An ultimate way to keep your gardens lush and healthy is if you keep supplying it the fertilizers it needs. While small lawns can work with manual drop spreaders, larger lawns need pull behind spreaders. In this review, we will suggest you the best pull behind spreaders and how they are helpful in maintaining your garden.   

Gardens don’t just need routine manicuring, but plants can only thrive when you feed them well. Whether you want to add some more seeds in the ground or supply fertilizers to the plants, a pull behind spreader turns out to be a helpful machine.

The pull behind or tow behind spreaders are available in massive variety. Let us help you find the most suitable product for your garden.

10 Best Pull Behind Spreaders – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Agri-Fab 45-0530 (Most-affordable)	Most affordable product Cable flow control Comes with accessories Lightweight
	2. Agri-Fab 45-0329 (Highest-Capacity)	High capacity of 185 lbs 3-year warranty 12 ft spread width Comes with hopper cover
	3. Earthway 2050TP (Handlebar Control)	Comes with a handlebar control Non-slip tires Fits lawn tractors Powder coated steel frame
	4. Brinly BS36BH (Variable Spread Width)	Variable spread width between 8 – 12 ft 175 lbs capacity Easy calibrated Comes with hopper cover
	5. Agri-Fab 45-0288 (3-year Warranty)	Comes with 3-year warranty Rust-proof poly hopper Pneumatic tires 175 lbs capacity
	6. Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 (Suitably-Priced)	Available on a decent price Releases in broadcast pattern Universal hitch Pneumatic tires
	7. Chapin International 8620B (Auto-Stop Dual Impeller)	Comes with auto-stop dual impeller 14 in pneumatic tires Oil impregnated bronze bearings Accurate application
	8. Agri-Fab 45-0527 (Rust-proof Material)	Constructed with rust-proof material 110 lbs capacity 3-year warranty Heat treated metal gears
	9. Yard Commander 125LB (Standard Features)	Comes with standard features 125 lbs capacity Corrosion resistant Flow control lever
	10. Precision Products TBS6000RDOS (Superior-Quality)	Constructed with superior quality design Versatile spreader width Comes with a rain cover Universal hitch

1. Agri-Fab 45-0530 – Most-affordable Pull Behind Spreader

Photo: Agri-Fab

• Spread Width: 10 feet
• Hopper Capacity: 85 pounds
• Weight: 18 pounds

So, this is the most affordable model on the list. It is a simple pull behind spreader with basic features. It is also pretty lightweight and weighs on 18-pounds.

Furthermore, it is available in 85-pounds capacity and can cater to 14,000-square feet area. The spread width is 10-feet. The 10-inches pneumatic wheels helps in smooth movement.

The cable flow control ensures easy flow of the material on ground. It comes with multiple accessories like hopper cover, grate and a deflector kit. Unfortunately, the construction is not done with a highly durable material. Also, the size is too small, even for a medium-sized yard.

Pros:

• Most affordable product
• Very lightweight
• Pneumatic tires
• Cable flow control of material

Cons:

• Size is too small
• Not very durable

2. Agri-Fab 45-0329 – Highest-Capacity Pull Spreader

Photo: Agri-Fab

• Spread Width: 12 feet
• Hopper Capacity: 185 pounds
• Weight: 53 pounds

If you have a super large yard of around 40,000-square feet then this model will be helpful. It comes in a large capacity of 185-pounds. It gives you spread width of 12-feet.

There are 15 x 6 inches pneumatic tires that comes with ball bearings and gear disengage. You get easy rod on/off control from the tractor.

It comes with a vinyl hopper cover and a spreader grate as well. Also, you get to enjoy 3-year warranty with this model. You will have to assemble this model yourself.

On the downside, this one is very heavy, weighing 53-pounds. Also, the cost is on the higher side.

Pros:

• Highest capacity model on the list
• High-quality pneumatic tires
• Comes with vinyl hopper cover
• 3-year warranty with this model

Cons:

• This one is a bit expensive
• It is very heavy in weight

3. Earthway 2050TP – Pull Behind Spreader with Handlebar Control

Photo: Earthway

• Spread Width: 10 feet
• Hopper Capacity: 80 pounds
• Weight: 15.3 pounds

Well, this one is definitely among the best pull behind fertilizer spreaders for many reasons. To begin with, it comes with a handlebar control which helps in convenient releasing of the hopper contents.

The capacity of this hopper is 80-pounds and this model is only meant for small gardens. The weight is also quite suitable. You can simply attach this model with a mower and pull for usage. It fits all lawn tractors.

Another essential point of this model is that it is constructed with powder coated steel which increases the durability. It makes the hopper resisting to the oxidization. The 10 inches pneumatic tires are smooth in running. Also, they can run on any terrain as smoothly as possible.

On the downside, the assembly of this model can be a bit of a challenge. Plus, it does not come with any warranty.

Pros:

• Comes with handlebar control for convenient release of material
• Durable construction with powder coated steel
• Pneumatic tires, smooth on different terrains
• Easy to use and move

Cons:

• No warranty with this model
• Assembling can be a bit challenging

4. Brinly BS36BH – Pull Behind Spreader with Variable Spread Width

Photo: Brinly

• Spread Width: 8 – 12 feet
• Hopper Capacity: 175 pounds
• Weight: 47 pounds

You may not get many models with variable spread width but fortunately, this model comes with amazing spread width of 8 – 12 feet. You can adjust according to the requirement of the area you are targeting.

The capacity of this model is 175-pounds, and it can cover almost 44,000-square feet area. It comes with large capacity. The durability is ensured through stainless-steel hardware, polyethylene hopper and glass-filled nylon gears.

This one definitely ranks among the best commercial pull behind spreaders because of its excellence in dropping the material. It comes with auto-flow with spread pattern control for professional results. It spreads evenly in all directions.

Also, it comes with clear calibrations for all the features and to ensure accuracy of work. You get a hopper cover with this model. The only downside is its high price.

Pros:

• Comes with variable spread width
• Covers large area of 44,000-square feet
• Spreads evenly in all directions
• Has auto-flow with spread pattern

Cons:

• A bit on the expensive side

5. Agri-Fab 45-0288 – Pull Behind Spreader with 3-year Warranty

Photo: Agri-Fab

• Spread Width: 3.5 feet
• Hopper Capacity: 175 pounds
• Weight: 43 pounds

For those who need some peace of mind with the purchase, this model comes with 3-year warranty. If anything goes wrong with the hopper, you can simply get it replaced to repaired from the makers.

The 175-pounds capacity hopper gives a coverage area of 44,000-square feet. It has got 3.5-feet spread width to attend the ground in the most appropriate way.

It has rustproofed construction which means that you will not have to worry about the durability of this model. Also, the premium galvanized steel agitator will boost the durability factor.

To add more value to the product, it comes with pneumatic tires that can smoothly move on any terrain. This is a great product, although it is pretty wide and takes a lot of storage space. It is also not suitable for concise places.

Pros:

• Comes with 3-year warranty
• Cover 44,000-square feet area
• Premium construction, very durable
• Pneumatic tires for smooth operation

Cons:

• Very wide and needs a lot of storage space

6. Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 – Suitably-Priced Pull Behind Spreader

Photo: Craftsman

• Spread Width: 10 feet
• Hopper Capacity: 110 pounds
• Weight: 30.5 pounds

Since not all buyers can spend immensely on the spreaders, here is an impressive yet decently priced product on the market. It comes in a capacity of 110-pounds and has a spread width of 10-feet. It is suitable for tight space applications.

Furthermore, it is a broadcast spreader and releases the material in the same pattern. The universal hitch makes it easy to connect with any lawn tractor.

The 10-inches pneumatic tires are very useful and smoothly runs on any surface. There are heavy-duty steel gears and rustproof body of the spreaders. However, this model fails to give any warranty.

Pros:

• Available on a decent price
• Suitable for tight spaces
• Rustproof material of the frame
• High-quality pneumatic tires

Cons:

• This does not come with any warranty

7. Chapin International 8620B – Pull Behind Spreader with Auto-Stop Dual Impeller

Photo: Chapin International

• Hopper Capacity: 150 pounds
• Weight: 35.6 pounds

So, this is an amazing pull behind spreader that comes with auto-stop dual impeller stop that automatically stop spreading as soon as the spreaders comes on a halt.

It is available in 150-pounds capacity and is designed quite smartly. The oil impregnated bronze bearings minimize the friction between gear box and axle. Also, there is easy to set gate adjustment with 11 incremental settings to ensure accurate application.

Unlike other models, this one comes with 14-inches pneumatic tires. On the downside, the price seems pretty high in respect to the size. Also, the hopper material is not rust-resistant.

Pros:

• Comes with auto-stop dual impeller stop
• Smart in design
• Easy to set gate adjustment
• Comes with 14-inches pneumatic tires

Cons:

• The hopper material is not rust-resistant
• Price seems a bit unfair

8. Agri-Fab 45-0527 – Rust-proof Pull Behind Spreader

Photo: Agri-Fab

• Spread Width: 10 feet
• Hopper Capacity: 110 pounds
• Weight: 30 pounds

The biggest pro of this model is that it has rust-proof construction. Even the spreader plate is also completely rust-proof which adds to the durability of the product.

It comes in a capacity of 110-pounds which is suitable for small gardens. The 10-feet opening of spreader spreads the material evenly on the ground.

Then there is heat treated metal gears that makes it highly productive. The tires are pneumatic. It comes with 3-year warranty as well. What you will not like is that the gears have to oiled frequently. Also, this model is a bit difficult to assemble.

Pros:

• Comes with rust-proof construction
• Suitable for small gardens
• Even spreading of the material
• Pneumatic tires for smooth movement

Cons:

• Gears have to be frequently oiled
• It is difficult to assemble

9. Yard Commander 125LB – Standard Pull Behind Spreader

Photo: Yard Commander

• Hopper Capacity: 125 pounds
• Weight: 25.6 pounds

So, if you don’t desire any fancy features rather need a simple pull spreader then this is a great model to consider. It is constructed with aluminum material which is definitely corrosion-resistant, but it can get dented soon.

This model comes in a capacity of 125-pounds and can cover a medium-size garden in single shift. The 12-inches pneumatic wheels will help in easily moving the spreader from one place to the other.

You also get a flow control level that can be accessed from the seat. This is just a simple model for minimal needs. You don’t get very versatile spreading patterns in this model either.

Pros:

• Basic product with simple designing
• 12 inches pneumatic wheels
• Suitable for medium-sized gardens
• Lever for flow control

Cons:

• Aluminum material might get dented
• There are no versatile spreading patterns

10. Precision Products TBS6000RDOS – Superior-Quality Pull Behind Spreader

Photo: Precision Products

• Spread Width: 10 – 12 feet
• Hopper Capacity: 130 pounds
• Weight: 41 pounds

So, the last model that we would like to bring in light is this one from Precision Products. It is constructed with superior material and has powder coated steel frame to increase the durability of the spreader.

The steel tubes are also coated with powder to increase their overall age. You will never see any rust or corrosion happening to this model. It is highly satisfactory as far as construction is concerned.

Also, the metal gears are encased in a metal gear box with a grease fitting. They don’t need very frequent oiling.

The key point of this model is the 15-inches treaded turf tires that are highly durable and works very smoothly on all kinds of surfaces.

Well, if talking about the downside, this model is not pre-calibrated, and you will have to do it yourself. The cost of this model is immense. Also, you only get a limited warranty of 90-days.

Pros:

• Constructed with superior quality material
• Metal gear box with grease fittings
• Treated turf tires
• Very smooth and excellent in performance

Cons:

• Comes on a very high price
• Not pre-calibrated
• Comes with limited 90-days warranty

How to Buy the Best Pull Behind Spreader

Photo: Agri-Fab

This section of pull behind spreader review will give you an insight to the tips on finding the best pull behind spreader. Let’s see:

1. Spreader Width

Spreader width is the opening from where the spreader will release the contents. While many spreaders have constant width, some of them also comes with adjustable settings such as 8 to 12 feet.

This way, a user can manage the width of the spread and ensure more uniformity in the garden. In the constant width models, you can find spreader width like 8-feet, 10-feet, 12-feet, etc.

This is a crucial feature to check especially if you have complex design of the garden. You can have a fair idea on how much material you will be able to spread at one time.

2. Hopper Capacity

The pull behind spreaders are purchased with an intended purpose. Therefore, every detail about these products count. As far as capacity is concerned, it will directly relate with the size of the yard.

If you have been following this pull behind spreader review since the beginning then you must have seen varying capacities of the spreaders. It could be anything between 80 pounds to 200 pounds.

This feature highly impacts your purchase. The cost of a hopper rises with the increased capacity. For someone with a small garden, the best escort is to search for a hopper in small capacity lest you are preparing to buy a new home with a larger yard.

3. Coverage

The coverage of the hopper varies with its capacity. As the capacity will increase, the coverage area will also increase. A large sized hopper with around 185-pounds capacity can give coverage of 43,000-square feet.

The spread of these pull behind spreaders is quite versatile. Moreover, if you buy the broadcast spreader, you will realize that these spreaders literally broadcast the material in all directions.

It has various openings curated on the frame in such a way that it releases material in different directions, giving more coverage to the hoppers. We have given suggestions on the best pull behind broadcast spreaders in the review, you can refer them.

4. Material

There is not a lot of versatility in pull behind spreaders as far as material is concerned. See, if you are on a tight budget then your options are very limited, mostly collapsing in one – plastic.

Such models have plastic frames and metal rods that connect the entire model in one. As you increase the level of expenditure, you get stainless-steel hoppers.

Clearly, stainless-steel is more dependable and it is better with durability as well. Stainless-steel can handle the harshness of terrains. Plus, you will not have to worry about stainless-steel to corrode or rust.

While plastic also does not react to oxidization, but it is not at all durable. You might feel the need to buy another pull behind spreader soon, and we are sure that was not the plan.

5. Quality of Spread

Another essential reason that can make or break your decision about a pull behind spreader is its quality or evenness of spread. A spreader should be able to do its job seamlessly.

At last, any other faulty feature can be excused but if the hopper is not performing the one task it was meant to then the whole purchase becomes meaningless.

Make sure that the hopper does even and rightful spreading of the material. Never compromise on the size of hopper as it will relate whether it will be able to attend the complex or easy shape of your garden or not.

Conclusion

People seeking for the best tow-behind spreaders will find our review helping as we have managed to compile the list of products that have seen much affection from the buyers and are prepared with high-quality standards.

We encourage our readers to first arm themselves with the wisdom of purchase that you get through the buying guide. Then make sure to implement all the points in finding the best model.

The information shared in the buying guide will be very helpful. Make sure to pick a right product and start taking care of your garden like you always wanted.