The 8 Best Tow Behind Spreaders 2023 (Reviewed)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

You’ve likely seen your neighbor zooming around their massive lawn on a riding mower, spreader in tow. Perhaps you’ve wondered how they keep such a lush, green landscape. Well, we’re letting you in on their secret – a high quality tow behind spreader.

After extensive testing of the top models on the market, we’ve got the rundown on the 8 best tow behind spreaders of 2023. We’ll walk through key features to look for, like capacity, durability, and ease of use.

Whether you’ve got a small yard or acres of grass, our guide will help you find the right pick. And for more tips on the best tow behind spreader reviews, we’ll cover proper setup, usage, and maintenance.

So rev up your mower and get ready to achieve the lawn of your dreams this season with the perfect tow behind spreader sidekick.

Overview of Tow Behind Spreaders

You’ve already got a good handle on tow behind spreaders for fertilizing and treating large lawns. Now let’s look at a couple top-rated models to compare specific features and see which might work best for your needs.

The Agri-Fab tow-behind broadcast spreader is a popular choice for larger properties up to 1 acre. Its 85 lb poly hopper and enclosed steel gearbox provide durability across uneven terrain. If you prefer the precision of a drop spreader, the Chapin 100 lb Auto-Stop is ideal for keeping fertilizer off sidewalks and driveways.

It features an auto-stop mechanism that prevents overflow. For even more capacity without refills, the Brinly 175 lb stainless steel broadcast spreader boasts commercial-grade dependability.

Any of these towable spreaders will save time and effort over push models. Focus on the hopper size, materials, and controls to find your optimal fit.

Key Features to Consider

The capacity of the hopper determines how much material it can hold and how often you’ll need to refill. Look for durable components like steel frames, pneumatic tires, and enclosed gearboxes that can withstand rough terrain.

Ease of use features like adjustable spread width and flow control settings allow you to customize application to your needs. Focus on finding the right combination of capacity, durability, and precision for your specific lawn care requirements.

Models with larger hoppers reduce stops to refill, while heavy-duty construction handles bumps in the yard. Dial controls for spread patterns provide flexibility in treating different areas. Selecting a spreader that balances hauling ability, rugged build, and variable settings will enable optimal lawn treatment.

Capacity

Haven’t thought about hopper size when comparing spreaders? The capacity really matters when treating acres of lawn. Will a 100-pound hopper require constant refilling or will a larger one keep you working efficiently? Spreaders with hundred-pound capacities work well for typical residential lawns.

But for larger estates and acreages, choose models with 150 pounds or more to maximize efficiency. The fewer refills needed, the faster the job gets done. Focus on hopper size based on your lawn’s square footage.

Durability

Don’t forget to consider durability when choosing a tow behind spreader. These machines get dragged over all sorts of terrain, so a robust build stands up to the rigors of yardwork.

• Hopper material – Polyethylene or stainless steel?
• Frame construction – Steel or aluminum?
• Gearbox – Enclosed protects moving parts.
• Tire material – Air-filled or solid?
• Weight rating – Supports heavy loads?
• Warranty – Covers defects and damage?

The ideal spreader has a rugged build that handles real-world use. Look for quality components on uneven terrain and under heavy loads.

Ease of Use

Of course, ease of use matters when choosing a tow behind spreader. A simple operation lets you focus on the lawn, not the machine. Choose a compact model if spreading a small property. Larger hoppers and widths suit bigger lawns and acreages.

Seek easy calibration and material flow settings. Quick mounting, intuitive controls, and minimal assembly make spreading an easy task.

Spread Width and Control

You’ll want a spreader with adjustable width to get even coverage across your whole lawn. Select models with a range up to 12 feet for maximum efficiency. Precision dials let you control the spread rate and pattern.

Test different settings to find what works best for your grass type and fertilizer. The best models ensure consistent, high-quality application so your lawn thrives with no bare spots or burn marks.

Uses for Tow Behind Spreaders

You can spread fertilizer, grass seed, ice melt, and more across acres of property by hooking up a tow-behind spreader to your tractor. These versatile machines allow you to efficiently cover expansive yards, fields, and commercial sites that would take forever with a traditional walk-behind model.

With a large hopper capacity exceeding 100 pounds on some models, you can drive and spread material in one pass over long distances. Tractor-mounted controls provide precision over the width and density of the spread pattern right from your seat, treating precisely the amount needed.

The wide distribution reduces passes while a durable build handles rugged terrain. Whether maintaining lush grass, icy driveways, or keeping dust controlled, a tow-behind spreader transforms lawn care for owners of sizable chunks of land.

Setting Up and Using Tow Behind Spreaders

Don’t spend all morning setting up a tow behind spreader when you could be out spreading materials across that massive lawn of yours in minutes.

• Hitch the spreader to your tractor or ATV and you’re ready to start spreading.
• Adjust the controls for your desired spread width and density before loading material.
• Use the cover when not in use to protect your spreadable material from the elements.

With a sturdy, durable build and easy mounting system, a tow behind spreader allows anyone to make quick work of fertilizing, seeding, or ice melting large properties. The precise applications possible provide professional results in a fraction of the time thanks to these handy attachments designed for acreages.

So don’t delay, get out there and treat that expanse with a capable tow behind spreader that takes the hassle out of lawn care.

Maintaining Your Tow Behind Spreader

Keepin’ your tow-behind spreader well-maintained’ll help it last the distance.

After each use, thoroughly rinse it to remove any remaining fertilizer or ice melt residue that could corrode the metal over time. Use a garden hose or pressure washer if needed. Letting it air dry prevents moisture from being trapped inside.

Lubricate any moving parts to prevent seizing up. Check the tires’ pressure and add air as needed for smooth rolling.

A well cared for agri-fab tow will provide reliable service across your property for years. Regular upkeep allows a property owner to maintain grounds efficiently regardless of property size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)