[Check Latest Arrivals tow behind fertilizer spreader on Amazon.]
# Best Tow Behind Fertilizer Spreader 2025: Reviews & Guide
A tow behind fertilizer spreader is an essential piece of equipment for anyone managing a large lawn or field. These spreaders attach to a lawn tractor or ATV, allowing you to efficiently and evenly distribute fertilizer, seed, or other granular materials across expansive areas. Choosing the right tow behind spreader can significantly reduce the time and effort required for lawn care, leading to healthier and more vibrant vegetation. This guide will explore the best tow behind fertilizer spreaders available in 2025, providing in-depth reviews and insights to help you make an informed decision.
[Explore Top Rated tow behind fertilizer spreader on Amazon.]
## Key Features Analysis
The selection of a tow behind fertilizer spreader depends heavily on understanding its key features and how they align with your specific needs.The goal is to find a balance between capacity, durability, spread pattern adjustability, and ease of use to optimize your lawn care efforts.
**Hopper Capacity:** The hopper capacity dictates how much fertilizer or seed the spreader can hold at one time. Larger hoppers can handle larger areas without requiring frequent refills.
A spreader with a larger hopper capacity typically allows for less refill stops, which is very useful when covering large properties. Look for hoppers made of durable materials, such as rustproof polyethylene, to ensure longevity. A general advice is to consider a hopper with at least 100 lb capacity for lawns over an acre to minimize downtime. This will provide the necessary capacity to cover the ground efficiently and effectively.
**Spread Width:** Spread width is the width of the area covered by the spreader in a single pass. A wider spread width means fewer passes are needed to cover the entire lawn, saving time and labor.
Choosing a spreader with an adjustable spread width can be very helpful to customize the application to the area. Most quality tow behind spreaders offer this feature, allowing adjustments from 4 feet up to 12 feet or more. Consider the size and layout of your lawn. A wider spread width will save time in open areas, while a narrower spread width is more practical in tight spaces or around obstacles.
**Spreading Mechanism:** The consistency and evenness of fertilizer distribution rely heavily on the spreading mechanism. There are various methods used, including drop spreaders and broadcast spreaders, each with their own advantages.
Broadcast spreaders are known for their wide coverage and ability to quickly distribute materials across large areas.They accomplish this by using a rotating impeller, which flings the fertilizer out in a wide swath. It is useful for covering large lawns evenly. Drop spreaders on the other hand, are more precise and deposit fertilizer directly beneath the hopper. This is preferable where accuracy is paramount, such as along flowerbeds.
**Flow Rate Adjustment:** Accurate fertilizer application requires precise control over the flow rate, which determines the amount of material released per unit area. A well-designed adjustment mechanism will allow you to fine-tune the flow rate based on the type of fertilizer being used and the desired application rate.
look for a spreader with an easy-to-use and clearly marked flow rate adjustment. Ideally,the spreader should have multiple settings allowing you to incrementally increase or decrease the flow rate as necessary. Also, consider spreaders that offer calibration guides to help you dial in the correct settings for different types of fertilizer.
**Wheel Material:** the type of wheel material impacts the spreader’s durability, ease of maneuverability, and ability to handle uneven terrain.
Spreaders with pneumatic tires offer superior performance on rough or uneven terrain. They provide better traction and absorb bumps, making it easier to pull the spreader behind a tractor or ATV. Plastic wheels are more common, but not as durable or smooth-riding as pneumatic tires. larger wheels can also improve maneuverability, particularly when the hopper is fully loaded.
[Explore Top Rated tow behind fertilizer spreader on Amazon.]
## Core Benefits
Tow behind fertilizer spreaders offer substantial benefits for lawn care enthusiasts and professionals alike. Their design allows for efficient,large-scale application of fertilizers,seeds,and other granular materials.
**Improved Efficiency:** Tow behind spreaders dramatically increase the efficiency of lawn care maintainance. Rather of manually pushing a small spreader, you can cover large areas in a fraction of the time. This is particularly beneficial for homeowners with expansive lawns or professionals managing multiple properties. The large capacity of these spreaders minimizes the need for frequent refills, allowing for continuous and uninterrupted application. Also, their wide spread width reduces the number of passes required, cutting down on time and fuel consumption.**Uniform application:** Unlike manual spreading, tow behind spreaders ensure a more uniform distribution of fertilizer. The consistent flow rate and spread pattern prevent over-fertilization in some areas and under-fertilization in others. This even application leads to healthier, more consistent growth across the entire lawn, reducing the risk of patchy spots or nutrient deficiencies. Many models also offer adjustable settings that allow for fine-tuning the application rate based on the type of fertilizer and specific lawn conditions.
**Reduced Physical Strain:** Manually pushing a fertilizer spreader can be physically demanding, especially on large properties or uneven terrain. Tow behind spreaders eliminate this strain by allowing you to operate the spreader from the comfort of a tractor or ATV. This reduces fatigue and makes lawn care more accessible for those with physical limitations.The ergonomic design minimizes bending and lifting.
[Explore Top Rated tow behind fertilizer spreader on Amazon.]
## FAQs Section
Answering common questions can clarify concerns and guide users in making the best purchase decision.**What type of tow vehicle is needed?**
Most tow behind fertilizer spreaders are designed for use with lawn tractors or ATVs that feature a standard hitch.Consult the spreader’s specifications to confirm compatibility with your tow vehicle’s hitch type and towing capacity. It’s critically important that the tow vehicle is capable of handling the weight of the spreader, especially when fully loaded.
**How do I calibrate the spreader for different materials?**
Calibrating a spreader ensures accurate application rates. Begin by consulting the fertilizer or seed manufacturer’s recommendations of appropriate application rate.Use the spreader’s flow rate adjustment and the included calibration guide. Start with the lowest setting, and gradually increase until it matches the suggested amount for a 1000 square foot area. Note the flow rate setting for future reference.
**How do I clean and maintain the spreader?**
Proper cleaning and maintenance extend the lifespan of your tow behind spreader. Instantly after each use, thoroughly clean the hopper and spreading mechanism with water to remove any residual fertilizer or seed. Allow all parts to dry thoroughly before storing the spreader in a dry place. Periodically inspect the spreader for any signs of corrosion or wear,and lubricate moving parts as needed.
**Are tow behind spreaders suitable for all terrain?**
While tow behind spreaders are designed for use on various terrains, their performance can vary depending on the wheel type and ground conditions. Spreaders with pneumatic tires generally offer better traction and stability on rough or uneven terrain compared to those with plastic wheels. Avoid using spreaders on excessively steep slopes or in areas with obstructions that could damage the spreader or tow vehicle.
[Explore Top Rated tow behind fertilizer spreader on Amazon.]
## competitor Comparison
Evaluating competing models clarifies each product’s strengths and weaknesses.
### Product Comparison Overview
#### Agri-Fab 45-0462 130 lb. Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
* **hopper Capacity:** 130 lbs, suitable for large lawns.
* **Spread Width:** Up to 12 feet, adjustable for various applications.
* **Tire Type:** pneumatic tires, offering good traction on uneven terrain.
#### Brinly-Hardy P-20-500BH 175 lb. Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
* **Hopper Capacity:** 175 lbs, ideal for very large properties.
* **Spread Width:** Up to 10 feet, slightly less than Agri-fab model.
* **Tire Type:** Turf saver tires,designed for minimal lawn damage.
#### Earthway 2150 Commercial 150 lb. Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
* **Hopper Capacity:** 150 lbs, good balance of capacity and maneuverability.
* **Spread width:** Up to 12 feet, comparable to Agri-Fab.
* **Tire type:** Large pneumatic tires, designed for heavy-duty use.
### Key Differences Summary
The Agri-Fab 45-0462 and Earthway 2150 share a similar spread width, but the Brinly-Hardy P-20-500BH boasts a higher hopper capacity for fewer refills in very large areas. The Earthway stands out with its commercial-grade construction and robust tires, while the Brinly-Hardy’s turf saver tires minimize lawn damage. For users prioritizing maximum capacity, the Brinly-Hardy is the best choice. For users seeking a balance of capacity and durability, the Earthway is the best fit. For standard applications, the agri-Fab offers a reliable option at a competitive price.
[Explore top Rated tow behind fertilizer spreader on Amazon.]
## Ideal User Profile
Tow behind fertilizer spreaders have diverse utility among a variety of users.
**Large Property Owners:** Individuals responsible for maintaining expansive lawns or fields benefit significantly from the efficiency and capacity. Spreaders are especially critically important for lots of 1+ acres. The ability to cover large areas quickly and evenly minimizes time and labor costs, promoting healthy growth across the entire property.
**Landscaping Professionals:** Landscaping companies require reliable and high-performing equipment to efficiently manage multiple properties. Tow behind spreaders enable professionals to quickly and accurately apply fertilizer. This is especially useful if the business needs to stay on budget and schedule. Their ability to cover large areas with consistent results improves customer satisfaction.
[Explore Top Rated tow behind fertilizer spreader on Amazon.]
## Buying Recommendations & Conclusion
When selecting a tow behind fertilizer spreader, assess your specific lawn size, terrain conditions, and the types of materials you plan to spread. For large properties, a model with a high hopper capacity and wide spread width is essential. On uneven terrain, prioritize spreaders with pneumatic tires that provide better traction and stability.
the Agri-Fab 45-0462, Brinly-Hardy P-20-500BH, and Earthway 2150 represent solid choices offering reliable performance. Each with strengths tailored to varied user needs and conditions. While not without differences,their performance helps make fertilizing work that used to take days,down to hours. While other brands exist on the market, these 3 are very high on the list.
[Shop Budget-Kind tow behind fertilizer spreader on Amazon.]