Spreaders are a convenient tool for when you need to disperse small granules or liquid materials. The most common kind of spreaders are fertilizer spreaders, but you can find special-purpose spreaders as well. These include seed spreaders, chemical spreaders, compost spreaders, lawn spreaders and manure spreaders. Some fertilizer spreaders can also work as a pesticides spreader.
There are two basic kinds of spreaders. A drop spreader does just what its name implies: it pulls the fertilizer out of the cart that holds the bulk material and drops the fertilizer in place. Some drop spreaders have boom arms that extend the reach of the spreader. A broadcast spreader spreads the fertilizer using a fan-like device. You can find fertilizer spreader manufacturers who offer precision fertilizer equipment of both types.
As you look at any kind of fertilizer spreading equipment, look for the following:
1. Solid construction throughout the spreader's body and parts
2. Spreaders that are not likely to rust from the corrosive materials used in them
3. Spreaders that are easy to calibrate and use
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find lawn spreaders that make your grass greener
Lawn spreaders come in a large variety of shapes and sizes. You can find hand-held lawn spreaders and lawn spreaders designed to take care of the grasses of a golf course. Some lawn spreaders require you to walk as you broadcast the fertilizer, while others are made to be pulled by a small tractor.
I recommend: All About Lawns specializes in lawn care equipment, especially lawn fertilizers.
Outsidepride.com also has a big selection of lawn fertilizers.
Locate farm fertilizer spreading equipment
The most common type of fertilizer equipment on a farm is the manure spreader. These come in all sizes. Some models have tops on them, while others have an open box. Be sure to pick a model that has a long warranty on the fertilizer box, as manure can cause a lot of corrosion in a short period of time.
I recommend: Deere & Company produce a large line of their John Deere manure spreading equipment.
H&S Manufacturing Company, Inc. also offers a line of manure spreaders for sale.
Buy the right commercial spreaders for your industry
Whether you rent out spreaders to your farm customers or run a snowplow business, you can find the right spreader for your application.
I recommend: C.U. Stoltzfus Mfg., Inc. offers a line of ground-drive fertilizer spreaders. The Triad Fertilizer Spreader offered by
Barron & Brothers International can spread three types of fertilizer or pesticide at once.
Swenson Spreader Company offers a line of salt and sand spreaders for use in areas that get a lot of snow and ice in the wintertime.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Spreaders only work if they're calibrated correctly. Make sure you read and follow all the directions that come with your spreader to avoid wasting money on fertilizer.
The official source of Spreaders is the Spreaders page at Business.com
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