5 Best Tow Behind Spreader for Lawn Tractor & ATVs 2021

Tow behind spreader. If, by any chance, that you want to transform your lawn from a dull look to a beautiful lawn, you need to take good care of the lawn. You will need many tools for garden maintenance and purchasing the best tow behind spreader!

A tow-behind spreader will aid you to spread fertilizer or seeds evenly on your garden or lawn to give a beautiful and lush green area! You must choose effectively to have the best tow-behind spreader product.

In this article, we tried our best to discover the top rated tow-behind spreaders. We discover the selection from the positive reviews about tow-behind spreaders from the verified purchasers. Read all the comparison, pros, cons, specifications, ratings, our favorites and reviews of these tow-behind spreaders and you can make a buying decision fast and accurate.


Our Quick Overview

  1. Best Pull-Behind Fertilizer Spreader: Yard Commander YTL-002-179
  2. Best Overall Broadcast Spreader: Brinly BS36BH
  3. Best Budget Broadcast Spreader: Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571
  4. Best for Heavy-Duty: John Deere 130-lb Capacity Tow-Behind Lawn Spreader
  5. Best for Large Areas: Agri-Fab 45-0463

Our Top Picks

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Product Rating Capacity
Yard Commander  YTL-002-179 9.0 125 lbs
Brinly BS36BH 9.0 175 lbs
CRAFTSMAN CMXGZBF7124571 9.0 110 lbs
John Deere 130-lb Capacity 9.1 130 lbs
Agri-Fab 45-0463 9.3 130 lbs

What is a tow-behind spreader?

A tow behind spreader is the most effective and fastest method to apply fertilizer or food to your lawn. These tools will make sure to distribute fertilizer evenly and help to avoid spilling them on landscapes, driveways, flower gardens, sidewalks, and patios.

A tow behind spreader can also be utilized for spreading grass seed in the fall or spring or for spreading ice melting agents during the cold winter months.

There are two types of fertilizer application, broadcast spreaders or drop spreader. Which spreader to will depend on shape and lawn size.

Drop spreaders have an affordable price. It can be used for lawns of less than 5,000 sq. Ft. The spreader can perform lawn care materials with precision.

They can do the job of dropping herbicide, grass seed, or fertilizer with accuracy and directly on the lawn. You can control the distribution and can perform easy manoeuvrability.

A more uniform coverage can be done by throwing lawn care products in all directions, but it can be not very easy to reach the edges of the lawn.

While operating broadcast spreaders must have a higher skill, but the application could be faster than using drop spreaders. The broadcast spreaders can cover lawns over 5,000 sq. Ft.

Avoid applying herbicide, fertilizer, or seeds on a windy day. Use it with a garden tractor, lawn tractor, UTV or ATV.


Tow-Behind Spreaders Reviews

We researched online to put together the top pull-behind spreaders available on the market today. Combining mostly on consumer reviews and product information, we recommend our favorite products.


Best Pull-Behind Fertilizer Spreader

Yard Commander  YTL-002-179 – 125 lbs Tow Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader

Yard Commander - 125 lbs Tow Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader
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Average Ratings: 9.0

  • Easy to use: 9.3
  • Durability: 9.0
  • Strength: 8.8

Our tips

  • This Yard Commander spreader (tow behind spreaders)is equipped with 12-inch pneumatic wheels, and this tow-behind spreader is made for terrain use. It is durable and made from aluminum material for a rather lightweight.
  • The (tow behind spreaders) hopper is a corrosion-resistant hopper that will let you do not worry about rust. With this product, you can cover up to 25,000 square feet with a 60-liter hopper.
  • We like this broadcast spreader because it comes with both rain cover and a screen for finishing larger jobs. With its ten to twelve-foot spread width and flow rate, it can be controlled from the driver’s seat of your UTV, ATV, or garden tractor.
  • You can apply anything with this spreader, from seed, sand, ice melt materials, fertilizer, and more.
  • GTIN or UPC: 893261002179

Features that we like

  • Rust-resistant
  • Durable 12-inch pneumatic tires
  • Couples easily and quickly
  • Screen and rain cover included

Pros:

  • Rust-free tow behind spreaders
  • Can cover up to 25,00 square feet
  • The capacity of 125 lbs
  • For spreading seed, sand, ice melt materials, fertilizer, and more
  • Durable aluminum material
  • Price: under $200

Cons:

  • May have trouble with the gear


Best Overall Broadcast Spreader

Brinly BS36BH – Black Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader

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Average Ratings: 9.0

  • Easy to use: 8.8
  • Durability: 9.2
  • Strength: 9.2

Our tips

  • The Brinly Tow Behind Spreader is good for all-season use and large yards (tow behind spreaders). It comes with a big 175 lb hopper and gives up to a 12-foot spread.
  • The hopper is dent-proof and rust-proof. The gears are included to keep it last for years and ready for service.
  • There is a directional pattern spread control so you can cover all sorts of commercial as well as terrain use. For added stabilization, the pneumatic tires will make this possible. Its universal hook-up is easy to use with your UTV, lawn tractor, garden tractor, mower, or ATV.
  • GTIN or UPC: 081174034503

Features that we like

  • High-capacity hopper
  • Patented autoflow with spread pattern control
  • Easy calibration
  • Quick and easy assembly
  • Dent-proof poly hopper holds 175 lb. (3. 5 cu. Ft.)
  • Warranty: 90-day on agitator and wheels, 2-year on parts and hopper

Pros:

  • Has an excellent control
  • Can be used for all garden fertilizer, seed, sand, herbicide
  • Easy to assemble
  • A versatile broadcat spreader

Cons:

  • For the larger lawn only
  • Can be messy after use
  • Price: above $200


Best Budget Broadcast Spreader

CRAFTSMAN CMXGZBF7124571 110-lbs Tow-behind Broadcast Spreader

tow behind spreaders
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Average Ratings: 9.0

  • Easy to use: 9.0
  • Durability: 9.0
  • Strength: 9.0

Our tips

  • Backed by a reliable brand name, this (tow behind spreaders) Craftsman tow-behind spreader is a long-standing residential name for its high quality built. This tow-behind spreader has a universal hitch for a simple hookup.
  • Its sizeable 10-inch pneumatic tires will help you handle various terrain without being worry about affecting your rate of spread. It has a 100 lb capacity hopper with a maximum of 10-foot broadcast spread. With that capacity, you can make an easier work of heavy lawn fertilization.
  • The durability and reliability are achievable because of the heavy-duty steel gears and a rust-proof plate and hopper. You can be sure you will have many years of use out of this tow-behind spreader.
  • You can utilize the spreader for all-season to spread fertilizer, sand, seed, herbicide, and other materials.
  • GTIN or UPC: 052613105719

Features that we like

  • Spread width up to 10 feet in broadcast pattern
  • 10-in. large pneumatic tires
  • Rustproof poly hopper and spreader plate
  • Heavy-duty steel gear

Pros:

  • All-season use
  • Easy to assemble
  • Price: under $200

Cons:

  • Wheels may lock during transport
  • There may be in ssue with the plastic shaft

Best for Heavy-Duty

John Deere 130-lb Capacity Tow-Behind Lawn Spreader

broadcast spreaders
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Average Ratings: 9.1

  • Easy to use: 9.2
  • Durability: 9.1
  • Strength: 9.0

Our tips

  • John Deere has long been known for its quality property and farm maintenance products. Their 130 lb capacity tow behind spreader is built with heavy-duty use and is designed to withstand many years of use.
  • The hopper is dent-proof and rust-proof. Its gears are enclosed to avoid dings or rust that may happen as it is pulled behind by UTV, ATV or garden tractor. You can fully adjust the rate of spread, and it can cover up to 12 feet at a time. When you need more control, you can adjust to 2 feet.
  • This spreader also has an automatic auto-flow stop to control waste when not in use. You can spread fertilizer, grass seed, weed, bug control, herbicide as well as ice melt material.
  • GTIN or UPC: 052613102695

Features that we like

  • 130 lbs. capacity covers about 1/2 acre (25,000 square feet)
  • A wide 10 to 12 feet spread width
  • Commercial-grade gearbox
  • 2 year warranty

Pros:

  • Heavy-duty use
  • Dent-proof and rust-proof
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to pull behind with universal hitch

Cons:

  • Price: above $200
  • May have trouble with the gearbox

Best for Large Areas

Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader

tow behind spreaders
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Average Ratings: 9.3

  • Easy to use: 9.5
  • Durability: 9.3
  • Strength: 9.2

Our tips

  • Agri-Fab is a trusted and well-known brand name in the agricultural industry and lawn maintenance. Their numerous quality products have been proven that stand the test of time.
  • This pull-behind or tow-behind spreader has a 130 lb capacity with a universal mount for easy hook-up. It can be used for over large acreage. That is why we rate this product as the best for large areas.
  • Its 12-foot-wide spread is helpful for all-season use. It has the ability to handle all small spreadable materials.
  • You will be satisfied using this tow-behind spreader because of its easy maneuverability, simple control, and a large wheelbase. You can use the machine efficiently and problem-free.
  • Its pneumatic tires can withstand rough terrain. There are also optional accessories for a variety of needs and to give more control.
  • GTIN or UPC: 052613102428

Features that we like

  • 130 pounds with about 1/2 acre (25,000 square feet) coverage
  • 10-12 feet spread width
  • 13″ x 4″ pneumatic wheels
  • On/off direct rod control
  • Universal hitch

Pros:

  • Easy to pull behind
  • Easy operation
  • Easy adjustments
  • Has excellent accessory options
  • Pricce: under $200
  • Most popular pull-behind spreader or broadcast spreader

Cons:

  • No height adjustment

What to consider when purchasing a tow behind spreader?

1. Rust-proof

One would think with all of the modern features available on the tow-behind spreader, that rust proofing would always be included. However, not all products have rustproofing materials.

Rust-proof is very important to tow-behind spreader since spreader tend to get in touch with many different chemical and organic materials. Rustproof material will make sure your spreader will last for a long time.

2. Drop or broadcast

There is more broadcast-style than drop-style in the market. If you think that you need to spread with precision, you have to choose the drop-style spreader.

3. Property size

Consider how big is your property size. A larger property means you need a larger hopper. Larger hopper will prevent you from stopping to refill frequently.

You have to pay attention to the maximum width of spread to cover as much ground as possible in only one pass. It is a matter of efficiency.


How to use a tow-behind spreader

  • Determine the approximate square footage of the area to be covered and estimate the amount of material required.
  • Before filling the hopper, you have to make sure that the flow control arm is in the off position. The closure plate must be shut.
  • Break up fertilizer full of the lump as you fill the hopper.
  • With the flow control arm, set the adjustable stop still in the off position.
  • The application chart is calculated for heavy to light applications. The vehicle speed is set at three mph or 100 f, in 23 seconds. A variation in speed will need an adjustment to the flow rate to retain the same coverage. If you drive faster, the broadcast width will be wider.
  • Always begin or start your garden tractor or ATV or UTV in motion before opening the closure plate.
  • Shut the closure plate before starting or stopping the garden tractor.
  • If fertilizer is accidentally deposited too much in a small area, water the area thoroughly with a sprinkler or garden hose so the area will not get burnt.
  • To make sure an evenly distribution, make each pass so that the spreading pattern slightly overlaps the pattern from the pass before.
  • When broadcasting herbicide, make sure the broadcast pattern does not hit shrubs, flowers, or evergreen trees.
  • Heavy moisture conditions may need a cover over the hopper to keep contents dry. The vinyl cover can act as moisture as well as wind protection, but not for a rain cover.

How to maintain your tow-behind spreader?

1. Inspect before use

You have to check for loose fasteners. Before every use, make a thorough inspection or visual check of the tow-behind spreader for any nuts or bolts which may have loosened. Use your tool to tighten any loose bolts and nuts.

2. Check for worn parts

It is recommended to check for worn or damaged or cracked parts and if you do immediately replace them with new parts.

3. Clean the tow-behind spreader

Before and after use, you should clean your tow-behind spreader. Use a damp cloth and tap water to clean all parts of the spreader. If you keep them neat and clean you just prolong its life.

4. Lubricate

Apply automotive grease gently and as needed. Use it on the sprocket and gear. Also, lubricate the nylon bushings on the axle and the vertical sprocket shaft at least once a year, or as needed. Lubricate the right hand (idler) wheel bearing at least once a year or as required.


Frequently ask question

Can you spread grass seed with a fertilizer spreader?

Spread grass seed, fertilizer, herbicide, sand, and other lawn products evenly, rapidly, efficiently, and uniformly using a broadcaster grass seed spreader. Too much application is wasteful and could burn and kill your lawn. Too little application will not give benefit to the lawn. A suitable fertilizer tow-behind spreader can apply just the right amount of product.

What do the settings on a broadcast spreader mean?

A spreader set is a rate that is applied to your lawn. There are recommended rates of application. There is also a recommended coverage rate based on bag size. The application rate can be defined as the amount of product material applied per area of the lawn.

Do I need a grass seed spreader?

A tow-behind spreader can spread evenly any granular substance over an area, like lawn or garden or yard. While numerous lawn owners think that they do not need much more than a mower to maintain their lawns, they need more.


Henry Kaswandi, SS, M.Kom.

I had been doing gardening for the last 18 years. I enjoy writing reviews of many products and about gardening to give better experiences and accurate information.