Suggestions For Decent Fertilizer Spreader?

[TXpintail]

It’s practically an annual tradition around here to set last year’s big box store junk fertilizer spreader out for trash collection.

Is there a decent brand out there that will last with reasonable maintenance? Would be happy to pay up for something I could expect to get 10 years out of, but cant find anything other than the plastic junk locally.

Thanks!

 

[greenskeeper]

Anything stainless steel.....Expect to pay at least $450

 

[sixty4]

Bought one exactly like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BIK3WTC/?tag=atomicindus08-20 I have had it over 11 years, even spread rocksalt with it during winter months.

 

[marinusdees]

Well, plastic doesn't rust. Metal parts last IF YOU CLEAN THEM AFTER USE. On the farm we used gasoline, ecologically frowned on now. Use water, then a petroleum based solvent or WD-40 before you put it away IN A DRY PLACE. The important thing is to get rid of all the fertilizer. I have an all metal Craftsman drop spreader which is still functional after 40+ years. How long do you expect to (live) need it??
The Craftsman wasn't $287. I would look at Tractor Supply or a quality mower dealership.

 

[laser3kw]

I am going on year 6 for my pull behind Earthway spreader. I bought it at Farm and Fleet for around $60 and it is plastic. I mainly spread fertilizer once or twice a year. I wash it out with water and then store with Fluid Film in an outdoor shed. It's been good to me.

 

[Farmall450]

We've been running a pull behind Cub Cadet spreader for a decade. As mentioned above, clean it out well before storing.

 

[LifeLongWNYer]

Depending on the size of your yard, you might want to think about using liquid chemicals. I treat about 3 acres and use a 25 gal tow-behind tank sprayer from Fimco. It works great, and is versatile. I use it for spreading chemicals on the grass, then, after a flush, use a herbicide on the hedge rows to keep the weeds under control.

An advantage of using liquids, over dry chemicals is that more than one may be applied at once, by mixing them in the tank. Next week, I'll put down both a broad leaf herbicide and a fertilizer on the lawn, both at once. ( I add a blue dye to the tank, which allows me to see where I have treated, and where I haven't. The dye goes away after the first rain/dew )

Between varying the amount of chemicals in the tanks ( dilution rate ) and changing the nozzle tips, ( application rate ) I can put down whatever concentrations of each chemical that I want.

Just like any other device used for chemicals, with proper flushing after use, it will last a long time. I am going on 11 years with this unit.





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[joelowrider]

I have had good luck with my earthway brand

 

[purplezr2]

When I worked at a golf course in high school/college we used the cheap ones from the local Fleet Farm. They are nothing special. We just washed them good. They would last 3-4 years with care, which I would imagine would equate to 10+ years of residential use.

This is one of those things that its not so much about what you buy buy how you use it. I have a 100 dollar Earthway that I bought from zoro about 5 years ago when I bought my house. It looks like new. I have used it for fertilizer,seeding, and insecticides.

 

[TXpintail]

Appreciate all the replies.

Let me clarify, my issue isn’t with plastic necessarily. Just the overall quality of the typical Scott’s spreader available in the garden stores where I am.

Bent axles, plastic screws falling out, wheels locked up, etc.

Routine is to spray it down with water, then Wd40 and let it dry each time.

There is a “get what you pay for” argument here. But like I said I’m willing to pay more, just can’t find anything in the stores.

I don’t have enough yard to justify a big sprayer, but will check out the brands mentioned and some mower dealerships. Thanks to each of you.

 

[JoeMA]

It may be more than you need but I recently bought this (price drops in cart to $500 + $34 shipping).

https://sleequipment.com/spyker-pro-broadcast-spreader-s60-12020.html

I was using a cheap Scots spreader for the ~1.5 acres of property that I fertilize. It obviously isn't up to that workload. Just used the Spyker for the first time and it made the job much easier and spread more accurately. While I just got it, I couldn't imagine a push spreader being any more durable than this. Spyker also has lower capacity models to compete with the Lesco 80lb spreader. I don't have experience with those.

 

[Bighead38]

Go big or go home.

 

[marinusdees]

Appreciate all the replies.

Let me clarify, my issue isn’t with plastic necessarily. Just the overall quality of the typical Scott’s spreader available in the garden stores where I am.

Bent axles, plastic screws falling out, wheels locked up, etc.

Routine is to spray it down with water, then Wd40 and let it dry each time.

There is a “get what you pay for” argument here. But like I said I’m willing to pay more, just can’t find anything in the stores.

I don’t have enough yard to justify a big sprayer, but will check out the brands mentioned and some mower dealerships. Thanks to each of you.

Are you looking for a sprayer or a fertilizer spreader??

 

[TXpintail]

A spreader. My reference to “sprayer” was in response to Life Long’s reply.

 

[buzzworth]

Check with a local golf course and see if they have any they have replaced. I have one that is 20+ years old that was picked up cheap. Keep it clean. Pneumatic tires and grease fittings keep it running smooth.

 

[zak77]

I had an Agri-fab for a few years but it started falling apart so starting looking for something better that wouldn't break the bank. I came across Spyker and got the 80lb spreader last year and so far so good. I'd recommend one.

 

[SteveeP]

Earthway.

 

[finn]

Not sure what you’re doing to kill a Scott’s plastic spreader. Mine is at least thirty years old, and I inherited my mother’s, which has to be going on forty.

No missing screws or broken plastic on either one.

I guess Sears probably does a brisk Warranty business on hammer heads in your neighborhood, too.

 

[jonshonda]

I have had good luck with my earthway brand

Earthway.

I will echo their responses too. I have the one with pneumatic tires and it has been great. Just remember to thoroughly hose it down after EVERY use, and it should last a while.

https://earthway.com/product/2050p-estate-residential-broadcast-spreader.ashx

 

[Captain Spaulding]

You could look at the junk they make now and cause a part to fall off. Wheels aren’t much thicker than a soft drink bottle. Held on the axles with the cheapest, all plastic caps I’ve seen. Will start skidding as the hopper nears empty if you don’t add weight.

I bought an ancient steel one at an auction for $9 that I wouldn’t trade for 100 of the current model.

Not sure what you’re doing to kill a Scott’s plastic spreader. Mine is at least thirty years old, and I inherited my mother’s, which has to be going on forty.

No missing screws or broken plastic on either one.

I guess Sears probably does a brisk Warranty business on hammer heads in your neighborhood, too.

 

[TXpintail]

Thank you Captain. Yeah, my longevity issue has not been a result of poor maintenance or improper use, but rather poor brand/quality purchase decision in the first place. Thats why I’m looking to upgrade.

Have to admit those Spykers look really nice.

 

[nadogail]

Gotta give my old plastic hand cranked Scott's some credit. It has worked fine and lasted a long time.

 

[LifeLongWNYer]

Something which just came to mind, although it is a "once in a while" occurrence.....A local tool rental yard is closing, the owner is retiring and his kids aren't interested in taking over the business, and he is selling EVERYthing.

I stopped in this morning, and if I had it, I could spend a fortune!!! They are selling everything from hammers and tape measures, to 1 yard excavators.





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[wartee]

Lesco spreaders last a lifetime, but are way pricey. Earthway would probably be my second choice.