Main Types of Spreaders

Spreaders run from small, hand-held tools to heavy-duty, lawn-tractor models. But they come down to two main types: broadcast, also known as rotary, and drop spreaders. Home walk-behind spreaders usually have two wheels — and bigger wheels improve maneuverability. Both broadcast and drop spreaders have bucket-like hoppers with adjustable holes that control the volume of seed that goes through. However, the two types differ in how they distribute seed and what lawn types suit them best.

Broadcast Spreaders

Broadcast spreaders scatter or “broadcast' seed in a fanlike manner over a wide area, with the help of a rotating piece beneath the hopper holes. The size of the fan depends on hole size and your speed. Distribution thins as it gets farther from the spreader, so passes back and forth across the lawn must overlap to uniform seed across the full arc. A general rule is that the “effective width' of the spread is roughly equal to 75 percent of the total reach.² If your spreader's arc measures 12 feet across to its outermost points, the effective coverage is 9 feet wide. Passes across the lawn should be 9 feet apart.³ For best coverage, set the spreader at 50 percent, and then spread your seed two ways in a crosshatch pattern.
Points to consider with broadcast spreaders include:

Spreader Settings To get the best results, your spreader's hole size must be set so seed comes through at correct rate. The settings may be numbers or letters; the higher the setting, the bigger the hole. Walk-behind spreader settings are based on a walking speed of around 3.5 miles per hour. 1 Consistent speed is essential for uniform coverage. If you can’t find setting information for your model, calibrate the model by measuring fertilizer to cover 100 square feet according to package directions. Set the spreader on low, and spread the.

• They suit large lawns and cover wide areas efficiently.
• They require more skill to get uniform coverage.
• They lack precision in tight spots and around obstacles.
• They're more affected by wind, especially with lightweight products.
• They can scatter seed or products out of bounds. (Some state laws require cleanup of fertilizer from sidewalks or other hardscapes.¹)
• They cover more ground in less time.

The following chart is meant to provide general guidance when an actual setting is not available. Be aware, the age and condition of the spreader may affect the flow of the product. The spreader may also need to be calibrated to get the proper coverage.

Calibrating Your Spreader

1. Divide 100 by the square foot the bag of fertilizer covers
2. Multiply the weight of the bag by this number
3. The answer is the amount of fertilizer needed to cover 100 sq. ft.
4. Place this amount in the spreader
5. Mark off a 10 ft. x 10 ft. area
6. Apply using the suggested setting

Example

Republic Ez Spreader Parts

If the fertilizer bag weighs 25 lbs. and covers 5,000 square feet:

100 sq. ft.
———— x 25 lbs. = ½ lb.
5,000 sq. ft.

• ½ lb. of product is needed to cover 100 square feet.

Troubleshooting

Cached

• If the fertilizer runs out before completing the area, decrease the setting. Mark off another 10’ x 10’ area and repeat the test until the correct application rate is achieved.
• If there is product remaining in the spreader, increase the setting. Mark off another 10’ x 10’ area and repeat the test until the correct application rate is achieved.

Sta Green Spreader Settings Chart