Best Heavy Duty Tow Behind Fertilizer Spreaders

For those who have a large lawn or a terrace, you might be bothered about how to maintain your property. This may include spreading grass seeds for planting, distributing fertilizers, salting ice, and other landscaping functions. To perform all these landscaping functions, it is recommended that you use the right tools for the job.

1. Brinly BS36BH, 175 lb, Black Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader

Heavy Duty Tow Behind Fertilizer Spreader

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This high-capacity broadcast spreader can comfortably hold 175lb of materials making it perfect for an acre or a larger land size. It has been designed to be very durable with polythene and stainless-steel materials. So, corrosive fertilizers in direct contact would not easily wear this spreader. For more protection, a nylon gearbox has also been included. The Brinly spreader comes with a spread pattern control. This gives room for a centered and an evened-out spread of fertilizer. The heavy duty tow behind fertilizer spreader also has a patented autoflow technology which helps to reduce waste and burns.

Pros
  • Easy calibration
  • Comes with a hopper cover and a universal hook-up
  • Has a spread width of about 12ft
Cons
  • The flat hopper bottom makes an even spread of the product at the base a little difficult. 

2. Agri-Fab Inc 45-0547 185 lb. L & G Tow Broadcast Spreader

best heavy duty tow behind fertilizer spreader

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Agric-Fab broadcast spreader has a hopper capacity of about 185lb in addition to its spread width of 12 ft. It features 13’’ x 5’’ pneumatic tires and has a coverage of an acre. This piece of equipment has its steel gear treated by heat designed specifically for increased strength. The commercial tow behind fertilizer spreader comes with a universal hitch that attaches to all tractors rapidly with ease. The pack also contains a hopper cover. In addition to these, it is quite easy to assemble.

Pros
  • Well-built
  • Easy to use
  • Accessible controls from the tractor’s seat
Cons
  • The two arms do not support a heavy load 

3. Chapin 8620B 150 lb Tow Behind Spreader with Auto-Stop

professional tow behind spreader

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Chapin heavy duty tow behind fertilizer spreader has a 150-pound hopper capacity. The friction on both the axle and gearbox has been reduced to the barest minimum through the oil-saturated bearings. When at rest, the spreader stops the spread of the product with its auto-stop impeller. This tow behind spreader comes with 14’’ pneumatic tires and different settings for a more accurate product application. It comes with a spiked auger, an enclosed and a coated steel frame. This commercial tow behind fertilizer spreader is the ideal option for professional use.

Pros
  • Features an automatic stop feature
  • No flat bottom in the hopper’s design
  • Comes with a rain cover
Cons
  • Not suitable for lime products 

4. Agri-Fab 45-0288 175-Pound Max Tow Behind Drop Spreader

commercial tow behind fertilizer spreader

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This drop spreader has a hopper capacity of 175-pounds, can cover an area of 40,000sq ft. The hopper of Agri-Fab 45-0288 pull behind the broadcast spreader has also been designed to be rustproof. This in addition to the galvanized steel agitator guarantees longer durability. The 13’’ x 4’’ pneumatic tires give room for smooth transportation. This heavy duty tow behind fertilizer spreader also features a controlled spread width of 42 inches and comes with a universal hitch for easy connection to all tractors. Additionally, a video instructional guide has been provided to eliminate all confusion and make assembly easy. 

Pros
  • Large capacity hopper
  • The power button can be easily accessed from the tractor seat
  • Spreads evenly and easily
Cons
  • The tires need to be pumped before use 

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

best tow behind broadcast spreader

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This spreader comes with a hopper capacity of 130-pound with has a spread width is up to 12 ft. It has a spread coverage of approximately half an acre. Agric-Fab 45-0463 broadcast spreader comes with a universal hitch for easy attachment to different tractors types. The on/off control of the pull behind the broadcast spreader can be assessed directly from the tractor seat. This equipment also features 13’’ x 4’’ pneumatic tires for easy transportation. Its pack contains a hopper cover, a material deflector, and an additional hopper grate. A video guide is made available to guide you through the assembly process.

Pros
  • Easy to assemble
  • Sturdy product
  • Perfect for a large land area
Cons
  • Flat bottomed hopper which always leaves product at the base

6. EarthWay 2050TP Estate 80-Pound Semi-Assembled Broadcast Tow Spreader

heavy duty pull behind spreader

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This spreader comes with an 80-pound hopper capacity, pneumatic non-skid tires, and a 10’’ spread width. Earthway 2050TP broadcast tow spreader can be easily attached to most tractors. This device saves you from the stress from assembly and reduces setup time because it comes semi-assembled. The extended wheelbase of this heavy duty tow behind fertilizer spreader is designed that way for more stability at turns. Earthway 2050TP makes use of the patented technology for more even and accurate product spread. It also comes with a new side spread technology that keeps you in application control in areas where the materials aren’t needed like walkways or flowerbeds. 

Pros
  • Comes semi-assembled and adjustable handles
  • Easy to operate
  • Side spread technology
Cons
  • Not advisable to be moved above the speed of 5mph

7. Field Tuff AS-125ATV12 Receiver Mount Spreader

agri-fab tow behind broadcast spreader

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The Field Tuff AS-125ATV12 is a heavy duty unit with a 12volts rating. This powerful spreader is designed to deliver seed and fertilizer at a speed of up to 570rpm. This unit is well built and is sealed for added protection. It also comes with a rain cover which improves its durability even more. This receiver-mounted spreader has an optimum capacity of 125lbs which means it can handle up to 16 gallons of seed and fertilizer.

Pros
  • Powerful spreader
  • Reliable and durable motor
  • High capacity unit
  • A 12’ broadcast width
Cons
  • You have limited control over the width of spread or speed of the fly wheel

8. Spyker Pro Series Tow-Behind Spreader

pull behind fertilizer spreader

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The Spyker Pro Series spreader is a standard tow-behind spreader designed specifically for use on a large lawn. It comes with a 175lbs capacity which allows it to match its application. It is designed to easily fit on all types of tractors which ensures universal applicability. This unit is also built to be durable thanks to a stainless-steel axle guaranteed to last for several years.

Pros
  • Designed for versatile application
  • High capacity spreader
  • Fits on all kinds of tractors
Cons
  • The release lever for adjusting the flow from the spreader may close as you drive

9. Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 110-lb Tow Broadcast Spreader

craftsman tow behind spreader

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Perhaps the best part of using the Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571 as your preferred spreader is how durable it is. It features a heavy-duty steel design which makes it quite durable. The spreader plate and hopper are also designed to be rust-proof. With this unit, you can be sure of years of active use without breakdown. It features a universal hitch that allows you to attach the spreader to different types of tractors quite easily. You will also love the heavy-duty pneumatic tires on this unit designed for smooth and efficient transport.

Pros
  • Durable design with rust-proof components
  • Large pneumatic tires
  • Up to 10ft of spread
Cons
  • The capacity of the spreader isn’t very high.

10. Buyers Products UTV All Purpose Spreader

best tow behind spreader

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This unit is a receiver mount all-purpose spreader that can be used for a wide range of applications from spreading salt to distributing seeds, fertilizer, and other materials. Thanks to a 2-inch receiver hitch, this spreader is designed to be versatile. It is also high capacity and can contain up to 15 gallons with a spread width of up to 30ft. The shutoff gate is designed to be adjustable. It also features a powerful and durable motor with a rating of 12V.

Pros
  • Versatile spreader
  • Rust-proof build
  • Large spread coverage
  • High capacity spreader
Cons
  • The lid may be difficult to put on and get off

11. FIMCO 5301845 ATV Dry Material Spreader for Fertilizer

best tow behind spreader for food plots

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The FIMCO 5301845 ATV spreader is suitable for spreading all types of free-flowing dry materials. It has a versatile hitch design meant to mount easily on most tractors. There is a regular ATV cargo rack-mount as well as an optional 2-inch bracket for mounting on larger UTVs and pickups. It is not the most heavy-duty unit you’ll find around but it can handle up to 145lbs of materials. This unit features a radial fan which is meant to ensure a more precise spread of materials.

Pros
  • Variable speed controller
  • Adjustable slide gate
  • Stainless steel fan for distribution
Cons
  • It is not built for rugged use

Buying Guide For Best Heavy Duty Tow Behind Fertilizer Spreaders

Type: There are two main types of spreaders. They can be either Drop or broadcast. Like their names imply, drop spreaders simply drop materials while broadcast spreaders distribute materials in all directions. If the greater spread is your target then the latter is best. But if you prefer more precision, then a drop spreader should be your choice. 

Cover: A spreader should have a cover that fits over the top. This protects the user from inhaling the dust from the spreader and also keeps the material you are spreading from getting wet when it rains. 

Spreader Width: This determines how much material the unit can dispense at once. The width of the spreader will determine how fast it can spread material and how convenient using the unit will be. 

Lawn Size: It is important to consider your lawn size in determining the size spreader to buy. Some spreaders are ideal for small lawns while others are better suited for larger ones. If you have a large lawn, then you should buy a unit that will deliver efficiently to save time and prevent stress. 

Construction / Hopper Material: You want your spreader to be durable and long-lasting. This is heavily dependent on the type of material it is made from. Be sure to check the hopper material to ensure it is durable and rust-resistant. 

Flow Adjustments: This determines the flow of the fertilizer. Versatile flow adjustments allow you to adjust how much material the unit dispenses as it is drawn by the ATV or tractor.

Capacity, Size, and Weight: Your choice of spreader is heavily dependent on what you intend to use it for. The capacity can be defined either in terms of the weight or how many gallons of material the unit can contain. The capacity of the motor is another crucial factor to consider. 

Tires: Spreaders typically come with pneumatic tires. Since the unit will be drawn by a tractor, you need large and durable tires that can keep up with the demands and usage. 

Controls: Different types of spreaders offer varying control types. In most cases, there may be one level for controlling both the speed of the spinner and the flow rate of the unit. However, some units may have separate controls which are usually more convenient. 

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What Is A Tow-behind Spreader?

A tow-behind spreader is a type of spreader that is pulled by vehicles rather than by hand. They are used to spread fertilizers, grain, seeds, and other materials. A tow-behind spreader is mostly used by those with a larger landscape. Because it covers a larger part of the land, this spreader can save you a whole lot of time and stress. 

Why Use A Tow-behind Spreader?

There is a wide range of reasons why people opt for a tow-behind spreader. The most common reason is due to its large capacity. It is designed to take on more materials compared to hand-towed units. This allows you to cover more areas more conveniently and to spread more materials. Tow-behind spreaders also allow a more even distribution of materials compared to when using your hand. 

What Can I Use to Tow A Spreader?

You can use different types of vehicles for towing a spreader. Some of the vehicles typically used for this purpose include: 

  • All-Terrain Vehicle(ATV): Usually an ATV has either three or four wheels and it offers a quick and effective means of transportation perfect for those who have very rough or uneven terrain.
  • Utility Terrain Vehicle(UTV): UTVs are larger and more powerful compared to ATVs. They are commonly used to haul equipment instead of using a truck. They have four wheels and may have more wheels for specialized purposes. They are mostly used by farmers tow a spreader.
  • Lawn Tractors: A lawn tractor typically comes with a tow hitch or loop that can be used to haul small garden trailers, carts, and spreaders to distribute materials on your lawn.
  • Garden Tractors: This is a little bit bigger, more powerful, and heavier than a lawn tractor, attachments such as spreaders, carts, and so on can be attached to it. A garden tractor also comes with locking differentials which makes it easier for it to handle tough or messy terrain.

Conclusion

Considering all of these options, what’s the best choice of the tow-behind spreader for you? I’d say the most important factor to consider is the fact that a spreader is typically a long-term investment. Hence, you want a unit that will serve your needs for many years to come. This means not compromising on quality just for lower costs. Pretty much any of the products on this list would make a great choice for you although our top pick is the Spyker Pro Series Tow-Behind Spreader.   

I have a degree in engineering and am passionate in helping people find the best products for the money using my own personal experiences. I'm a father, son, brother, uncle, coach, husband, and engineer who loves to spend time with his two boys and beautiful wife. In my free time my passion is to help others. I love anything and everything technology and spend many hours researching products that I have interests in for myself, my family and friends. My hope is that my time spent researching products will help you save time and money so you can free up your time and spend it doing what you love to do most!

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