A beautiful, healthy lawn requires consistent care and the right equipment. For homeowners with larger properties, efficiently applying seed, fertilizer, or ice melt can be a time-consuming chore. A tow-behind spreader is the ultimate solution, turning a labor-intensive task into a simple drive around your yard.
These spreaders attach easily to your riding mower or ATV, allowing you to cover vast areas with uniform precision. The key is finding the model with the right capacity and features for your specific needs. From massive, corrosion-resistant hoppers to smart auto-stop technology, the options available can significantly upgrade your lawn care routine and deliver professional-level results.
The Best Tow-Behind Spreaders for a Lush Lawn
- Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
- Yard Commander 125-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader
- Agri-Fab 45-0463 130 lb. Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader
- Craftsman CMXGZBF7124322 85-Pound Tow Broadcast Spreader
- Chapin Auto-Stop Tow-Behind Spreader, 150-Lb. Capacity
- Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571, 110lb Capacity Tow-Behind Spreader
- Brinly BS36BH Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader, 175 lb.
- EarthWay T150 150lb Towable Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader
- Brinly PS-40BH Tow Behind Poly Spreader
Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch
Designed for large properties of one acre or more, the Brinly BS36BH-A is a high-capacity workhorse. Its 175-pound poly hopper is built to resist rust and dents, allowing you to cover significant ground without constant refills. This means more time spreading and less time handling materials.
Durability is a key focus, with stainless steel hardware and a fully enclosed nylon gearbox protecting the internal components from corrosive fertilizers. The standout feature is the patented AutoFlow technology, which automatically stops the flow of material when you stop moving. This prevents wasteful pile-ups and potential lawn burns, giving you professional-level control over your application.
Yard Commander 125-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader
The Yard Commander offers a great balance of capacity and corrosion resistance. Its composite hopper can hold 125 pounds of material, enough to cover up to 25,000 square feet in a single load. This makes it a strong contender for medium to large lawns.
Built to last, this spreader features premium cast aluminum gears that are designed to stand up to harsh chemicals and the elements year after year. User control is simple with a convenient gate lever located within easy reach. This lever allows you to quickly start, stop, and adjust the flow rate, preventing excess material from escaping when the spreader is not in motion.
Agri-Fab 45-0463 130 lb. Tow-Behind Lawn & Garden Broadcast Spreader
For those who prioritize products made in the USA, the Agri-Fab 45-0463 is a reliable choice. With a 130-pound hopper capacity, it can efficiently handle a half-acre property (approximately 25,000 square feet) without needing a refill.
This model is built for ease of use, featuring a flow control that can be managed from the seat of your riding mower. It provides a consistent spread width of 10 to 12 feet, ensuring even coverage of seed, fertilizer, or ice melt across your lawn.
Craftsman CMXGZBF7124322 85-Pound Tow Broadcast Spreader
If you have a smaller lawn of about a quarter-acre (14,000 square feet), the Craftsman 85-pound spreader is a perfectly sized tool. Its compact yet capable design makes it easy to store and maneuver without sacrificing performance.
This model delivers a spread width of up to 10 feet, providing efficient coverage for most suburban yards. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss option for homeowners who need a dependable spreader for seasonal lawn care tasks.
Chapin Auto-Stop Tow-Behind Spreader, 150-Lb. Capacity
The Chapin 8620B addresses a common problem with tow-behind spreaders: material waste and lawn burns at stop points. Its innovative Auto-Stop Dual Impeller system is designed to cease spreading as soon as you stop moving, eliminating those costly and unsightly piles.
Designed and supported in the USA, this spreader features a robust 150-pound rust-resistant poly hopper mounted on a powder-coated steel frame. The oil-impregnated bearings help ensure smooth operation and longevity, making this a smart investment for a precise and clean application every time.
Craftsman CMXGZBF7124571, 110lb Capacity Tow-Behind Lawn Broadcast Spreader
This Craftsman model steps up in capacity, offering a 110-pound hopper ideal for properties around one-third of an acre (17,500 square feet). It provides a great middle ground for those who need more than a compact model but not an industrial-sized unit.
Maneuverability is enhanced by 10-inch pneumatic tires that provide a smooth ride over uneven terrain. With a broadcast spread width of up to 10 feet and a simple steel rod flow control, this spreader combines capacity with user-friendly operation.
Brinly BS36BH Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader, 175 lb.
As a predecessor to the BS36BH-A, this Brinly spreader still delivers exceptional performance for large lawns. Its 175-pound capacity poly hopper is built to withstand the elements and corrosive materials, making it a durable long-term partner for your lawn care.
It shares the same professional-grade durability features, including stainless steel components and enclosed glass-filled nylon gears. The patented AutoFlow technology and directional spread pattern control allow for a balanced and waste-free application, ensuring an even, healthy lawn without the common headaches.
EarthWay Products T150 150lb Towable Broadcast Fertilizer Spreader
The EarthWay T150 is a versatile 150-pound capacity spreader suitable for both homeowners and commercial use. It handles a variety of materials with ease, from grass seed and fertilizer to compost, making it a highly useful tool for year-round lawn and garden maintenance.
Precision is a key benefit of this model. It features easy-to-use flow control for an even distribution and a patented Side Spread Control. This allows you to shut off the left-side spread pattern, protecting your flower beds, sidewalks, and driveways from unwanted material while maintaining the correct application rate on your lawn.
Brinly PS-40BH Tow Behind Poly Spreader
For those with more modest needs or smaller properties, the Brinly PS-40BH offers a compact and efficient solution. With a 40-pound capacity, it is much easier to lift and fill, yet it still provides the convenience of a tow-behind design for uniform spreading.
This model is perfect for spot-seeding, fertilizing smaller lawns, or applying ice melt on driveways. Its poly construction helps resist corrosion, ensuring the spreader remains a reliable part of your garden tool collection for years to come.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Tow-Behind Spreader
When I started looking for a tow-behind spreader, I quickly realized it wasn’t as simple as just picking the shiniest one. The right model makes a huge difference in how efficiently you can care for your lawn. After a lot of research and some trial and error, I’ve narrowed down the key things you should consider before buying one of the best tow-behind spreaders for lawns.
First, think about the hopper capacity. This is the bucket that holds your seed or fertilizer. If you have a large property, a bigger hopper means fewer trips back to the shed to refill. Smaller lawns can get by with a more compact model, which is often lighter and easier to maneuver. Next, check the construction material. I always look for a polyethylene hopper because it’s rust-proof and easy to clean. The frame should be sturdy steel, preferably with a powder-coated finish to fight off corrosion from fertilizer and the elements.
The spread width is another big one. A wider spread pattern means you cover more ground with each pass, saving you a ton of time. Most decent models will cover a 40 to 50-foot swath. You also need to pay close attention to the dispersion mechanism. Broadcast spreaders use a spinning disc to fling material widely, which is great for large, open areas. Drop spreaders release material directly downward, offering more precision for targeted applications, like near flower beds, but they take longer to cover a large space.
Finally, don’t overlook the tire size and type. Larger, pneumatic (air-filled) tires roll more easily over rough terrain and are less likely to leave marks on a soft lawn. Smaller, solid plastic tires are maintenance-free but can struggle on uneven ground. A good hitch system that connects securely to your lawn tractor is a must for smooth operation. By weighing these factors—capacity, build quality, spread type, and tires—you can find the perfect tool to keep your lawn looking its best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of a tow-behind spreader over a walk-behind model?
The biggest advantage is pure efficiency and ease of use. For anyone with a lawn that’s half an acre or larger, a tow-behind spreader saves an incredible amount of time and physical effort. Instead of pushing a heavy, loaded spreader across your property, you simply drive your lawn tractor. This makes applying seed, fertilizer, or ice melt a much faster and less strenuous job, allowing you to tackle large areas without getting worn out.
Can I use the same spreader for both grass seed and fertilizer?
Yes, in most cases you absolutely can, and it’s one of the reasons these tools are so versatile. However, it is crucial that you clean the hopper thoroughly between switching materials. Residual fertilizer can damage grass seed, and leftover seed will be wasted if you’re trying to fertilize. Always sweep or vacuum out the hopper and rinse it with water (making sure it’s completely dry before your next use) to prevent cross-contamination and ensure an even application.
How do I calibrate my tow-behind spreader for an even application?
Calibration might sound technical, but it’s just about setting the correct flow rate. First, check the product bag of whatever you’re spreading (seed, fertilizer, etc.) for its recommended setting. I always do a test run on a hard surface like my driveway. Set the spreader to the recommended rate, fill it with a known amount of material, and drive a short, measured distance. See how much was dispersed and adjust the control lever accordingly. This quick test prevents over or under-applying, saving you money and protecting your lawn.
My lawn is on a slope. Is a tow-behind spreader still a good choice?
This is a common concern. While a tow-behind spreader is fantastic for flat or gently rolling terrain, steep slopes can be tricky. The main issue is that material can slide to one side inside the hopper, leading to an uneven spread. If your property has significant hills, you might get more consistent results with a walk-behind broadcast spreader that you can keep upright. For moderate slopes, just be mindful of filling the hopper completely and consider making passes across the slope rather than straight up and down.
What maintenance does a tow-behind spreader require?
Proper maintenance is simple but will make your spreader last for years. After every single use, I empty the hopper completely. If I used fertilizer or ice melt, I’ll rinse the hopper with water and let it air dry to prevent corrosion. It’s also a good idea to occasionally check that the impeller (the spinning disc) moves freely and isn’t clogged. At the end of the season, give the whole unit a good cleaning, lubricate any moving parts as per the manual, and store it in a dry place. A little care goes a long way.