A broadcast spreader throws seed or granular fertilizer in a fan pattern, which covers a lawn faster than a drop spreader. Choose by how big your lawn is and whether you want to push, tow or carry the unit.
The six models below include push, tow-behind, chest-mounted and hand-crank designs. Capacities, sizes and warranties come from each listing page. We have not used these spreaders ourselves, and listing data that looks off is flagged.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type | Push, tow-behind, chest-mount and hand-crank suit different lawns |
| Hopper capacity | Larger hoppers mean fewer refills |
| Wheels | Large tires help on uneven ground |
| Warranty | Listed terms vary by maker |
Specs at a Glance
| Spreader | Type | Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotts EdgeGuard DLX | Push | Up to 15,000 sq ft of Scotts product | 19 x 22 x 22 in; 10.9 lb |
| Agri-Fab tow-behind | Tow | 130 lb hopper | 3 year warranty; universal hitch |
| EarthWay 2150 | Push | 50 lb | 13 in tires; 5 year warranty |
| Chapin 8400C | Push | 100 lb | Stainless frame; 14 in tires; 38 lb |
| SOLO 421S | Chest mount | 20 lb | 11.2 x 10.5 x 19.4 in |
| Chapin 8706G | Hand crank | 3 lb | 12 x 6.25 x 7 in; 1.06 lb |
The 6 Best Broadcast Spreaders
1. Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard DLX Broadcast Spreader
A push spreader the maker calls factory-set and ready to use, with a hopper and agitator, an EdgeGuard side shield and a stated reach of up to 15,000 square feet of Scotts product. It is listed at 19 x 22 x 22 inches and 10.9 pounds.
Suits: a mid-size lawn. Strengths: a factory-set unit with an edge shield. Weaknesses: the listing gives the material as grass, which looks wrong. Skip it if you need a very large hopper.
View Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard DLX Broadcast Spreader on Amazon
2. Agri-Fab Pull Behind Broadcast Spreader
A tow-behind spreader with a 130 pound hopper that the maker says covers about half an acre, a universal hitch for lawn tractors and a 3 year limited warranty. The title says 12 foot spread width and the bullets say 10 to 12 feet.
Suits: a large lawn with a tractor. Strengths: big hopper and hitch. Weaknesses: you need a tractor or mower to pull it. Skip it if you only have a small yard.
View Agri-Fab Pull Behind Broadcast Spreader on Amazon
3. EarthWay 2150 Commercial Broadcast Spreader
A 50 pound push spreader with 13 inch pneumatic tires, a clog-free grate that slides out, a 3-hole drop system with side-spread control and a 5 year limited warranty. It weighs 25 pounds.
Suits: rough or uneven turf. Strengths: large tires and a long warranty. Weaknesses: hopper is smaller than the 100 lb models. Skip it if you want a huge hopper.
View EarthWay 2150 Commercial Broadcast Spreader on Amazon
4. Chapin 8400C SureSpread Turf Spreader
A 100 pound push spreader with a polyethylene hopper on a stainless steel frame, enclosed gearbox, 14 inch tires, rain cover and grate. The maker says it is made in the USA and carries a 5 year limited warranty. It weighs 38 pounds.
Suits: a large lawn on foot. Strengths: a stainless frame and big hopper. Weaknesses: heavier than smaller models. Skip it if you want a light unit.
View Chapin 8400C SureSpread Turf Spreader on Amazon
5. SOLO 421S Chest-Mount Spreader
A chest-mounted spreader with a 20 pound hopper, cross-shoulder strap, flow control and direction fan. Dimensions are listed as 11.2 x 10.5 x 19.4 inches.
Suits: tight spaces and hand operation. Strengths: a carry design for narrow areas. Weaknesses: the listing gives a weight of 0.01 ounces and a women’s department, which look like errors. Skip it if you want wheels.
View SOLO 421S Chest-Mount Spreader on Amazon
6. Chapin 8706G Hand Crank Lawn Spreader
A hand-crank spreader with a 3 pound, 0.3 gallon hopper, a large fill handle and thumb control. It is listed at 12 x 6.25 x 7 inches and 1.06 pounds.
Suits: small patches and touch-ups. Strengths: light weight and easy storage. Weaknesses: small hopper. Skip it if you have a big lawn.
View Chapin 8706G Hand Crank Lawn Spreader on Amazon
Before You Buy
- Estimate lawn area before choosing a hopper.
- Check whether the maker quotes coverage in square feet.
- Look at the warranty term on each listing.
- Compare weight if you must lift it often.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a tow spreader without a tractor.
- Overlooking listing errors in weight or material.
- Choosing a tiny hopper for a big lawn.
- Assuming every model also spreads salt.
Broadcast Spreaders FAQ
Push or chest mount?
A push model suits open lawns; a chest mount reaches narrow areas.
What do the models spread?
Listings mention seed, fertilizer and in some cases ice melt. Check each.
The Short Version
For a mid-size lawn, the Scotts EdgeGuard DLX. For acreage with a tractor, the Agri-Fab. For rough turf, the EarthWay 2150. For a large push hopper, the Chapin 8400C. For tight areas, the SOLO 421S. For small jobs, the Chapin 8706G.
