Tow behind fertilizer spreaders: Best options for efficient lawn care

Tending to a home lawn is very labor-intensive and requires proper care to keep it healthy and beautiful. An abandoned lawn is more of a detriment than a help to the home. Some of the problems associated with poorly maintained lawns are high weed populations, low grass quality, and frequent plant diseases. Depending on the climate, a homeowner will have differing maintenance programs throughout the year.

Lawn care is a big part of providing everything your lawn needs. This involves selecting the correct plants, paying frequent visits to the display, and watering. It is also essential to use the right fertilizers, as they aid in reinforcing the plants and tolerating extreme conditions. Now that gardeners have chosen the right fertilizer for the season and their type of soil, it’s time to pick the highest-quality fertilizer spreader. This is where the Tow Behind fertilizer comes to help you.

Tow Behind broadcast spreader for maintaining large lawns or gardens. Gardeners can hitch it to a tractor or an ATV to evenly distribute fertilizer, seeds, or other lawn products. It sprays large spaces quickly, and few things are more time- and effort-saving. These spreaders are available in various sizes, so there’s a size that works well for home use and others for commercial use.

Growcycle is a great place to find out where to buy tow-behind fertilizer spreaders, as well as sharpen your plant growth and lawn care knowledge. They provide a diverse range of fertilizer spreaders and other premium products for an even spreading of fertilizer to encourage plant growth. They also offer high level problem-solving solutions for issues faced in lawn care, which guarantees gardeners the best information and tools to take care of their lawn.

Quick Overview

With the evolution in gardening and farming, fertilization has improved as well. Fertilizers were traditionally spread by hand on the plots and lawns to supply the plant nutrients. Old growers would just toss the fertilizers on the ground, and it was tricky and hard work. And, of course, there was a significant potential for waste of material and surfaces that were not fertilized.

As time passed, various types of spreaders were introduced, and a Tow Behind fertilizer spreader was one of them. It includes a hopper of varying sizes, depending upon the amount of granular fertilizer you pour into it, and the machine is fastened to an ATV or a lawn tractor. The vehicle will cause the spreader's rotatory disc to spin and to scatter the granules uniformly on the soil.

For home or small garden owners who have a large space to cover while applying a granular fertilizer, a tow-behind fertilizer spreader is ideal. But it’s nice to know before they go to buy the model of Tow Behind fertilizer spreaders they want, because the capacities and setups of the Tow Behind fertilizer spreaders vary.

Proper Way to Use Tow Behind Fertilizer Spreader

It is important to know how to use a tow-behind fertilizer spreader properly in order to get an even distribution of fertilizer and to make sure that the lawn or garden receives the nutrients it needs. Below is a brief instructional guide on how to use a tow-behind fertilizer spreader properly:

1. Lawn Preparation

The first phase of fertilizing your lawn is getting it clean and then mowing it. Fertilizer is no good if you’ve got debris and a long lawn; it’s not going to sit properly in the soil and soak into the roots. To ensure fertilizer works, homeowners need to remove any trash and objects that could harm a spreader and mow the grass evenly in the lawn.

2. Read the Manual

Manufacturers include all the important information you need to know about your fertilizer bag, like ingredients, amounts to apply, and other instructions. The growers or homeowners should review these instructions prior to application so as to apply such amounts as are recommended herein.

3. Adjustment of Spreader

Spreaders are equipped with flow control systems which permits the dispensing of a precise amount of fertilizer onto the ground. Adjusting ready-to-use product - by turning the dial, growers may set the intensity of the flow control in accordance with the manufacturer’s approved range. This way, the correct amount of fertilizer is used, and heavy feeding is avoided. They can also adjust the spread width from as low as restricted areas to a higher width for open spaces. 

4. Secure Attachment of Spreader to Vehicle

A tow-behind fertilizer spreader works by attaching to a UTV, ATV, or lawn tractor. While moving, the required amount of fertilizer is spread on the ground by the vehicle. A coupler provides this coupling between the spreader and the vehicle. Also a cotter pin prevents the spreader from separating from the tractor so that neither are lost during fertilization. It must have a cotter pin for easy operation.

5. Add Fertilizer Into Spreader

When the spreader is hooked to the tractor, the grower will then add the fertilizer to his hopper. Hoppers come in various sizes, and growers should choose one that works well for their lawn care needs. Wholesale fertilizer in the hopper and mix lightly to avoid lumps. The half can be added twice to get the working. Growers must shield the hopper from rain and extreme weather, where applicable.

6. Fertilize the Lawn

Simply drop the spreader, load it up, and attach. The tow-behind spreader can be trusted to treat lawns with greenery. Before spreading fertilizer, farmers ought to drive the tractor through a clearing to make sure it operates satisfactorily.

Then they can begin by using the material to form edges to create boundaries along the lawn. Then, growers can apply fertilizer throughout the entire yard by driving a lawn tractor back and forth in straight lines within such boundaries. The spreader needs to be pushed at a steady pace and make a loud clicking sound to ensure it is spreading correctly; also, it should be stopped while turning, to prevent random clumps of fertilizer.

7. Post Use Maintenance

The Tow Behind the fertilizer spreader used to work for the application of fertilizer has to be cleaned and maintained now. Growers need to ensure that they strip their granules well to keep them from rusting and damaging their equipment. After cleaning, the equipment should preferably be dried. After a solid cleaning and a maintenance check, the grower can store it anywhere safe and dry.

Best Tow Behind Fertilizer Spreaders for Efficient Lawn Care

Tow Behind fertiliser spreaders are the most essential tool for any lawn to flourish properly in the shortest possible time with the least amount of man-hours. Here are some solid bets to consider with varying features:

1. Agri-Fab Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader

Flower and garden seed spreader, 130 lb is constructed of alloy steel, polypropylene, and rubber for resistance to other elements around your yard, You have everything you need for a successful food plot. Its spinning disc facilitates an even spread over a wider area. It’s also possible to regulate the quantity of manure distributed right from the tractor seat to suit the lawn’s necessities. The fertilizer load covers a 25000 square foot area.

To keep ahead of the game in fertilization methods, people can purchase some add-on equipment for their machine, such as hopper grates, deflectors, and material covers. The pros of this product are that it is well-made and can work with any lawn tractor or mower. But zero-turn mowers get the job done faster. And it provides good value for the price with its reliable performance.

It can be a little time-consuming to put it together because of the multiple pieces. The use of relatively small cotter pins may be disadvantageous as it is not firmly assembled to the tractor. Other than those few things, it is a great choice for growers to fulfill their fertilization needs.

2. Chapin International Tow Behind Spreader

Chapin International Tow Behind Spreader is a great fit for people seeking a professional spreader. It has a 150-lb load rating and can be mounted on UTVs, ATVs, tractors, and lawnmowers. It’s made from plastic and metal and has a weather-resistant body.

It also has adjustable gates and stops that automatically drop fertilizer when the tractor comes to a stop and keeps the material from wasting. The extra-large pneumatic tires can handle the most rugged terrain and reduce any excessive walking. However, being from a beneficial equipment, the cons of it are that its parts are hard to reassemble, and some customers usually whine about muddled instructions.

3. FIMCO ATV Dry Material Spreader

The FIMCO ATV Dry Material Spreader is backed by a one-year consumer warranty and can accommodate a material weight of 145 lb. It's a medium-sized area fertiliser, a perfect solution for lawns and parks. With the help of a 12-volt battery, fertilizers can be widely dispersed up to 45 feet from the grower. This hopper features a steel fan that is designed to spread the product evenly. The poly hopper has a round cover that keeps the material from getting wet.

With the FIMCO 5301845, they will be paving large areas in no time, without losing that ease-of-use and reliability. Because of its easy attachment to lawn tractors or ATVs, it better serves homeowners. The dry granules of the fertilizers might need some gentle agitation to keep them from clumping, and that is something the growers will need to do manually. Plus, it is a little difficult to fertilize in the small space it covers due to the wider spread.

4. Brinly Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader

Brinly Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader has a good 175-lb fertilizer holding capacity. It is a good choice for homeowners and growers with up to one acre or even larger land to fertilize. The most amazing factor about this spreader is its solid manufacturing and durability. Parts are manufactured using high-quality polythene and stainless steel that prevents rusting. 

It offers high control when spreading granular fertilizers over the land. Growers can set the fertilizer spreading patterns in the lawn to ensure even more uniformity. The Brinly spreader's auto-stop feature prevents problems like fertilizer spills and grass burns. It has a strong hitch pin that can reliably attach to the relevant vehicle while keeping the connection secure. With a high spread width and sturdy pneumatic tires, growers can fertilize large areas with uneven surfaces in one go. 

The only minor downside growers experience with the Brinly spreader is the lever’s position on the spreader. The user may be inconvenienced when adjusting the flow while in the vehicle. Also, it is a bit pricey, but the smooth functioning offers value for money.

Overall, it is an ideal choice for its high performance and user-friendly design. Whether for personal or professional use, growers need to attach it to a suitable vehicle, which will take care of the rest. 

5. Precision Products Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader

Precision Products Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader can hold 130 lb of fertilizer, making it suitable for fertilizing larger lawns and green spaces. The spreader's plastic hopper is built to combat material harm that may occur due to extreme weather. The solid design includes a steel frame for tubes and pneumatic 15-inch tires with steel-made wheels. It is well-suited to fertilizing an area with bumpy and rough surfaces. 

This spreader offers the best flow control. With a finger tap, the user can adjust the flow rate between 120 and 144 inches spread width while driving. This efficient flow control will save the lawn from being over-fertilized by allowing only the required amount of nutrients. With a strong hitch pin to attach to the towing vehicle and a quicker assembly, it offers the ultimate convenience for homeowners. The only downside of this spreader is its cost, but considering it is a one-time investment, it is worth the money. Users have a reliable fertilization experience with this product.

Benefits of Using Tow Behind Fertilizer Spreader

Tow Behind fertilizer spreaders offer a range of benefits that growers can not get through manual fertilization or any other method of material application. Here are explained some primary benefits of using these spreaders for homeowners:

• Large Area Coverage

The capacitative hoppers of Tow Behind fertilizer spreaders are specifically designed to benefit larger areas. With their fans or flow control gates, spreaders apply fertilizers to significant distances while the vehicle moves back and forth in the lawn. The varying spreader widths help distribute the granules in expansive lawns, ensuring that only the right amount of fertilizer in even layers is spread throughout the lawn surfaces.  

• Efficient Application

Unlike manual spreading, which takes a lot of time and does not ensure an even layer of fertilizer, the towing vehicles allow these spreaders to apply nutrient-rich fertilizers to the surfaces quickly. The quicker, more consistent, and balanced amount of fertilizers results in a healthier and greener lawn in a short time. 

• Less Man Power

The towing vehicle attached to the Tow Behind fertilizer spreader enhances the efficiency of the process by keeping the manpower minimal. Dragging a sizable spreader on larger lawns is a tiresome and exhausting task that has been made easier with this spreader. 

• Budget Friendly Option

The Tow Behind fertilizer spreaders cost homeowners significant amounts, but these are the best fertilization options while keeping the budget. Growers may save the labor cost for lawn fertilization, excessive fertilizer waste, and repetitive lawn care and maintenance costs due to nutritional deficiencies. Buying a solid spreader with lasting material will cost homeowners one time while being a lawn care companion for years to come. 

• Environmental Consideration

Tow Behind fertilizer spreaders are an ideal option for environmental sustainability. They prevent excess fertilizer from spreading onto the soil, which minimizes water pollution and soil damage. The high nitrogen content in most fertilizers can damage the soil and burn the grass. At the same time, the unnecessary amounts, when washed away, can pollute surrounding soils and water, leading to environmental concerns. 

With the right Tow Behind the fertilizer spreader, growers can ensure precisely distributed lawn fertilizers, eliminating such risks. Some spreaders also allow the application of organic fertilizers, which is a better option than synthetic ones. 

• Adaptability and Convenience

The Tow Behind fertilizer spreader can effectively fertilize uneven and bumpy lawns. If the hopper is filled carefully, there is no chance of even minor tipping during fertilization. Due to its adaptability to irregular lawns and easy operations, growers can consider this a go-to option for their lawn fertilization.

Features to Consider while Choosing Spreaders

Growers should consider certain features in a Tow Behind fertilizer spreader while choosing the best one:

• Spread Width Control

The spread width control feature allows users to adjust the amount of fertilizers applied depending on the area to be fertilized and the soil requirements. A lower spread width is fine for narrow and small spaces, but a high spread width works well in larger and open areas. The spread with control feature ensures uniform fertilizer application in the lawn.

• Capacity

Hopper capacity matters a lot when selecting a good spreader. Spreaders with more fertilizer-holding capacity can cater to larger lawns and gardens. Also, a high-capacity spreader saves the grower from the hassle of refilling the fertilizers. For smaller lawns, the extra capacity is of no use. So, while looking for spreaders, growers should consider the area to be fertilized and make the decisions accordingly. 

• Durability

Growers should focus on durability when buying fertilizers. They should choose weather—and corrosion-resistant equipment with a firmly constructed body. Products manufactured with high-quality plastic, powder coating sheets, and stainless steel are some considerable options concerning durability. 

• Easy Maintenance

Growers should choose spreaders that are easy to use and maximize efficiency. Fertilizer spreaders with convenient designs and easy maintenance are durable and save manual labor.

Common Issues of Tow Behind Fertilizer Spreaders

Growers come across different issues when using Tow Behind fertilizer spreaders. These minor issues can lead to severe inconvenience if not resolved in time. One of the main things that may happen is the sudden malfunctioning of the hopper. It will create problems in distributing the right amount of nutrients to the lawn. That may occur mainly due to the overly-filled hopper. Growers may consider adding fertilizer in the hopper twice instead of filling the space in one go to ensure smooth functioning.

Sometimes, users complain about securing the towing vehicle’s connection with the spreader. The hitch pin responsible for this connection is not that sturdy in some of these spreaders. Losing that connection in the middle of fertilization will waste the material and damage the lawn significantly. So, replacing that pin with a stronger one is better for a safer connection. 

Another possible concern is that some parts may wear out if the spreader is used for a long time. Particularly, the tires may wear out or lose air. To counter this problem, it is good to have regular repair and maintenance of the machine. Growers may get professional help inflating or replacing the tire if needed to ensure it works effectively.

The Bottom Line

A Tow Behind fertilizer spreader is necessary equipment for gardeners and homeowners with large lawns. It is efficient for lawn care because it covers big areas, spreads fertilizer evenly, and saves effort. With the right spreader with good capacity, durability, and features like adjustable spread width, gardeners can maintain a healthier lawn with less work. Using it correctly and keeping it well-maintained makes it last longer and work better. These tools help the lawn stay lush and healthy all year round while reducing fertilization time and effort.

Investing in a good Tow Behind fertilizer spreader is a smart choice for any big lawn care job, offering long-term benefits. Explore Growcycle to choose the products and information best suited to the grower’s gardening needs. It is a good choice for growers and homeowners looking for quality growing material. They offer the best fertilizer spreaders to make the lawn lush green and thriving.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.