Lawn Spreaders

About Lawn Spreaders

Lawn spreaders are essential tools for anyone maintaining gardens, lawns, driveways, or pathways throughout the year. Whether you're a professional groundskeeper, landscape gardener, or dedicated DIY enthusiast, these versatile machines make light work of distributing materials evenly across large areas. Available as push-along models for smaller gardens or towable versions for expansive grounds, they eliminate the time-consuming task of manual broadcasting whilst ensuring consistent coverage.

Modern spreaders accommodate a wide variety of materials including grass seed, lawn fertiliser, weed and feed treatments, and rock salt for winter gritting. Push spreaders typically feature either broadcast (rotary) mechanisms that throw material in a wide arc, or drop spreaders that deposit products in a precise line directly beneath the hopper. Broadcast spreaders cover ground more quickly and suit open spaces, whilst drop spreaders excel along edges and borders where precision matters. Many models now include adjustable flow controls, allowing you to regulate application rates according to manufacturer recommendations on product packaging.

The UK market offers spreaders from trusted brands including Handy, Sealey, Gardena, Einhell, and Draper, with options ranging from handheld units for small areas to heavy-duty stainless steel models designed for commercial use and corrosive materials. Cordless battery-powered spreaders have also emerged, offering motorised distribution without the physical effort of traditional push models, particularly beneficial when tackling sloped terrain or covering extensive ground.

Jargon Buster

• Broadcast Spreader: Also called rotary spreaders, these use a spinning disc to fling material outwards in a wide fan pattern, typically covering 1.5-3 metres width with each pass. Ideal for quick coverage of open lawns.
• Drop Spreader: Releases material straight downwards through holes in the hopper base, creating a precise application width matching the spreader's footprint. Perfect for controlled application near flower beds and pathways.
• Hopper Capacity: Measured in litres or kilograms, this indicates how much material the spreader holds. Larger capacities (20-30kg) reduce refilling frequency on bigger properties.
• Flow Rate/Application Rate: The adjustable setting controlling how much material disperses per metre travelled. Essential for following fertiliser or seed manufacturer guidelines to avoid over-application.
• Spread Width: The coverage area achieved in a single pass, typically ranging from 30cm for drop spreaders to 3-4 metres for broadcast models.
• Pneumatic Tyres: Air-filled wheels that provide better traction and manoeuvrability across uneven terrain compared to solid plastic wheels.

Who Uses Lawn Spreaders?

Lawn spreaders serve a diverse range of users across both professional and domestic settings:

• Landscape Gardeners and Groundskeepers: For maintaining sports pitches, golf courses, parks, and commercial grounds
• Local Authorities and Facilities Managers: Winter gritting of car parks, pathways, and public spaces
• Grounds Maintenance Contractors: Seasonal fertilising and weed treatment programmes across multiple properties
• Agricultural Workers and Smallholders: Distributing seed and treatments across paddocks and grazing areas
• Estate Managers: Maintaining extensive lawns and driveways on large properties
• Schools and Universities: Caring for playing fields and campus grounds throughout the year
• Homeowners and DIY Enthusiasts: Seasonal lawn care, winter salt application on driveways, and garden maintenance
• Allotment Holders: Distributing lime, fertiliser, and soil conditioners across vegetable plots

How to Choose the Right Lawn Spreaders

Selecting the appropriate spreader depends on several key factors aligned with your specific requirements:

Area Size and Terrain: For gardens under 100 square metres, handheld spreaders offer adequate coverage. Properties between 100-500 square metres suit push broadcast spreaders with 12-18kg hoppers. Larger areas or commercial grounds benefit from heavy-duty models with 25kg+ capacities or towable spreaders for ride-on mowers and compact tractors.

Spreader Type: Broadcast spreaders work fastest for open lawns but require care near borders to avoid overspreading onto beds or paving. Drop spreaders provide precise control, making them preferable for gardens with intricate layouts, though they require more passes to cover equivalent areas. Consider your garden's complexity when deciding.

Materials and Corrosion Resistance: If you'll regularly spread rock salt or other corrosive substances, invest in stainless steel or corrosion-resistant models. Standard steel or plastic hoppers suffice for occasional use but may deteriorate quickly with frequent salt exposure, particularly in the UK's damp climate.

Build Quality and Durability: Professional users should prioritise heavy-duty construction with robust frames, commercial-grade gears, and pneumatic tyres. DIY users applying fertiliser twice yearly can opt for lighter-duty models. Check for adjustable spread patterns and flow control mechanisms for versatility across different products.

Power Source: Traditional push spreaders require no power but demand physical effort. Cordless 18V battery-powered models reduce fatigue significantly, especially valuable for elderly users or extensive properties. Ensure batteries and chargers are included or compatible with existing tool platforms you own.

Storage and Maintenance: Consider storage space availability. Some models feature removable hoppers or folding handles for compact storage in sheds. Plastic hoppers are lighter and rust-proof, whilst metal versions offer greater durability and stability.

Popular Accessories

• Calibration Kits: Help establish precise flow rate settings for different materials, ensuring accurate application rates and avoiding product waste
• Weather Covers: Protective covers keep stored spreaders clean and prevent moisture damage during the off-season
• Replacement Hoppers: Spare hoppers allow dedicated use for different materials, preventing cross-contamination between fertilisers and herbicides
• Pneumatic Tyre Upgrades: Convert solid wheels to air-filled tyres for improved manoeuvrability on uneven ground
• Edge Guards and Deflectors: Attachments that prevent material spreading beyond desired boundaries, particularly useful near flower beds and water features
• Tow Hitch Adaptors: Universal connectors ensuring compatibility between towable spreaders and various lawn tractors or ATVs

Safety Information

When operating lawn spreaders, observe these essential safety guidelines:

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear suitable gloves when handling fertilisers, herbicides, or rock salt, as these substances can irritate skin. Safety goggles protect eyes from wind-blown particles, particularly when using broadcast spreaders. Consider a dust mask when spreading fine powders in dry conditions.

Material Handling: Consult COSHH data sheets for chemicals you're spreading, following manufacturer instructions for safe handling and application rates. Store products securely away from children and pets. Never exceed recommended application rates, as over-fertilising can damage lawns and pollute waterways.

Operating Safely: Maintain stable footing when pushing spreaders, especially on slopes or wet grass. Clear the spreading area of obstacles, pets, and bystanders before commencing. Ensure hoppers are properly secured before operation to prevent spillage. For cordless models, follow battery safety guidelines and only use manufacturer-approved chargers.

Winter Gritting: When spreading rock salt, be mindful that excessive application can damage plants, corrode concrete, and harm wildlife. Target only essential pathways and always clean the spreader thoroughly after use to prevent corrosion, particularly if it's not salt-resistant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any lawn spreader for rock salt in winter?

Not all spreaders are suitable for rock salt, as it's highly corrosive and can damage standard steel components. Check the manufacturer's specifications before use. For regular winter gritting, invest in a stainless steel or salt-resistant model designed specifically for corrosive materials. Always clean the spreader thoroughly after spreading salt to prevent deterioration.

What's the difference between broadcast and drop spreaders?

Broadcast spreaders distribute material in a wide arc using a spinning disc, covering ground quickly but with less precision. Drop spreaders release material straight downwards in a controlled line, offering accuracy but requiring more passes. Choose broadcast for open lawns and speed, drop for precise work near borders and pathways.

How do I calibrate my spreader for different products?

Most spreaders feature numbered flow control settings. Fertiliser and seed manufacturers typically provide recommended settings on packaging. To calibrate accurately, spread over a measured area (such as 10 square metres), collect and weigh the material distributed, then adjust the flow rate until you achieve the recommended application rate per square metre.

Can I leave fertiliser in my spreader between uses?

Never leave material in your spreader for extended periods. Fertilisers and chemicals absorb moisture from the UK's damp climate, causing clumping, corrosion, and mechanism jamming. Always empty the hopper completely after use and rinse with water to remove residue, then store the spreader in a dry location.

What hopper capacity do I need for my lawn size?

As a guide, a 12-15kg hopper suits gardens up to 300 square metres, 18-20kg hoppers cover 300-600 square metres, whilst 25kg+ capacities are appropriate for larger properties or commercial use. Consider that larger hoppers reduce refilling but add weight, making the spreader harder to manoeuvre, especially when fully loaded.