A pristine, healthy lawn is the pride of any homeowner, and for those with extensive property, a riding lawn mower is a necessity. But to achieve that lush, green carpet, you need the right partner for your tractor: a reliable tow-behind fertilizer spreader. These tools take the back-breaking work out of lawn care, allowing you to cover large areas efficiently and evenly.
The right spreader ensures your seeds, fertilizer, and other amendments are distributed precisely, preventing waste and promoting uniform growth. From massive-capacity broadcasters to innovative combination units that aerate as they spread, the options are designed to make your lawn maintenance routine faster and more effective. Choosing the best model for your needs can significantly upgrade your results.
Our Top Picks for Tow-Behind Fertilizer Spreaders
- Suchtale Upgrade 40-Inch Tow Behind Spiker Seeder
- Yard Commander 125 LB Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
- Agri-Fab 45-0288 175 lb. Tow-Behind Drop Spreader
- Agri-Fab 45-0527 110 lb. Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader
- EarthWay Products T150 150lb Towable Broadcast Spreader
- Agri-Fab 45-0543-AMZ 100 lb. Tow-Behind Spiker/Seeder
- Field Tuff 12V 80 Pound Broadcast Seed & Fertilizer Spreader
- 3-Point Fertilizer Spreader PTO
- Earthway 2750 Professional 50 lb Broadcast Spreader
Suchtale Upgrade 40-Inch Tow Behind Spiker Seeder
This Suchtale model is a true two-in-one workhorse, combining a broadcast spreader with a spike aerator. This dual functionality means you can distribute seeds and fertilizer while simultaneously punching holes in the soil to improve air and water penetration. The high-quality steel agitator inside the hopper prevents clumping, ensuring a smooth and even flow of material for consistent coverage across your lawn.
It features precise flow control with an infinitely adjustable stop device to minimize waste. The nine star-shaped soil penetrators, made from high-grade steel, create deep ventilation holes up to 2 inches deep, even in compacted soil. With a spacious all-steel hopper that can handle over 100 pounds, this unit is built for tackling large, tough terrains in a single, efficient pass.
Yard Commander 125 LB Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
Built for durability and large-scale projects, the Yard Commander boasts a corrosion-resistant composite hopper with a massive 125-pound capacity. This allows it to cover an impressive 25,000 square feet on a single load, making it ideal for very large lawns and properties. The robust construction is designed to withstand harsh chemicals like salt and ice melt, providing year-round utility.
At the heart of its reliable performance are the premium cast aluminum gears, which ensure a smooth and consistent operation for years to come. The unit offers an adjustable drop rate, giving you the ability to fine-tune the application for precise, even coverage without the risk of uneven feeding or material waste.
Agri-Fab 45-0288 175 lb. Tow-Behind Drop Spreader
For those who demand precision above all else, the Agri-Fab drop spreader is an excellent choice. With a massive 175-pound hopper capacity, this Made in USA unit can cover up to 40,000 square feet—roughly an entire acre—without needing a refill. Drop spreaders are renowned for their accuracy, placing material directly beneath the hopper in a controlled path.
This design is perfect for applying fertilizer along specific lines or avoiding overspray onto driveways, flower beds, and other sensitive areas. Its robust construction is built to handle the rigors of large properties, making it a dependable tool for homeowners who require pinpoint control over their lawn care applications.
Agri-Fab 45-0527 110 lb. Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader
Another reliable option from Agri-Fab, this 110-pound capacity broadcast spreader is also Made in USA. It features a rustproof poly hopper and spreader plate, which significantly increases the product’s lifespan by resisting corrosion from fertilizers and other chemicals. This makes it a long-term investment for your lawn care toolkit.
The broadcast design allows you to cover wide swaths of your lawn quickly, making it more efficient for large, open areas. The easy-to-use flow control can be managed from the seat of your riding mower, adding convenience to your lawn maintenance routine and helping you achieve a uniform, healthy green lawn with less effort.
EarthWay Products T150 150lb Towable Broadcast Spreader
The EarthWay T150 offers a substantial 150-pound capacity, making it a versatile tool for spreading seed, fertilizer, and even compost. It is built to meet the needs of both dedicated homeowners and commercial lawn care operations. The unit is designed for easy operation, with precise flow control that ensures an even distribution of material across your property.
A standout feature is the patented Side Spread Control. This innovative design allows you to shut off the left-side spread pattern, protecting your flowerbeds, sidewalks, and driveways from unwanted overspray. This level of control helps maintain the correct application rate right up to the edges of your lawn, preventing waste and keeping your landscaping tidy.
Agri-Fab 45-0543-AMZ 100 lb. Tow-Behind Spiker/Seeder
This Made in USA combination unit from Agri-Fab is a compact and efficient solution for core lawn care tasks. It functions as a 100-pound capacity drop spreader for precise application of seed and fertilizer, while also incorporating eight galvanized steel spike disks for thorough aeration. This dual-purpose design saves time and storage space.
The aeration component helps alleviate soil compaction, allowing water, air, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more effectively. With a 32-inch working width, it is well-suited for smaller to mid-sized properties where both seeding and aeration are part of a regular maintenance schedule, all without the need for multiple pieces of equipment.
Field Tuff 12V 80 Pound Broadcast Seed & Fertilizer Spreader
For maximum versatility, the Field Tuff spreader is a 12V-powered model that can be mounted on the front or back of an ATV, UTV, or utility tractor. This makes it perfect for maintaining not just lawns, but also large fields, pastures, and uneven terrain that a standard tow-behind might struggle with. Its 80-pound capacity and 12-foot broadcast width ensure efficient coverage.
The vinyl-coated 12-volt motor is built to be tough and durable, resisting the elements for long-lasting quality. The included rain protector helps keep the contents of the hopper dry, ensuring that your seed or fertilizer flows smoothly and doesn’t clump due to moisture.
3-Point Fertilizer Spreader PTO
This is a heavy-duty PTO (Power Take-Off) driveline designed for use with three-point hitch spreaders on larger agricultural or utility tractors. It connects the tractor’s power directly to the spreader mechanism, providing a reliable and consistent drive for demanding commercial or large-scale farming applications. The series 1 PTO is built for strength and endurance.
It features a telescoping design with a minimum length of 27 inches and a maximum of 33 inches, offering some flexibility for different tractor and implement setups. The yokes on both ends are 1-3/8 inches with 6 splines and include quick-disconnect locking pins for secure and easy attachment.
Earthway 2750 Professional 50 lb Broadcast Spreader
The Earthway 2750 is a professional-grade, walk-behind broadcast spreader known for its accuracy and durability. While not a tow-behind model for a riding mower, its inclusion here is for property owners who also value precision for smaller areas or touch-ups. Its 50-pound capacity is ideal for targeted applications where a large tow-behind spreader is not practical.
It features a heavy-duty construction and is a favorite among landscaping professionals for its consistent performance and even spread pattern. For comprehensive lawn care, having a reliable walk-behind spreader like the Earthway 2750 in addition to a tow-behind model offers the ultimate flexibility for all your property maintenance needs.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Fertilizer Spreader for Your Riding Mower
Choosing the right fertilizer spreader for your riding lawn mower is a game-changer. It saves you time and energy, turning a tedious chore into a quick and efficient task. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one for your yard? I’ve found that focusing on a few key areas makes the decision much easier.
First, consider the spreader type. You’ll mainly be looking at broadcast (or rotary) spreaders. These are the ones that throw material out in a wide, fan-like pattern. They are perfect for covering large, open areas quickly. For us riding mower users, a broadcast spreader that hitches to the back is the standard and most effective choice. Drop spreaders, which release product straight down in a precise line, are less common for riding mowers because they require more precision and overlapping passes to avoid striping.
Next, think about the hopper capacity. This is how much fertilizer, seed, or ice melt the spreader can hold. A larger capacity means fewer trips back to the shed to refill, which is a huge plus for big properties. I look for a capacity that matches the size of my yard; something in the 150-250 pound range is usually a good sweet spot for several acres.
The construction material is a big deal for longevity. I always recommend looking for a polyethylene hopper. It’s rust-proof and resists corrosion from fertilizers and other chemicals. The frame should be sturdy steel, preferably with a powder-coated finish for extra protection against the elements. You don’t want a flimsy spreader that will fall apart after one season.
Finally, check the mounting system and drive mechanism. How does it attach to your mower? A universal hitch is great because it fits most riding mowers and lawn tractors. For the drive, ground-driven models are simple and reliable—they use the turning of your wheels to power the spinner. There are also battery-powered models that offer more control over the flow rate, but they add another component (the battery) that needs maintenance. When I’m comparing the 9 best fertilizer spreaders for riding lawn mowers, I pay close attention to how easy they are to hook up, use, and clean. A quick-release mechanism and easy-to-clean interior will save you a lot of hassle after a long day of yard work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a broadcast spreader and a drop spreader?
A broadcast spreader (also called a rotary spreader) has a spinning mechanism that flings fertilizer, seed, or pellets out in a wide, fan-shaped pattern. This is what you almost always see attached to a riding mower because it covers large areas very quickly. A drop spreader releases the material straight down in a band directly beneath the hopper. It offers more precision for tricky areas but requires very careful driving to avoid missed strips or overlapping, which can burn your lawn. For most of us with riding mowers, a broadcast spreader is the way to go.
Can I use the same spreader for fertilizer and grass seed?
Yes, you absolutely can, and it’s one of the best parts of owning a good spreader. Most models are designed to handle a variety of materials, including different granule sizes for fertilizer and grass seed. The key is to clean the spreader thoroughly between uses. Fertilizer residue can clump and clog the mechanism, or worse, contaminate your grass seed. I always empty the hopper completely and use a blower or a dry brush to get all the dust and granules out before switching products.
How do I calibrate my fertilizer spreader?
Calibration sounds technical, but it’s just about setting the correct flow rate so you apply the right amount of product. First, check the bag of fertilizer or seed; it will have a recommended setting. I always start there. To test it, I lay a large tarp on my driveway and drive over it while the spreader is engaged. Then, I collect and weigh what was thrown. If it’s too much or too little, I adjust the setting and test again. Doing this simple test prevents under- or over-applying, which can waste money or harm your lawn.
Why is my spreader leaving streaks or a uneven pattern on my lawn?
Streaking is usually caused by one of two things. The first is an incorrect overlap pattern. With a broadcast spreader, you need to overlap each pass by about 50% to ensure even coverage. The second common cause is a clogged or damaged spinner. If the fins are bent or material is caked on, the throw pattern becomes inconsistent. I make a habit of inspecting and cleaning the spinner before every use. Also, driving at a consistent, moderate speed helps maintain a uniform spread.
What maintenance does a lawn mower fertilizer spreader need?
Maintenance is simple but crucial. After every single use, I empty any leftover product. Then, I use an air compressor or a shop vac to blow out the hopper and the spinner assembly. If I’ve used a corrosive material like ice melt, I might rinse it with water, but I always let it dry completely to prevent rust on the metal parts. A couple of times a season, I check the moving parts—like the agitator and the spinner bearings—and lubricate them if needed. This routine keeps my equipment running smoothly for years.