Rotary Spreader vs Drop Spreader – Reviews and Comparison
If you are looking for a new lawn spreader, you might be wondering whether to choose a rotary spreader or a drop spreader. Both types of spreaders have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your lawn size, shape, and needs. In this blog post, we will review and compare some of the best rotary and drop spreaders on the market, and help you decide which one is right for you.
Rotary spreaders, also known as broadcast spreaders, use a rotating disc to fling fertilizer or seeds in a wide arc around the spreader. They are ideal for large, open lawns that require fast and even coverage. Rotary spreaders can cover a lot of ground in a short time, but they also have some drawbacks. They are less precise than drop spreaders and can waste material by throwing it onto sidewalks, driveways, or flower beds. They also require more calibration and maintenance to ensure accurate application rates.
Drop spreaders, on the other hand, drop fertilizer or seeds directly below the hopper as you push them along. They are more suitable for small to medium-sized lawns that have irregular shapes or obstacles. Drop spreaders offer more control and accuracy than rotary spreaders, and can prevent material from landing in unwanted areas. However, they also have some disadvantages. They are slower and more labor-intensive than rotary spreaders and can leave streaks or gaps if you don’t overlap your passes correctly.
What is a Rotary Spreader?
A rotary spreader is a machine that uses a rotating disc to distribute fertilizer, grass seed, or other lawn care products. It operates by spinning the disc and throwing the material out onto the lawn in a circular pattern. Rotary spreaders are commonly used for larger areas, as they can cover a lot of ground quickly.
Advantages of Rotary Spreaders:
- They are faster than drop spreaders, as they can cover a large area quickly.
- They can distribute the material evenly, which is important for ensuring uniform growth and appearance of the lawn.
- Rotary spreaders are great for large lawns or commercial applications.
Disadvantages of Rotary Spreaders:
- They are more expensive than drop spreaders.
- They may not be as accurate as drop spreaders, which can lead to over-application or under-application of lawn care products.
- They may not be suitable for use on steep slopes or uneven terrain.
What is a Drop Spreader?
A drop spreader is a machine that drops the material directly onto the lawn as it is pushed forward. The flow of the material is controlled by a series of openings in the bottom of the hopper. Drop spreaders are commonly used for smaller lawns or for areas that require more precise application.
Advantages of Drop Spreaders:
- They are more accurate than rotary spreaders, which is important for preventing over-application or under-application of lawn care products.
- They are less expensive than rotary spreaders.
- They are better suited for use on steep slopes or uneven terrain.
Disadvantages of Drop Spreaders:
- They are slower than rotary spreaders, as they require more passes to cover a large area.
- They may not distribute the material as evenly as rotary spreaders, which can lead to uneven growth and appearance of the lawn.
- They may not be suitable for use on large lawns or commercial applications.
Which One Should You Choose?
When it comes to choosing between a rotary spreader and a drop spreader, there are a few factors to consider. First, think about the size of your lawn. If you have a large lawn or commercial application, a rotary spreader may be the best choice due to its speed and ability to cover a large area quickly. However, if you have a smaller lawn or require a more precise application, a drop spreader may be the better option.
Next, consider the terrain of your lawn. If you have steep slopes or uneven terrain, a drop spreader may be the better choice due to its greater accuracy and suitability for use on such terrain. Finally, think about your budget. If cost is a major concern, a drop spreader is likely the better option as it is less expensive than a rotary spreader.
Our Top Spreader Picks
To help you choose between these two types of spreaders, we have selected some of the best models from each category and compared them based on their features, performance, durability, and customer reviews. Here are our top picks:
– Best rotary spreader: Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
– Best drop spreader: Agri-Fab 45-0288 Tow Behind Drop Spreader
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
This compact and lightweight rotary spreader from Scotts is designed to deliver superior results with less waste. It features EdgeGuard technology that blocks off the right side of the spreader pattern to prevent material from spreading onto non-lawn areas. It also has a control panel with precision rate settings for different types of products.
The hopper can hold up to 5,000 square feet of lawn products, and the rust-proof frame and agitator ensure durability and reliability. The Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader is easy to assemble and use and has received many positive reviews from customers who praise its performance and value.
Agri-Fab 45-0288 Tow Behind Drop Spreader
If you have a large lawn and a tractor or ATV, you might want to consider this tow-behind drop spreader from Agri-Fab. It has a generous hopper capacity of 17 gallons (dry) or 175 pounds, which can cover up to 40,000 square feet per fill. It has a 42-inch controlled spread width that allows you to cover more ground in less time.
It also has a heavy-duty steel frame and poly hopper that can withstand harsh weather conditions and rough terrain. The Agri-Fab 45-0288 Tow Behind Drop Spreader is easy to attach and detach from your vehicle and has an on/off lever that you can operate from the driver’s seat.
Conclusion
Both rotary and drop spreaders have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you depends on your lawn size, shape, and needs. Rotary spreaders are faster and more efficient for large, open lawns, but they are less precise and can waste material in unwanted areas. Drop spreaders are more accurate and controlled for small to medium-sized lawns with irregular shapes or obstacles, but they are slower and more labor-intensive than rotary spreaders.
We hope this blog post has helped you understand the differences between rotary and drop spreaders, and given you some ideas on which models to consider. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations when using any lawn spreader, and enjoy your beautiful lawn!
