In the garden, grit often has to be spread. Of course, you can also spread fertiliser, lime, sand, gravel or seed by hand, but using a spreader ensures even distribution. In our guide we go into the different spreaders, give you tips for the purchase and also explain what you should consider when using them.
Spreaders are practical and not expensive at all
Our recommendations
our recommendation
GARDENA spreader L: universal spreader for spreading fertiliser, seeds and road salt, 45 cm spreading width, for approx. 400 m² lawn area, 12.5 l capacity, with locking slide (432-20)
39.99 EUR To the product| Type | spreader |
|---|---|
| capacity | 12.5 liters |
| spread | 45 centimeters |
| Scatter width adjustable | Yes |
| Weight | 2.5 kilograms |
| material | plastic (including tires) |
| extras | with locking slide |
The Gardena spreader L is a classic spreader that can be used as a universal spreader all year round. It is equally suitable for spreading fertiliser, lime, sand, road salt and seed. The spreading width of this spreader is 45 centimetres, the container has a capacity of 12.5 litres. According to the manufacturer, the spreader is suitable for areas up to 400 square meters in size. The equipment includes two plastic wheels, a similar container, a wire rope and a bracket. A special feature of the model is the spreading quantity regulator, which is located directly on the handle and with which you can easily dose the spreading material. The Gardena spreader also has a locking slide with a lip made of soft plastic. The dosing device has several stages.
our recommendation
WOLF-Garten WE 430 SPREADER PERFECT
EUR 65.70 To the product| Type | spreader |
|---|---|
| capacity | 20 liters |
| spread | 43 centimeters |
| Scatter width adjustable | no |
| Weight | 5.8 kilograms |
| material | plastic (including tires) |
| extras | Stop bar on the handle |
This spreader from the manufacturer Wolf Garten is a classic spreader that lets the spread material trickle out through the lower opening. The model has a stop function that is attached to the handle and prevents accidental loss of spreading material. The Wolf Garten spreader has two plastic wheels and a container with a volume of up to 20 litres. The spreading width, in turn, is 43 centimetres. The model can be used universally and is suitable for different spreading materials, such as sand, seeds and fertilizer granules. The Wolf Garten spreader also has a practical spread rate regulator, which you can use to change the spread rate as required.
our recommendation
Substral EasyGreen universal centrifugal spreader, spreader, fertilizer spreader with rotation technology, 1 pc.
43.79 EUR To the product| Type | centrifugal spreader |
|---|---|
| capacity | 12 liters |
| spread | up to 400 centimeters |
| Scatter width adjustable | Yes |
| Weight | 4.8 kilograms |
| material | plastic (including tires) |
| extras | Scatter width individually adjustable |
This Substral spreader is a so-called centrifugal spreader that distributes the material to be spread within a radius of up to four meters around the device using the free-running rotary disc. The spreading width can be adjusted as required between one and four meters. The grit container has a capacity of 12 liters so that, according to the manufacturer, you can use it on areas of up to 800 square meters… The Substral spreader can also be used universally and is suitable for various grit, but they should not be wet. The amount of spread can be adjusted using the dosing device on the handle. The device also has a scattering stop bar.
Purchase Criteria
scope of application
Many gritters are universally applicable devices that can spread different grit all year round. They are suitable as fertilizer and seed spreaders in the garden bed or on the lawn. In winter you can spread salt with a universal salt or sand spreader to prevent black ice on paths. When buying, be sure to pay attention to the information on the permitted spreading materials, because some devices only allow certain grain sizes to trickle through.
spread
One of the most important properties of a spreader is the spreading width. It is also sometimes referred to as spread. A distinction is made between classic spreaders - whose spreading width corresponds to the width of the device - and centrifugal spreaders. The latter have a rotating disc that distributes the grit over a wider area. Centrifugal spreaders are suitable for large areas, but they are oversized for small beds or tiny patches of lawn. On large areas, on the other hand, you save a lot of work with a large spreading width.
capacity
The capacity of the spreader container depends on the size of the garden area to be worked. A large container makes sense if, for example, you want to regularly overseed, fertilize and lime a large lawn. A spreader with a capacity of twelve liters is sufficient for a garden with an area of up to 400 square meters. An exception are salt shakers, which generally require a higher capacity of between 20 and 25 liters.
tires
So that you can use the new spreader as you wish, you should take a closer look at the tires. The condition of the wheels should be suitable for the ground. If possible, you should choose a model with narrow tires for an ornamental lawn, as this would otherwise leave ruts. Air-filled tires are better for uneven ground, while wide tires with a rough tread make it easier to drive on difficult surfaces. Hard rubber or plastic tires do not burst and do not have to be pumped up, but they can break or crack.
Additional functions
spread rate controller: With the spread rate regulator, you dose the spreading material exactly as you need it. Most often it is a lever or button near the handle that simply needs to be pressed.
stop function: A stop function is also practical, which prevents spreading material from being lost unnecessarily when standing still, during transport or when turning. The stop function usually does not work at the push of a button, but by pushing the device backwards. If you want the spreader to spread the spreading material again, simply push it forwards again.
mixing device: If the spreader has a mixing device, you can do two jobs in one go, saving a lot of time. In such a device, two spreading materials can be filled in, mixed and then applied together. For example, it is possible to sow and fertilize a lawn at the same time.
materials and weight
Many spreaders are equipped with a plastic container. They are light in weight and therefore easy to move. In addition, the material is easy to clean and rust-free. However, many plastics have the disadvantage that they become porous over time due to the effects of the weather - especially sunlight. Spreaders with metal containers are therefore heavier, but also more durable.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a spreader and why do you need it?
A spreader is a wheeled device that has a container and which you can push. Various spreading materials are filled into the container - such as fertilizer granules, seeds or sand - and this is applied to large and small garden areas. Depending on the model, you can also use it as a salt shaker in winter. Many models are hand-operated and are guided by a T- or U-shaped handle.
What types of spreaders are there?
There are different types of spreaders. Manually operated variants are small, manoeuvrable and are also very suitable for smaller areas. A distinction is made here between classic spreaders and centrifugal spreaders, which have a larger spreading width. There are also spreading trailers that can be attached to the ride-on lawn mower or lawn tractor, for example.
How do you properly clean a spreader?
The spreader should be cleaned after each use by pouring warm water into the container. This flows through the lower opening so that residues of spreading material are removed. You can also add a few splashes of washing-up liquid to counteract stubborn dirt. The container must then be carefully dried so that there is no mold growth.
Where can you buy spreaders?
Spreaders are available from local retailers, such as hardware stores and garden centers such as Toom, Obi or Hornbach. However, you have a larger selection and more comparison options in online trading, whereby spreaders are not only available from the large Internet department stores. Various models can also be found in the shops of the large hardware stores.
How much does a spreader cost?
You can get simple, manually operated spreaders for a price starting at around EUR 30. Larger models - which can be used as trailers - can cost several hundred euros. Of course, the price also depends on the manufacturer (brand manufacturer vs. no-name product) and any additional functions that may be available.
Which brand manufacturers produce spreaders?
Almost all leading garden tool manufacturers offer their own spreaders: you won't go wrong with a model from Gardena, Wolf Garten, Substral, Einhell or Hecht. In addition, some hardware stores and less well-known manufacturers also offer good spreaders with ergonomic handling and reasonable prices.