From a distance, drop spreaders vs broadcast spreaders look pretty much the same. They both have wheels, handlebars, hoppers, and a dial. But there are also handheld versions, some with engines and ones that can be towed behind a lawn tractor. So, what’s the difference, and why would you pick a drop spreader vs a broadcast spreader? Well, there are some pretty big differences when you look a bit closer at the two. So let’s find out what the differences are.
Drop Spreaders vs Broadcast Spreaders for Lawns (The Short Version)
The fundamental difference between a drop spreader vs broadcast spreader is that a drop spreader literally drops granular material directly onto the ground within the width of the machine, whereas a broadcast spreader ejects granular material across an adjustable area much wider than the width of the machine. Both machines can be used to spread insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and grass seeds.
What is a Drop Spreader?
If you look inside the hopper of a drop spreader, you’ll see a bunch of adjustable openings that can be changed to allow a specific amount of the product to drop. These openings are opened and closed by a trigger located on the handlebar. So, you would set the openings to match the product you are using.
For example, you would set a Scott drop spreader to 3.5 on its dial for a MiracleGro Autumn & Spring lawn feed since this is what the product specifies in its instructions. Then you would walk the area you want to feed while holding the trigger, allowing the product to fall.
An Overview of Broadcast Spreaders
Now, if you look in the hopper of a broadcast spreader, you’ll find an opening that can be adjusted to regulate the rate at which the product is used. This is similar to that of a drop spreader, but in a broadcast spreader, there is usually only one hole. Again, a trigger is located on the handlebars to open and close this opening.
So far, both the drop spreaders vs broadcast spreaders are pretty much the same. But if you take a look under a broadcast spreader, you’ll start to see a difference. So, this is where you’ll find a disc with several fins that catches the product from the hopper. As you push the broadcast spreader, this disc spins and ejects the product. Scotts spreader will eject the product a few feet on either side of the machine, giving you about a five-foot width, whereas machines like the Lesco broadcast spreader will reach a total width of about 15-20 feet.
The Lesco broadcast spreader is the big green spreader you’ll normally see the pest control guys like TruGreen and Truly Nolan use.
Drop Spreader vs Broadcast Spreader: How They Differ
The main differences between using a drop spreader vs a broadcast spreader are how accurately you can apply products, how uniformly the products can be applied, and the speed at which you can apply them.
So, let’s take a look at what these different factors mean when deciding which machine to use.
Accuracy of Spreading
Accuracy can be an important factor depending on which product you want to spread. For example, you only want to spread grass seed in your lawn area and not on the flower beds. And you want fertilizer on soil areas that need feeding.
If fertilizer is left on hard surfaces like concrete driveways and paths, then moisture will react with the fertilizer and leave rust spots. It’s also important to be accurate when spreading around bodies of water to avoid polluting the water.
Uniformity of Application
If you are deciding between a drop spreader vs a broadcast spreader for products like grass seed, then a consistent application is key. You want to evenly spray the grass seed so that you end up with an even lawn.
Now when it comes to fertilizer, this isn’t so important. A bit of extra fertilizer here and a little less there isn’t going to create much of a problem for your yard in the grand scheme of things.
Speed of Application
If you are looking to cover an area quickly or tackle a large yard, then the speed of the application comes into play. But with more speed comes less accuracy and a less uniform application. So this is good for fertilizer but not so great for grass seed.
Pros of Drop Spreaders
People usually choose drop spreaders because they are more accurate and spread more evenly than broadcast spreaders. Now for products like grass seed, this is definitely important.
Using a broadcast spreader might leave you with a patchy lawn or a flower bed turning to new sections of lawn. With drop spreaders, you have much more control of your granular product.
Cons of Drop Spreaders
A problem with drop spreaders is that they are very slow. You have to walk every part of the areas you want to cover. So, if you have a big area, then be prepared to work for a while. If you can picture it, a drop spreader has about 2 feet wide coverage, whereas a broadcast spreader covers more than 5 feet.
So, if your lawn is 100 feet wide, then you’ll make maybe 50 passes with a drop spreader, whereas with a small broadcaster spreader, you’ll make 20 passes. If you went for a Lesco professional broadcast spreader, you’d only need to make maybe 5 – 7 passes.
Something else you should consider is that drop spreaders can be difficult to use in small areas. A drop spreader can be hard to use if you have tight areas like grass pathways. You have to think of the space you have to work in and decide if you’ll be able to use your machine.
Pros of Broadcast Spreaders
This big plus for a broadcast spreader over a drop spreader is the amount of product you can apply in a short time. Products like fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides can be applied more liberally with less accuracy compared to grass seed. So, fertilizing a lawn can be done much quicker with a broadcast spreader.
Cons of Broadcast Spreaders
Like I said before, with speed comes less accuracy. Most broadcast spreaders have a deflector that prevents the product from going in a specific direction. However, they will still spread the product over a larger area which is harder to control.
So, you might end up overspreading into areas you don’t want and using up your product quicker. Certain places in the United States have even set rules regarding where you can and can’t use broadcast spreaders. You have to use the deflector to make sure you don’t spread fertilizers on hard surfaces or in the direction of bodies of water.
For example, the Sanibel Island, Florida Code of Ordinances has regulations on how broadcast spreaders can be used.
Factors that Will Impact Your Decision
So if you’re on the fence between a drop spreader vs a broadcast spreader, then here are a few factors that could help you choose. Let’s take a look.
Size of the Area
If you have a large area to cover, then you’ll want a machine that can spread a wide area in one pass. This is where the broadcast spreader stands out. But a drop spreader will work better if you have a narrow yard and some paths. In some cases, you may need a combination of both machines.
Accuracy Required
We have seen that accuracy is important when it comes to grass seeds and fertilizing near water. So, a broadcast spreader may not be the right choice if you’re by water and have a concrete patio. But if you have just a big lawn you want to fertilize, then I’d be reaching for the broadcast spreader and leaving the drop spreader in the shed.
Accessibility in Your Yard
I have a section down the side of my house that is too narrow for my broadcast spreader. Well, unless I want to spread onto my path and a section of my neighbor’s yard. Also, I have a narrow strip of grass between my patio and my fence.
Again, this is too small of an area for my broadcast spreader. So, these couple of different areas impact what I can use. Take a look around your yard and see which machine will fit where.
Clean-Up
If you are like me and you have some areas that are too small for a broadcast spreader, but this is the only machine you have, then you’ll have to be prepared to do some clean-up.
Getting products off of hard surfaces is going to take some extra time and tools. If you have a leaf blower, then this will only take a second or two. But clean-up is worth factoring in before you head out with a broadcast spreader.
My Recommendations for When to Use a Drop Spreader vs Broadcast Spreader
Now, there isn’t one machine for one job and one for another. It really comes down to your own situation and what fits your needs and your yard. As you’ll see from the table below, Scotts gives different settings for both their drop spreaders vs broadcast spreaders.
So, to decide between the drop spreader or the broadcast spreader, think about the pros and cons of each machine and the different factors worth considering.
Scotts Spreader Setting for Various Scotts Products
| Product | Broadcast Spreader Setting | Drop Spreader Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Scotts Grub Ex | 3 ½ | 5 ½ |
| Scotts Disease Ex | 2 ¼ | 4 |
| Scotts Turf Builder Seed | 6 | 17 |
| Scotts Turf Builder Fertilizer | 3 ¼ | 6 ¼ |
Now that we have covered the pros and cons of drop spreader vs broadcast spreader, here’s a quick summary of how I believe each machine will hold up in different yards and situations.
Drop Spreader vs Broadcast Spreader Summary
| Item | Drop Spreader | Broadcast Spreader |
|---|---|---|
| Seed | X | X |
| Fertilizer | X | X |
| Pesticide | X | X |
| Herbicide | X | X |
| Insecticide | X | X |
| Small Areas | X | |
| Medium Areas | X | X |
| Large Areas | X | |
| Tight Spaces | X | |
| Hard Surfaces | X | |
| Bodies of Water | X | |
| Accuracy | X | |
| Uniformity | X | |
| Fast Application | X | |
| Clean-Up | X |
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