Drop spreader recommendation
Discussion
Could anyone recommend a good drop spreader? The Scott's one that seems to be everywhere online also seems to have consistently poor reviews re durability and the accuracy of calibration. I've got about half an acre to cover, most of it on a goodish slope, and whilst I'm not overly concerned about replacing the thing fairly regularly given it's only £30 or so, I am keen to get the application rate right so as not to waste effort.
Looking to use (possibly) for some MO Bacter treatment (I know reviews of this vary but will give it a go once) and some seed later this year.
Say ~£100 but could be tempted if it's shiny. And, because I'm a masochist who, for example, uses a walk behind mower to cut the lawn, I'll be doing this manually so something to bear in mind please..
Cheers
Looking to use (possibly) for some MO Bacter treatment (I know reviews of this vary but will give it a go once) and some seed later this year.
Say ~£100 but could be tempted if it's shiny. And, because I'm a masochist who, for example, uses a walk behind mower to cut the lawn, I'll be doing this manually so something to bear in mind please..
Cheers
https://www.pitchcare.com/shop/hand-spreaders/inde...
But would be better to get a towed spreader then you can justify a Lawn tractor
We have the earthway tow spreader, the quality is better than the AGI FAB spreader we also have.
But would be better to get a towed spreader then you can justify a Lawn tractor
We have the earthway tow spreader, the quality is better than the AGI FAB spreader we also have.
Edited by mjh64 on Tuesday 26th May 20:04
But he asked about drop spreaders, not broadcast spreaders. 
If you're spreading on a small lawn, or one with a complex shape, especially if you've got borders with plants in, then a broadcast spreader would be a pain to use, because it would be difficult to prevent product getting flung into the borders.
Mind you, for half an acre, wouldn't a broadcast spreader be better anyway?
I use the Scotts "Evengreen" drop spreader, which I find works perfectly well and is reliable, although if you don't wash it out after use then certain products will cause corrosion of the spring at the bottom. When it breaks, the mechanism won't close when you release the handle. However, Scotts sent me a new spring FOC.
I find it's best to use it when the lawn is slightly damp so that you can see your wheel tracks more clearly, and don't forget to overlap slightly - there are markers moulded into the hopper that you line up with your previous wheel track.
I think Scotts used to make another budget drop spreader that got poor reviews, but that doesn't seem to be available any more.
If you're spreading on a small lawn, or one with a complex shape, especially if you've got borders with plants in, then a broadcast spreader would be a pain to use, because it would be difficult to prevent product getting flung into the borders.
Mind you, for half an acre, wouldn't a broadcast spreader be better anyway?
I use the Scotts "Evengreen" drop spreader, which I find works perfectly well and is reliable, although if you don't wash it out after use then certain products will cause corrosion of the spring at the bottom. When it breaks, the mechanism won't close when you release the handle. However, Scotts sent me a new spring FOC.
I find it's best to use it when the lawn is slightly damp so that you can see your wheel tracks more clearly, and don't forget to overlap slightly - there are markers moulded into the hopper that you line up with your previous wheel track.
I think Scotts used to make another budget drop spreader that got poor reviews, but that doesn't seem to be available any more.
Dr Mike Oxgreen said:
But he asked about drop spreaders, not broadcast spreaders.
If you're spreading on a small lawn, or one with a complex shape, especially if you've got borders with plants in, then a broadcast spreader would be a pain to use, because it would be difficult to prevent product getting flung into the borders.
Mind you, for half an acre, wouldn't a broadcast spreader be better anyway?
I use the Scotts "Evengreen" drop spreader, which I find works perfectly well and is reliable, although if you don't wash it out after use then certain products will cause corrosion of the spring at the bottom. When it breaks, the mechanism won't close when you release the handle. However, Scotts sent me a new spring FOC.
I find it's best to use it when the lawn is slightly damp so that you can see your wheel tracks more clearly, and don't forget to overlap slightly - there are markers moulded into the hopper that you line up with your previous wheel track.
I think Scotts used to make another budget drop spreader that got poor reviews, but that doesn't seem to be available any more.
Thanks Mike. I agree that a broadcast spreader may be more appropriate. Just keen to avoid spraying anything all over the beds and hedges (which aren't mine officially although I do cut my side).If you're spreading on a small lawn, or one with a complex shape, especially if you've got borders with plants in, then a broadcast spreader would be a pain to use, because it would be difficult to prevent product getting flung into the borders.
Mind you, for half an acre, wouldn't a broadcast spreader be better anyway?
I use the Scotts "Evengreen" drop spreader, which I find works perfectly well and is reliable, although if you don't wash it out after use then certain products will cause corrosion of the spring at the bottom. When it breaks, the mechanism won't close when you release the handle. However, Scotts sent me a new spring FOC.
I find it's best to use it when the lawn is slightly damp so that you can see your wheel tracks more clearly, and don't forget to overlap slightly - there are markers moulded into the hopper that you line up with your previous wheel track.
I think Scotts used to make another budget drop spreader that got poor reviews, but that doesn't seem to be available any more.
To give you a feel for what I'm dealing with I've put some photos below. The panoramic setting seems to mask the slope somewhat, at least in my mind.
I would like the lawn to look amazing but given that I'm already cutting it twice most weeks and the fact that I'm rather constrained in what I can do both in terms of time and the fact that as soon as I start collecting cuttings or debris from it this happens:
That was one mow! Albeit at a point where the growth had got slightly beyond the mower's mulching ability in the couple of weeks beforehand. I usually use the mulching setting, obviously, and guess that at least returns some nutrients back.
I've played with the idea of a ride-on but I and at least one other have turned these over on the hillier bits and the fact is that if I keep the mows frequently I can be around the site in just under an hour. Given that I'd have to do some manual mowing around the trees, banks and edges I don't think it'd save me much time. Good exercise too- about 4.5km in total the last time I measured it.
Any hints on tips on how to manage something of this size, shape & slope gratefully received- I should ask on the lawn thread really
Cheers
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