Does your lawn or property need a little extra care? Maybe you need to spread fertilizer, seeds, or salt for winter ice. Getting the job done evenly and efficiently can feel like a real chore. You might have tried using a backpack spreader, but your back aches after just a short time! That is where an ATV spreader becomes a game-changer.
Choosing the right ATV spreader is tough. You face a lot of choices! Should you pick electric or gas-powered? How big should the hopper be? Getting the wrong spreader means uneven coverage or constant frustrating refills. We know you want a tool that works hard so you don’t have to.
This guide will break down everything you need to know. We will look at the best features and help you match a spreader perfectly to your needs. By the end, you will feel confident picking the best ATV spreader for your property maintenance tasks.
Top Atv Spreader Recommendations
- HEAVY DUTY POLY HOPPER – Rustproof design holds up to 100 lbs of seed, fertilizer, feed, or ice melt for year-round use.
- ENCLOSED 12V MOTOR – Durable motor inside hopper for reliable spreading of seed, salt, and fertilizer in all conditions.
- RAIN COVER INCLUDED – Protects materials from moisture and harsh weather, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
- VERSATILE BROADCAST SPREADING – Covers up to 30 feet for efficient distribution of seed, salt, or feed across large areas.
- EASY ATV MOUNTING – Attaches securely to your ATV’s rear utility rack for quick setup and hassle-free operation.
- EASY MOUNTING: Quick installation to the front or rear utility rack of your ATV/UTV, with an on/off switch conveniently mounted to the handlebars for easy control.
- 80LB CAPACITY: Corrosion-resistant, heavy-duty hopper with an 80-pound capacity, ideal for spreading seed, fertilizer, and more. **Supports up to 80lbs, actual capacity depends on material type being used.**
- ADJUSTABLE RATE: Control the drop rate with the easy-to-reach adjustment handle, ensuring even distribution and coverage for your lawn care or winter needs.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Powder-coated steel frame and vinyl-coated 12-volt motor, designed to handle harsh conditions and corrosive products such as fertilizer, salt and snow melt can deliver up to a 12-foot spread radius.
- HOPPER COVER INCLUDED: The rain cover protects your material in wet weather, preventing clumping and allowing for use in all conditions.
- TURN YOUR ATV INTO A LANDSCAPING TOOL – Perfect for spreading seed, fertilizer, feed, and rock salt for all-season use.
- DURABLE POLYETHYLENE HOPPER – Rust-proof 15-gallon hopper ensures long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
- COVER LARGE AREAS FAST – 30-foot spread width reduces multiple passes, ideal for farming, hunting, and property maintenance.
- ADJUSTABLE DISPERSION CONTROL – Shut-off gate lets you regulate material flow for precise application and minimal waste.
- PROTECT MATERIALS FROM THE ELEMENTS – Includes poly lid to keep seed, salt, and feed dry during operation.
- Spread feed, seed, salt, and fertilizer in a directional path by using the Boss Buck's ATV Broadcast Spreader and Seeder; Versatile and durable addition to your farming needs
- Seed spreader that features an adjustable nozzle which allows you to modify the nozzle size for large materials like corn or small seeds, providing multiple options without the need of other equipment
- Designed with slide valve located at the front of the hopper that functions as an additional opening or restriction from hopper opening to the sprout
- Boss Buck ATV spreader and other included parts are manufactured with durable materials for long-term use; You can be sure that the construction will withstand any road and weather conditions
- Spacious farm equipment that can hold up to 80 pounds of fertilizer, feed, salt, seed and more, providing you an ample space for your farming or gardening needs
- FUN AND FUNCTIONAL: Transform your UTV into a versatile landscaping tool with Buyers Products Receiver Mount UTV All Purpose Spreader. Spread a variety of materials up to 30 ft with its 15-gallon rust-proof poly hopper
- YEAR-ROUND EFFICIENCY: This multipurpose spreader handles salt, fertilizer, seed, feed, and more, making it ideal for landscaping, groundskeeping, farming, and agriculture needs
- APPLY WITH EASE: Easily regulate material dispersal with the adjustable shut-off gate, ensuring precise application for every task
- ESSENTIALS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: Built to last with a sealed 12V motor and poly lid, protecting materials from the elements
- WHAT ELSE IS INCLUDED: Includes an 8.5' wiring harness; longer harnesses available for select UTV models, like John Deere, ensuring compatibility
- MADE IN USA
- HOPPER CAPACITY: 130 lbs.; 1/2 acre (25,000 sq. ft.)
- SPREAD WIDTH: 10-12 ft. spread
- WHEELS: 13" x 4" pneumatic tires
- OPERATION: Easy to use universal hitch & direct rod control
- Capacity - 2.2 cubic foot, compact-molded polymer hopper holds 145 lbs of material,
- Adjustable slide gate allows you to control the rate of material used.
- Stainless steel radial 6 blade fan is spot welded for precise material distribution and broadcast.
- Variable speed controller allows you to monitor width of material spread, from 5 feet to 45 feet.
- Water resistant rain cover protects material from moisture and clumping
- Durable, tapered plastic hopper with a 100 lb. capacity
- Handheld controller regulates seed/fertilizer dispense rates with 6 different settings
- Heavy-duty 12-volt motor, secure-fitting easy on/off lid, 60% larger deflection shield
- Built-in quick-release system for easy detachment
- Universal mounting bracket compatible with most ATVs
Your Essential Guide to Buying the Right ATV Spreader
An ATV spreader is a fantastic tool. It helps you spread seeds, fertilizer, or salt easily across your land using your All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). Choosing the right one makes your yard work much faster and better. This guide helps you pick the perfect spreader for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at these main features. They decide how well the spreader works for you.
1. Hopper Capacity
The hopper is the big container that holds your material (like seeds or salt). Larger hoppers hold more. This means you stop refilling less often. Think about how big your property is. Small yards need smaller hoppers (around 50 lbs). Big farms need much larger ones (100 lbs or more).
2. Spreading Pattern Control
You need to control where the material lands. Good spreaders offer precise control over the spread width and rate. Look for easy-to-adjust levers or dials. You want an even spread, not clumps in one spot.
3. Mounting System
How does it attach to your ATV? Most spreaders use a hitch or a rack mounting system. Make sure the system is strong and fits your ATV model securely. A wobbly spreader drops material everywhere.
4. Power Source
Most ATV spreaders are powered by the ATV’s 12V electrical system. This powers the motor that turns the spinner. Ensure the wiring harness is included and built tough for outdoor use.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used determine how long your spreader lasts, especially when dealing with wet or corrosive stuff like fertilizer.
- Hopper Material: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic is common. It resists rust and is lightweight. Stainless steel hoppers are the best choice if you spread harsh, wet fertilizers often because they do not corrode.
- Frame and Hardware: Look for heavy-duty, powder-coated steel frames. This coating protects the metal from rust and scratches. All nuts and bolts should be rust-resistant (like stainless steel).
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all spreaders are built the same. Some design choices make a big difference.
Quality Boosters:
- Sealed Gearboxes: These protect the moving parts from dirt and moisture. This greatly improves the lifespan of the motor and gears.
- Easy Clean-Out: A design that lets you easily wash out leftover material prevents corrosion buildup.
Quality Reducers:
- Thin Plastic Hoppers: Cheap, thin plastic can crack easily when hit by branches or heavy rocks.
- Exposed Wiring: Wires that are not well protected from mud and water will fail quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is it to use? This affects your whole experience.
Ease of Use
A good spreader has simple controls. You should be able to adjust the flow rate while riding. If you have to stop, get off, and use tools every time you change materials, the quality of use goes down.
Common Use Cases
- Lawn Care: Spreading lime or granular fertilizer evenly across large lawns or fields.
- Food Plots: Distributing seed for wildlife food plots quickly and accurately.
- Winter Prep: Using it to spread ice melt or sand on long, private driveways during winter storms.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About ATV Spreaders
Q: How heavy is an empty ATV spreader?
A: Most tow-behind spreaders weigh between 40 and 100 pounds when empty, depending on the hopper size.
Q: Can I use my spreader for salt in the winter?
A: Yes, but you must clean it thoroughly after using corrosive salt. Stainless steel models handle salt best.
Q: Do all ATV spreaders fit any ATV?
A: Most use a standard hitch pin connection, but check the weight rating to ensure it matches your ATV’s towing capacity.
Q: How do I keep the material from clogging?
A: Use materials that are the correct size for the spinner design. Also, make sure the agitation mechanism (if present) is working to break up clumps.
Q: What is the typical spread width?
A: Spread widths usually range from 8 feet up to 40 feet, depending on the spinner size and material type.
Q: Does the spreader need its own battery?
A: No. Almost all models draw power directly from the ATV’s 12V battery via the electrical plug.
Q: How do I adjust the spread rate?
A: You usually adjust the rate using a lever or dial attached to the tow bar or near the hopper. This controls how much material drops onto the spinner.
Q: Are tow-behind spreaders better than hitch-mounted ones?
A: Tow-behind models generally offer larger capacities and better stability than smaller, rack-mounted spreaders.
Q: What is the most important maintenance task?
A: The most important task is cleaning the hopper and spinner assembly immediately after use, especially after spreading fertilizers.
Q: Can I spread lime with a plastic hopper spreader?
A: Yes, you can, but lime is abrasive. If you use it often, choose a model with a heavy-duty plastic liner or a stainless steel hopper to prevent premature wear.