What is a Broadcast Spreader?

For those who are looking to take care of their lawns, and make them look as good as they possibly can, they need to have the best possible tools. One of the most important tools that they can have in their tool box is something called a broadcast spreader. These tools are perfect for helping to maintain the health and welfare of your existing lawn, and even helping you to grow some grass where it may be missing. There are even some other ways that a broadcast spreader could be helpful than with the grass.

• What it is. In the simplest of terms, a broadcast spreader is a landscaping and farming tool that is used to spread (hence the word spreader in the name) things like seed, lime, fertilizer, and so on. The broadcast part of the name comes from the fact that the materials placed in it doesn't just fall where you point it, but is thrown, projected, or "broadcasted" away in an arc from the container.
• Types available. There are several types of broadcast spreaders available on the market. However, while all the types have the same basic design, there is one single difference that can easily be used to identify the different types, and that is size. The smallest types are those that can be held by a single individual and will hold up to a three or four liters of material. These models are usually powered by hand. The larger models, some of which are so large that they need to be pulled by a tractor, are usually powered by the wheels turning.
• How they work. Broadcast spreaders work off of a fairly simple principle, which is a combination of gravity and centrifugal force. The material is placed into a hopper that also acts as a funnel that is positioned over a disk. Between the disk and the funnel is a feeding hole that can often be adjusted according to slow or advance the speed with which the material can hit the disk. The disk often has several fins or scoops that will catch the material as it spins around, and then helps to fling the material outward. Depending on the type or model of spreader you have, you can adjust the arc of the material as it comes off of the disk to either expand or narrow it.
• Potential uses. Broadcast spreaders are perfect for helping your to plant grass seed in large areas, and are also very helpful in feeding the lawn as well with fertilizer. That isn't the only way that you can use a broadcast spreader though, and their use doesn't end with the onset of cold weather. You can also use a broadcast spreader to help spread out ice melt and sand. Another way to use a broadcast spreader would be if you have a large oil or fuel spill. Place some kitty litter into the hopper of the spreader and then use it to help spread out the kitty litter over the spill.