To make it easier to see the "wheel tracks" when using a drop spreader, do it first thing in the morning when there is still the morning dew on the ground, or turn on your water sprinklers for a couple of minutes and then use the drop spreader.
Can you explain how you can see where your spreading with a broadcast spreader but you can't with a drop spreader? Personally, I use drop spreader because I actually find it to be the opposite of what you said. I actually can see my wheel marks and it's easy to line up the arrows on the spreader lip for proper overlap. Whenever I use a broadcast spreader, i'm trying to concentrate on walking straight and simultaneously see about how far the fert is shooting out. I've heard the rule of thumb is about 4 to 5 feet between passes but it's not exact. I dunno, I find the drop spreader to be exact. I'm completely open to easier though so maybe I'm doing it wrong all these years.
So you want a slight overlap, with a broadcast spreader the overlap is somewhat randomly spread out but with a drop spreader any overlap is a double app. So the benefit is the pattern it applies. It also can apply a much wider path than a drop. That being said if you are happy using a drop spreader than by all means go for it. I personally can't do straight lines which would mean my apps with a drop spreader wouldn't be blended in like the broadcast.
I have one of each. With the broadcast spreader, I found I was putting down just massive amounts of product, even when I dialed the 'rate' back to half or less of spec. With a drop spreader, I come fairly close to the coverage claimed. A few times I wound up with sets of green stripes against a brown background, but practice helps. The rows made by the wheels seem a little more visible early or late in the day, with a low sun angle. Of course, you have to wait for a rainfall and then some sun to check your coverage...
@@rbarr775 just lightly spray the lawn with water then do it. The fert has to be watered in anyway to activate it. I always do that and water straight after
I use my drop spreader for grass seed because of accuracy, and my broadcast spreader for fertilizer, weed killer, etc. I have used the drop for weed killer near flower beds.
I am keen on getting the drop spreader as I need the accuracy for a lawn that is quite narrow in some places, but I can see the benefit of having both. Perhaps do the edges with the drop spreader and the larger areas with the broadcaster.
The problem I have experienced with the Drop Spreader is when I am applying Weed/Feed in the morning when the grass is damp. The bar that controls the opening and closing of the holes on the bottom gets wet from the grass and then I get clogged holes on the bottom. Any ideas to solve this problem??
Awesome! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask - I've got a ton of videos but I know it can be near impossible to find the right one sometimes =P
I've owned both. One of the negative issues of the broadcast spreader is that if you walk slowly the broadcast is so narrow that it broadcasts inside the wheel moulding. If you're using fertiliser you then up with tracks of fertiliser which eventually becomes stripes in your lawn. As to not knowing where the drop spreader tracks are, never had that problem. 60ft/20m one way, turn round and see the depressed grass. Exactly the same as when you use your lawnmower. Oh and in Australia Scotts products come with a lifetime free parts & shipping warrantly. Lifetime on a $AU50 product ! Unheard of.
i LOVE Drop Spreader, i use them to salt for the winter. people say i use too much salt, BUT a lot more people love the extra salt on the high traffic entries
If it works for you then keep doing it! A lot of it has to do with personal preference. I do think a tractor leaving wheel marks would be a lot easier to follow and not miss spots than the push version.
i have a hand spreader and got a drop spreader for $2 i like it because front yard is all i have and has lots of concrete and edges. more precise is key for this lawn
The type if grass I have leaves tracks when using the drop spreader. But I like it for my small front yard. And use a broadcast for my large back yard. Great video.
Thanks for the great vid left a thumbs up... question, so when it’s a 5’ swath does that mean the fert comes out 5’ to the left of the broadcaster and 5 to the right? Or does 5 foot swath mean it’s from the center so 2.5 feet to the left and 2.5 feet to the right?
Lol I thought my spreader I found on the curb was missing a part since it didn't spread it but it's the way it works it's a drop spreader it just drops it which it really sucks for me thanks for the video
Ok but they leave wheel marks in the grass .. I have a broadcast and it is hard for me to see how far it flings the seeds and stuff out .. and I figured that the drop spreader should leave wheel marks in the grass
Yeah my volume levels were bad back then but you know I did one video without the whistle song and I got more comments about where it went than I have about getting rid of it lol
Does the drop spreader do a more accurate job of spreading the right amount of product based on your overall yard size? I have the broadcast spreader, follow the instructions on the product putting in the proper amount of product for my lawn size, but I still have to go over the whole lawn nearly twice. According to the instructions for a broadcast spreader, if I set it at the recommended setting, I should only have to walk over the area of my lawn one time. The products don't say anything about going back over at a 90 degree angle to your first pass over the lawn. I am hoping that drop spreaders actually drop the right amount of product when following the instructions.
Honestly all the settings should be guidelines. You know how much product you want to apply so if there is more in the hopper then next time increase it a bit. Some people will go "wheel to wheel" when they apply which essentially doubles the amount put down, so it could be that is what they are assuming you are doing in the guidelines too. I personally just watch how wide it spreads and adjust the amount if need be, rather than going back over it more often doing the wheel to wheel method.
I want to spread SAND on my driveway in winter, not salt, and was told only a drop spreader will work because sand is heavy and the gears will jam in a broadcast spreader. Does that sound correct? Do you think your drop spreader could work with 60lb of sand in it? Thanks.
Joseph Collins same here I used it today and it just didn't drop consistently. Makes me wonder if it was fertilizer how bad the lawn would look after lol
Back a few years ago i bought a drop spreader not really knowing the basics of it............i then fertilized thinking it would spread when watered in..........no! I had perfect dark green lines in my lawn! Lesson learned! Thanks for the video!
Do you have any tips on how to prevent the product you're spreading on a broadcast spreader getting inside the wheels causing excess amount in a long the wheel line of your path? I spread fertilizer and I noticed i had green streaks for this reason. What am i doing wrong?
@@GrassDaddy it's just like the turf builder in your video. Mines an edge guard. Maybe I'm not walking fast enough. There's no problem with the broadcaster hardware so I'm assuming its operator error ha. It does all go to the wheels but its enough to leave lines of fertilizer. I dont really notice as I'm doing it but I can tell because I have darker green wheel tracks
So if it's for milorganite I'd just dump it down. Otherwise what I would do is pick a lower setting and spread it around until the amount you need to has been applied. Each time you use it, write a note on the setting and how much it put down of product. You'll get the feel for it. I do this with my broadcast spreader when using "pro" products - they don't list settings, but you save a ton by not using the "brand" products. So start with whatever setting is about 1/3 the way open and go from there (smaller than that is usually for seed)
You can go to Scotts.com and they will tell you what number to put for each type of fertilizer. For instance , weed and feed uses a 5 using a drop spreader and 3 1/2 on the broadcast one.
Love your vids. What about doing a video on zip tying a perfectly shaped piece of cardboard to a broadcast spreader to get a better edge than the stock edge guard? Once again love your videos
Hey thanks! Short and sweet, and sincere. Your hand held video was a bit too shaky, but otherwise great video. Also, you might want to state your bottom line up front "a broadcast spreader is better for most people in most typical lawn applications; but a drop spreader can help you put seed exactly where you need it if/when you don't want seed elsewhere, like into a flower bed, or garden." Then start your story and other talking points. Get your main point out there in the first minute, before all the other, helpful, useful and entertaining information. You asked for input. Thanks!
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To make it easier to see the "wheel tracks" when using a drop spreader, do it first thing in the morning when there is still the morning dew on the ground, or turn on your water sprinklers for a couple of minutes and then use the drop spreader.
Can you explain how you can see where your spreading with a broadcast spreader but you can't with a drop spreader? Personally, I use drop spreader because I actually find it to be the opposite of what you said. I actually can see my wheel marks and it's easy to line up the arrows on the spreader lip for proper overlap. Whenever I use a broadcast spreader, i'm trying to concentrate on walking straight and simultaneously see about how far the fert is shooting out. I've heard the rule of thumb is about 4 to 5 feet between passes but it's not exact. I dunno, I find the drop spreader to be exact. I'm completely open to easier though so maybe I'm doing it wrong all these years.
So you want a slight overlap, with a broadcast spreader the overlap is somewhat randomly spread out but with a drop spreader any overlap is a double app. So the benefit is the pattern it applies. It also can apply a much wider path than a drop.
That being said if you are happy using a drop spreader than by all means go for it. I personally can't do straight lines which would mean my apps with a drop spreader wouldn't be blended in like the broadcast.
I have one of each. With the broadcast spreader, I found I was putting down just massive amounts of product, even when I dialed the 'rate' back to half or less of spec. With a drop spreader, I come fairly close to the coverage claimed. A few times I wound up with sets of green stripes against a brown background, but practice helps. The rows made by the wheels seem a little more visible early or late in the day, with a low sun angle. Of course, you have to wait for a rainfall and then some sun to check your coverage...
@@rbarr775 just lightly spray the lawn with water then do it. The fert has to be watered in anyway to activate it. I always do that and water straight after
I use my drop spreader for grass seed because of accuracy, and my broadcast spreader for fertilizer, weed killer, etc. I have used the drop for weed killer near flower beds.
GREAT INPUT! 👍
I am keen on getting the drop spreader as I need the accuracy for a lawn that is quite narrow in some places, but I can see the benefit of having both. Perhaps do the edges with the drop spreader and the larger areas with the broadcaster.
The problem I have experienced with the Drop Spreader is when I am applying Weed/Feed in the morning when the grass is damp. The bar that controls the opening and closing of the holes on the bottom gets wet from the grass and then I get clogged holes on the bottom. Any ideas to solve this problem??
If you're composting you lawn you need a drop spreader. Broadcast spreaders don't work with coarser material like compost.
I appreciate these kind of videos. I just moved in to a new home and figuring out the lawn care stuff. Thanks.
Awesome! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask - I've got a ton of videos but I know it can be near impossible to find the right one sometimes =P
I've owned both. One of the negative issues of the broadcast spreader is that if you walk slowly the broadcast is so narrow that it broadcasts inside the wheel moulding. If you're using fertiliser you then up with tracks of fertiliser which eventually becomes stripes in your lawn.
As to not knowing where the drop spreader tracks are, never had that problem. 60ft/20m one way, turn round and see the depressed grass. Exactly the same as when you use your lawnmower.
Oh and in Australia Scotts products come with a lifetime free parts & shipping warrantly. Lifetime on a $AU50 product ! Unheard of.
I like how you cover some little basics that most people oversee in their videos. Basic and simple analysis of things is helpful.
Thanks!
Another issue with the drop spreader is they’re super slow, due to their narrow application width.
I use the drop spreader when fertilizing the grass between the street and sidewalk so I don't waste any fert by throwing it into the road or sidewalk.
Less cleanup too!
"sometimes you just go with the flow" That's my technique.
I found one in mint condition being thrown out and wanted to see the difference. Thanks!
Boys hands on lol. Girls know better. ❤️✊🏾👍🏾
Which one is better for drop spreading sand? Actually, I want to spread the sand evenly onto pavers so I can then sweep it into the cracks.
Your production crew likes the front of the camera more than behind! LOL
lol yes they love to be on camera
Broadcast for fertilizer, horizontal for seed
Could you spread top soil with the drop spreader?
i LOVE Drop Spreader, i use them to salt for the winter.
people say i use too much salt, BUT a lot more people love the extra salt on the high traffic entries
Oh, okay inspector gadget.
Consistency outweighs potential, IMO. I drag a drop spreader behind my tractor for fertilizer and overseeding, but use broadcast for small stuff.
If it works for you then keep doing it! A lot of it has to do with personal preference. I do think a tractor leaving wheel marks would be a lot easier to follow and not miss spots than the push version.
You have your hands full !!! Haha. Are u running a nursery ?? Lol !! Great video, covers all there is to know about these 2 spreaders!
Haha we are at the limit now, would need a school bus if we had more =P
Hey buddy dont touch it 👇
i have a hand spreader and got a drop spreader for $2
i like it because front yard is all i have and has lots of concrete and edges. more precise is key for this lawn
Yes less mess to clean up after!
Can this be used to spread compost /top soil?
Great vid - valuable, digestible info with a nice family touch.
Many thanks.
Thanks!
Tfs Grass Daddy, that information came in handy.
Thanks for watching!
Can I use a drop spreader to apply soil to top off my lawn lightly when I plant seeds?
The type if grass I have leaves tracks when using the drop spreader. But I like it for my small front yard. And use a broadcast for my large back yard. Great video.
Thanks for the great vid left a thumbs up... question, so when it’s a 5’ swath does that mean the fert comes out 5’ to the left of the broadcaster and 5 to the right? Or does 5 foot swath mean it’s from the center so 2.5 feet to the left and 2.5 feet to the right?
Lol I thought my spreader I found on the curb was missing a part since it didn't spread it but it's the way it works it's a drop spreader it just drops it which it really sucks for me thanks for the video
love the film crew
haha yeah they make it interesting
Lol yea they’re great
LOVE IT, JUST RECENT GOT BOTH OF THE SPREADERS, SO THIS REALLY HELP ME TO FIQURE OUT HOW TO USE BOTH SPREADERS. THANK YOU MUCH.
I'm mad I'm seeing this two years later! Great vid, and cute kids
I just found a drop spreader on someones trash, lucky me
Awesome video, straight to the point. Thank You.
Drop spreaders are better for top dressing with sand not fertilizing.
✅✅✅✅
Thanks! Helped me out with the translation of a science paper.
Kids were doing great let them in and play it makes it more fun and don´t tell them off :)
You can get them at yard sale cheap all summer long
Yes!
Great tip on using the drop spreads to seed the border!! Thanks for your videos
Happy's Family thanks for watching! I been watching yours as well ;)
Grass Daddy thank you so much! 😉
Ok but they leave wheel marks in the grass .. I have a broadcast and it is hard for me to see how far it flings the seeds and stuff out .. and I figured that the drop spreader should leave wheel marks in the grass
The broadcast should leave wheel marks too and you fling from wheel mark to wheel mark. There is overlap but it's designed that way.
My whole day at 3:31 🤣
Love the videos but for the love of Peter Pan- lose that dang whistling background song.
Yeah my volume levels were bad back then but you know I did one video without the whistle song and I got more comments about where it went than I have about getting rid of it lol
Does the drop spreader do a more accurate job of spreading the right amount of product based on your overall yard size? I have the broadcast spreader, follow the instructions on the product putting in the proper amount of product for my lawn size, but I still have to go over the whole lawn nearly twice. According to the instructions for a broadcast spreader, if I set it at the recommended setting, I should only have to walk over the area of my lawn one time. The products don't say anything about going back over at a 90 degree angle to your first pass over the lawn. I am hoping that drop spreaders actually drop the right amount of product when following the instructions.
Honestly all the settings should be guidelines. You know how much product you want to apply so if there is more in the hopper then next time increase it a bit. Some people will go "wheel to wheel" when they apply which essentially doubles the amount put down, so it could be that is what they are assuming you are doing in the guidelines too. I personally just watch how wide it spreads and adjust the amount if need be, rather than going back over it more often doing the wheel to wheel method.
I want to spread SAND on my driveway in winter, not salt, and was told only a drop spreader will work because sand is heavy and the gears will jam in a broadcast spreader. Does that sound correct? Do you think your drop spreader could work with 60lb of sand in it? Thanks.
The echo spreader I have has an auger for sand. The drop spreader imo would jam. But you'll have to use dry dry sand.
That goddam music.
Hey buddy don't touch it.
I used a hand one last, not very consistent. Hands worked just as well in smaller areas and edges. Large lawns... Yep large spreaders.
Joseph Collins same here I used it today and it just didn't drop consistently. Makes me wonder if it was fertilizer how bad the lawn would look after lol
3:29 mean & harsh
Hi grass daddy. Can you spread top soil with a broadcast spreader?
No it's too heavy
Back a few years ago i bought a drop spreader not really knowing the basics of it............i then fertilized thinking it would spread when watered in..........no!
I had perfect dark green lines in my lawn! Lesson learned! Thanks for the video!
Micky Early that’s why we go over twice at 90 degrees to stop any striping
Yeah I've seen a few houses like that. You feel bad cuz there isn't anything you can do but wait lol
Thanks!
You could also just cover the garden bed so no seed gets in there.
That would work too
Thanks
Do you have any tips on how to prevent the product you're spreading on a broadcast spreader getting inside the wheels causing excess amount in a long the wheel line of your path? I spread fertilizer and I noticed i had green streaks for this reason. What am i doing wrong?
I would check the deflector. It shouldn't be landing in the wheel, it should be flinging it far in front of you.
@@GrassDaddy it's just like the turf builder in your video. Mines an edge guard. Maybe I'm not walking fast enough. There's no problem with the broadcaster hardware so I'm assuming its operator error ha. It does all go to the wheels but its enough to leave lines of fertilizer. I dont really notice as I'm doing it but I can tell because I have darker green wheel tracks
the bag only has broadcast spreader directions. How do I know how much to use with.a drop spreader
So if it's for milorganite I'd just dump it down. Otherwise what I would do is pick a lower setting and spread it around until the amount you need to has been applied. Each time you use it, write a note on the setting and how much it put down of product. You'll get the feel for it. I do this with my broadcast spreader when using "pro" products - they don't list settings, but you save a ton by not using the "brand" products. So start with whatever setting is about 1/3 the way open and go from there (smaller than that is usually for seed)
You can go to Scotts.com and they will tell you what number to put for each type of fertilizer. For instance , weed and feed uses a 5 using a drop spreader and 3 1/2 on the broadcast one.
Saw a nice drop spreader at a thrift store yesterday for 6.99
Score!
Just bought one for 6.99 today lol
“Back up, you’re in the sun” huh?
LOL:) I think he meant his son was blocking the light to feature the broadcast spreader.
Arie Manchen haha I know I just thought it was funny
Nice. I prefer my broadcast spreader. Btw, I have 2 of them
I'd like to get a pro grade one to try out and show off.
Technically, when you walk slower with the Drop, you're laying more product at the set flow rate....less product per sq ft as you walk faster.
Love your vids. What about doing a video on zip tying a perfectly shaped piece of cardboard to a broadcast spreader to get a better edge than the stock edge guard? Once again love your videos
I could probably do that ;)
Hey thanks! Short and sweet, and sincere. Your hand held video was a bit too shaky, but otherwise great video. Also, you might want to state your bottom line up front "a broadcast spreader is better for most people in most typical lawn applications; but a drop spreader can help you put seed exactly where you need it if/when you don't want seed elsewhere, like into a flower bed, or garden." Then start your story and other talking points. Get your main point out there in the first minute, before all the other, helpful, useful and entertaining information. You asked for input. Thanks!
You could have at least washed the spreaders before making the video :)
Nah they got the nice lived in look
LOL!!!
Andrew Burris go Fu*k yourself this is a lawn channel, he’s obviously using it smh.
Are you serious? It was obviously a joke and GD knows it was, I was just poking a little fun at him.