Seeding for a picture-perfect lawn or food plot isn't an easy job to do. If you live in a humid climate, you need to lime your soil properly to maintain the right soil pH, and getting the best spreader for lime for this task is the right way to do it, no matter which type of lime you're using.
Now, you might think your bare hands are just enough for spreading those minerals. But believe me, when I say this, it's impossible to spread the dusty material just by using your hands for acres of land.
A functional lime spreader should be well-equipped with adequate amounts of hopper capacity, durable construction, and very strong wheels.
The surprising fact is, most of my picks have got almost all these advantages. So, shall we move forward to get familiar with the top 6 spreaders for lime? I think so.
Our Top 6 Best Lime Spreader Reviews
Without further ado, let's read the reviews of some of the efficient spreaders designed specifically for limes. Here are my 6 favorite choices for you!
1. Scotts 75902
If you ask me to show you a single spreader that provides excellent accuracy while spreading lime minerals, I'll show you the Scotts 75902 without thinking twice!
To achieve the highest accuracy, the spreader features 'dual rotatory technology'. It allows the lime to pour slowly from the hopper and evenly covers 6 feet to the sides and front of the path. This way, you can spread a large amount of material in a very short time.
Let me tell you about the most interesting feature of this rotary spreader. Unlike typical spreaders, the beast right here can take around 20,000 square feet of dry lawn products, which can either be lime, fertilizer, grass seed, ice melt, or anything else!
As the spreader has two large never-flat tires, you can easily use it on any regular terrain. However, the tires are made of plastic, and they tend to be less durable compared to other materials. It should not be a big issue if you plan to use the spreader once or twice a year.
Finally, you're getting a smartphone holder to keep your device close while working and an ergonomic handle for moving the machine with ease. Overall, in my opinion, Scotts 75902 will fill all your needs to get a satisfying yield.
Pros
- Offers optimal accuracy through dual rotary technology
- Able to hold lawn products for covering up to 20,000 square foot
- Removable tires are compatible with most regular terrains
- Easy and pretty much quick to assemble
- Features ergonomic handle along with a phone holder
Cons
- Less durable, plastic-made tires
Verdict
If you're prepared to compromise on durability to get an efficient and more accurate spreader, Scotts 75902 might be your first and final pick!
2. Agri-Fab 45-0462
Do you need a highly efficient spreader to apply the lime powder in the shortest possible time? Then a too-grade broadcast spreader will be your best bet. Hands down, the Agri-Fab 45-0462 is here to fill your requirements within no time!
With the extra-large hopper, you can effortlessly carry up to 130 lbs of lime. Plus, the spreader is capable of covering 25,000 sq ft of area with ease. Since it's a broadcast spreader, it will spread the lime dust in all directions as you haul the machine.
This means you'll be able to quickly and efficiently cover a large area. The rust-proof poly hopper can effectively resist corrosion and serve you for years. Plus, the commercial-grade gearbox is made of aluminum, making it suitable for heavy uses.
Here's the unique part of the spreader, the flow control arm. It features an adjustable stop so that you can open and close the hopper as you push the hopper over your lawn.
This way, you can control how much lime you want to spread on a particular area.
Additionally, the pneumatic tires, ergonomic handles, and compact design make it even better for every gardener.
Pros
- A durable poly hopper easily captures 130 lbs of lime
- Covers up to 25,000 sq ft area
- Pneumatic tires with a comfortable gripping area ensure easy movement
- A flow control arm allows you to spread the lime precisely
Cons
- Requires extra time and effort to install
Verdict
If you want to cover a huge area in a short time, this is the spreader you need. You'll love the massive hopper capacity this spreader offers, about 130lbs for covering more than 20,000 sq ft area.
3. Chapin 8620B
When it comes to the precise spreading of lime dust, very few spreaders are as functional as this tow-behind spreader from Chapin.
The spreader is designed with a unique "auto-stop" option; it turns itself off automatically when it's not motioning. Hence, it can prevent waste and uneven application. Besides that, you're going to get 11 incremental spreader settings to control the device in your way.
By doing so, you can focus on your preferred area and ensure precise application. The spreader doesn't fail to impress with its hopper capacity. You can load 150 lbs of lime with its large, steel-made hopper.
For easy and efficient spreading, the machine features a heavy-duty aluminum hitch. This professional-grade hitch can be attached to any tractor, lawnmower, ATV, or UTV. So, spreading the lime will be a breeze for you.
Another highlight of this machine is the 14" wide pneumatic wheels. The wheels are strong and highly durable. Also, they can easily survive rocky and uneven terrain without any wear and tear. Isn't it simply the best?
Pros
- Turns off automatically when it's free from motion
- Features 11 spreader settings for accurate application
- 150lbs hopper capacity with a steel frame for durability
- Pneumatic wheels (14") are available for easy movement
- A heavy-duty trailer makes it usable with tractors
Cons
- Not the best choice for Agri lime and lime powder
- Sometimes, it takes a lot of time to assemble
Verdict
With the 11 incremental settings, you can control the Chapin 8620B in the way you want. Also, the auto-stop option makes it ideal for both beginner and professional gardeners.
4. Earthway 2030PPLUS
For all the amateur spreader users out there, this time, we picked a fully assembled spreader. Earthway offers you an impressively modernized broadcast spreader that ensures the accurate application of lime.
This machine features a 3-hole drop system to achieve the most accurate application rate. It spreads around 50% of the lime on the right and left sides of the centerline. This way, the spreader offers you 180 degrees spread, and every inch of your land receives just the right amount of lime.
Another highlight of this product is the innovative side spread control feature. It eliminates the side deflectors so that you can govern the spread pattern. Hence, your sidewalks and flowerbeds are protected, and you get to spread the lime only in your desired areas.
As for the hopper, it can carry 65 lbs of weight, making the spreader an ideal choice for residential usage. The epoxy-coated steel makes this hopper highly durable. With its high-floating pneumatic tires (10"), this spreader is friendly with almost all terrains.
Keep in mind that both gears and driveshaft are of plastic construction, which is why they aren't that durable compared to my other choices.
Pros
- Epoxy-coated hopper supports 65lbs load capacity
- High-floating tires (10-inch) suit all terrains
- Fully assembled and pretty easy to operate
- Three-hole shut-off system for optimal functionality
Cons
- The driveshaft and gears aren't that sturdy
Verdict
Since the Earthway 2030PPLUS is fully assembled, you won't have to worry about installing it. And guess what? Its high-floating pneumatic tires are compatible with almost any type of terrain, thankfully!
5. Agri-Fab 45-0288
Need a premium quality spreader to easily apply lime minerals on acres of land with the highest accuracy? Then the Agri-Fab 45-0288, with its high load capacity, is just the right machine for you.
With this drop spreader, you can roughly cover up to 1 acre (40,000 sq. ft) of space, so it doesn't matter even if your land is extra-large! An extra-large rust-proof hopper is included so that the machine can serve you for decades.
Thanks to the huge hopper capacity, this spreader can easily hold up to 17 gallons of dry fertilizer. And surprisingly, the spread width is about 42" for dispersing lime powder and other fertilizers in the best possible way.
Since it's a tow-behind spreader, you can easily attach it to your vehicle instead of pushing it across the land. What we love about the spreader is the universal hitch. This hitch attaches to any type of tractor regardless of its brand.
The spreader features some easy set controls to provide a precise and consistent spread. You can use these controls to control the amount of product you need to spread in a particular area. The top-notch galvanized steel is what you need for durability.
Lastly, the pneumatic tires will play a vital role in ensuring smooth transportation.
Pros
- Offers huge capacity (40,000 sq. ft.) for both residential and commercial use
- Easy set controls let you spread the fertilizer more smoothly and precisely
- Galvanized steel hopper offers ultimate longevity
- Smooth transportation due to its pneumatic tires
Cons
- Assembly will be time-consuming!
- It might get clogged at times!
Verdict
As the Agri-Fab 45-0288 can hold around 17 gallons of fertilizer with ease, it will be a great choice if you want to cover a large area. Plus, the hopper is much sturdier due to the galvanized steel material.
6. Precision Products TBS6000RDOS
We have chosen the most flexible and convenient lime spreader for you to wrap up our list. The champ from Precision Products comes in a specific rain cover, enabling you to continue your task in every weather condition.
When it comes to durability, this spreader delivers from every level. It has a full steel frame instead of flimsy plastic, giving you excellent stability so you can use it for up to years without any problems.
The 1-inch powder coating provides extra protection and durability so that the machine can withstand rust, corrosion, and harsh environmental conditions. Moreover, the powder coating is provided for the axle, wheels, and all the hardware making this spreader an immensely strong and reliable one.
To reduce the maintenance needs, the metal gears come with grease fittings. The rugged construction allows the spreader to carry up to 130 lbs. Here, you'll also find a universal hitch so that you can connect the machine with any tractor for quicker and easier lime spreading.
Want more? Here's the best part. The spreader features a fingertip cable control allowing you to adjust the spread pattern while sitting on your tractor easily. You can set the spread width anywhere from 10- to 12-foot as per your needs. What else can you ask for?
Pros
- Features a cable control to adjust the spread width and pattern
- Sturdy metal gears, hardware, and the axle all are rust-proof
- Delivers an extra rain cover for protection against rain
- Universal hitch for easy attachment with tractors
Cons
- Way too pricey!
Verdict
If you're able to spend some extras to get a durable, efficient, and versatile spreader, feel free to purchase the Precision Products TBS6000RDOS to spread the lime minerals easily.
What to Consider When You Buy the Best Spreader for Lime?
Picking up any random spreader won't be a smart move, especially if you're searching for the best spreader for lime. Considering the type, durability, capacity, and more is crucial for getting the right one.
So make sure you note down all the nooks and crannies that I've compiled here. Go down below and check out this comprehensive buyer's guide right away -
Type of the Spreader
The first and most important thing to consider is to be fixed in a specific type of spreader. The current market has got a number of choices with different pros and cons. Among all the types, drop spreaders are the most accurate ones. If you want to do the spreading job quickly, go for a rotary spreader.
Lastly, broadcast spreaders will allow you to cover a large area with utmost precision. Choose the one that meets all your needs.
Capacity and Coverage
When you prepare yourself to fertilize a large-sized garden or yard, it's a must to get a spreader that equips more capacity.
Keep in mind that a spreader with a small capacity can be just fine for small gardens. So it's clear that it won't be effective for your large areas.
Make sure the hopper capacity is more than 65lbs, especially if you need to cover more than 10,000 square feet of area in one go.
Durability
Before you get any spreader from the shop, make sure you know about the material deeply. Sometimes, most people get the wrong product even after spending a small fortune. Do you know why? Probably they don't know which material ensures ultimate durability.
So, I think you should always focus on the quality of the material before getting any lime spreader. Whether it's made of plastic or steel, ensure that it's sturdy enough and will last for long.
We recommend you go for a steel or metal-framed spreader for the best results. The metal should have a thick and durable coating to resist rust and corrosion. Also, make sure the axle and gears have a strong build.
Wheels
While moving a spreader to spread lime, the wheels are the things that play a significant role. Whether it's a tow-behind lime spreader for tractor or something like a push spreader, make sure it has durable wheels.
This should be able to withstand all weather conditions and can keep up with uneven terrains.
You'll basically find two different types of wheels, including pneumatic and plastic wheels. The one made of plastic is comparatively cheaper, needs less maintenance, but is not friendly with uneven and rocky ground.
On the other hand, Pneumatic wheels are more durable and capable of dealing with rough terrains. But it needs frequent maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many types of spreaders are available?
Although the current market has so many types of spreaders out there, the most common types are as follows:
- Push Spreader
This type of spreader equips extra wheels for easy and fast movement, recommended for both large and average-sized lawns. And yes, it's always been my personal favorite!
- Handheld Spreader
Comparatively light, affordable, and simplest type of fertilizer spreader that you can operate even with your single hand! But it's ideal just for small gardens.
- Tow-Behind Spreader
Almost similar to the push spreader, it requires connecting this spreader with a specific tractor so that you can fertilize your garden more precisely and quickly. It's a bit steep, and most of the tow-behind spreaders have huge hopper capacity.
2. What's the best way to spread lime?
Using a lime spreader is always the best and most convenient way of spreading lime in your garden or yard. To ensure even application, you need to push the spreader while walking horizontally first and then vertically.
Otherwise, you can use a tow-behind spreader to make the task easier and save your back.
3. Are spreaders expensive?
It depends on which type and which model you want to get. The good thing about a fertilizer spreader is that it has so many models around the current market and that too with different price tags! As a result, it's possible to choose a single model depending on your budget.
4. What should be the least hopper capacity of a spreader?
Determining the capacity depends on the size of your land. If it's small, a spreader with 30-40lbs capacity will be just fine.
But if the land is bigger, make sure to go with more than 65lbs of hopper capacity.
Final Words
Now that I have provided all the information about our top picks, it's time to give the final verdict. According to my testing, Scotts 75902 deserves the gold medal! Thanks to its never-flat tires, ergonomic handle, and unique "dual rotary technology."
The Agri-Fab 45-0462 is the clear runner-up on the list of the best spreader for lime due to its solid construction along with a rust-proof hopper. But yes, it's not the best choice if you're looking for an easy-to-assemble spreader.
But if capacity is what you're concerned about, the Agri-Fab 45-0288 is exactly what you should buy. With its 17 gallons of large capacity, you can roughly cover up to 40,000 sq. ft. with ease.