Hand spreaders are a quick and easy way to apply herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers on a small scale. But if you have a large lawn, they can be cumbersome to use. Luckily, it’s easy to convert a hand spreader into a tow-behind model.
A hand spreader is a great tool for spreading seeds, fertilizer, or other materials over small areas. But what if you need to cover a larger area? You could use a tow-behind spreader, but those can be expensive.
So, you may wonder about how to convert a hand spreader to a tow behind. In this blog post, we will show you just that. With just a few supplies and some basic DIY skills, you can save yourself a lot of money and still get the job done right.
How to Convert a Hand Spreader to a Tow Behind: Steps to Follow
When you have a hand-held spreader and need to cover a large ground, you can do yourself a favor by converting it to a tow-behind model. The steps to do it are given below.
List Of Materials:
- A tow bar (You can find these at most hardware stores)
- Two bolts
- Two nuts
- A drill
- A hacksaw (optional)
Step 1. Remove the Hopper:
The first step is to remove the hopper from the hand spreader. This can usually be done by unscrewing a few bolts or screws that hold it in place. Once the hopper is removed, set it aside and take a look at the spreader’s frame.
Step 2. Attach the Hitch:
The next step is to attach a hitch to the frame of the spreader. This will allow you to tow the spreader behind a lawn tractor or other vehicle. There are a variety of hitch types that can be used, so choose one that is compatible with your vehicle.
Step 3. Install Wheels:
If your spreader does not already have wheels, you will need to install them at this point. Wheels will make it easier to tow the hand spreader and will also help to distribute the weight evenly. Be sure to choose wheels that are durable and appropriate for the terrain on which you’ll be using the spreader.
Step 4. Attach a Tow Bar:
Once the wheels are in place, you can attach a tow bar to the hitch. By doing so, you will be able to mount the spreader on the vehicle so that it can be towed behind it. Again, there are many types of tow bars available, so make sure the one you choose meets your vehicle’s and hitch’s requirements.
Step 5. Connect the Spreader to Your Vehicle:
Once everything is in place, you can connect the hand spreader to your vehicle and start using it! Be sure to read all of the instructions that came with your particular model so that you know how to operate it properly and safely.
Step 6. Fill the Hopper:
In the next step, you will need to fill the hopper with whatever material you will be spreading. This could be fertilizer, seed, or even salt for melting ice in winter. Once the hopper is full, you can then proceed to use the spreader as normal.
Step 7. Adjust the Settings:
Depending on what you are spreading, you may need to adjust the settings on the hand spreader. For example, if you are spreading fertilizer, you will need to adjust the setting based on how much coverage you want.
The same goes for seed. If you are looking for a thicker coverage, you will need to use a higher setting. Experiment with different settings until you find one that works best for your needs.
Step 8. Enjoy Your New Spreader:
You should now have a fully functional tow-behind spreader that will make spreading fertilizer, seed, or other materials much easier than before. The hand spreader should be able to cover a large area quickly and evenly, and it should also be easy to operate.
Safety Instructions on Converting a Hand Spreader to Tow Behind
Converting your hand spreader to tow behind is a great way to save time and effort when spreading fertilizer or seed. In any case, it’s important to follow some basic safety instructions to ensure a safe and successful conversion.
- Make sure that the hitch on your spreader is compatible with the hitch on your lawn tractor or ATV.
- Attach the spreader to the hitch using a pin or clip to secure it in place.
- Connect the tow bar to the spreader, making sure that it is properly secured.
- Always test the setup by pulling on the tow bar to make sure that the spreader is securely attached.
How Do You Spread Fertilizer Evenly with a Converted Tow Behind Spreader?
For those with a medium to large-sized lawn, a tow-behind spreader is an excellent way to ensure an even application of fertilizer. Here are some tips for using a tow-behind spreader to achieve the best results:
- Make sure that your spreader is properly calibrated. Most models will come with instructions on how to do this.
- Choose a fertilizer that is designed for use with a spreader. Some types of fertilizer can clump or make, making them difficult to spread evenly.
- Start by spreading the fertilizer in a strip down the center of your lawn. Then, work your way outwards in strips, overlapping each strip slightly.
- Be sure to rake up any fertilizer that lands on driveways or sidewalks. This will prevent it from being washed away by rain or runoff.
Can you Spread Milorganite by Hand Spreader Converted to Tow Behind Spreader?
Milorganite can be spread with a hand spreader converted into a tow-behind spreader, but there are a few things you need to know first. Milorganite is a pelletized, dry fertilizer made from heat-dried microbes that have digested organic matter.
It is an all-natural product that is safe for people, pets, and wildlife. Yet, it is important to note that Milorganite does contain nitrogen, so you will need to be careful not to over-apply it.
Also, because Milorganite is a slow-release fertilizer, it will take several weeks for the nutrients to be released into the soil. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a lawn care professional before using Milorganite in your yard.
Is It Possible to Put Dirt in a Tow Behind Spreader?
It is possible to haul dirt behind a spreader, but it is not recommended. There are several reasons for this. First, dirt is heavy and can overburden the spreader, making it difficult to tow. Second, the soil is likely to clog the hand spreader’s mechanisms, making it difficult to evenly distribute the material.
Also, dirt is not an ideal material for lawns and gardens. It lacks the nutrients that grass and plants need to thrive. Due to these reasons, it is better to use a tow-behind spreader for distributing fertilizer, grains, and other materials rather than dirt.
How Hard is it to Seed a Lawn With a Converted Tow Behind Spreader?
Oftentimes people will ask how hard it is to seed a lawn with a converted tow-behind spreader. The answer to this question may depend on a few different factors, but overall it is not too difficult of a process.
First, you will need to make sure that you have the correct seeds for your area. Next, you will need to calculate the correct amount of seed that needs to be spread. Once you have those two factors figured out, the rest is simply a matter of following the instructions on your spreader.
Of course, there are a few other things to keep in mind, such as watering and fertilizing, but overall, seed spreading is not a difficult process.
Let’s Convert a Hand Spreader to a Tow Behind to Make Life Easier
Tow-behind spreaders are more practical for larger lawns or yards as they are hauled behind lawn tractors or ATVs, making them much easier to use on larger properties. Therefore, it makes sense to convert your hand spreader to tow behind the model.
So why not give it a try? We have outlined everything you need in this guide. You may be surprised at how much easier spreading materials becomes when you don’t have to push or pull a heavy hand spreader around. We wish you a successful project altogether.
