The Best Ice Melt Spreader Of 2024: Top-rated And Buying Guide

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
CHAPIN R E 81008A 80LB Residential Salt Spreader, 80 lb, Blue
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Scotts Elite Spreader

Scotts Elite Spreader delivers unbeatable accuracy and a 6ft spread pattern for time savings. With an easy to use dual rotor technology, this is our most accurate spreader ever. The advanced design of the Elite Spreader combines ergonomic comfort with intuitive functionality, to deliver years of reliable service. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader

Agri-Fab 45-0463 is a heavy-duty spreader meant for agricultural use. It has a hopper capacity of 130 pounds which allows it to be used on larger acreage lawns and a durable rod linked to on-off control that offers precise settings. This durable spreader is also maneuverable and has a new brilliant red color. Read Review

3. Best Adjustable: Spot Spreader Hand Spreader Shaker for Seed, Salt,De-Icer,Ice Melt,...

Now, spreading salt, seed and fertilizer is no longer a chore. The Spot Spreader is a compact tool that spreads evenly over large areas without wasting any product. With an easy to use crank spreader, no more over-spray and wasted salt/seed/fertilizer. The versatile design of the Spot Spreader makes it easy to salt driveways, walkways and more. Read Review

4. Best Convenient: Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader

The Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader is perfect for small yards. The durable metal head is lightweight and easy to use. This hand-held spreader features a sturdy metal head that is lightweight and easy to use. Perfect for year-round use, this spreader can help you seed, fertilize, weed and apply ice melt to the lawn or garden. Read Review

Ice melt is a sticky business. That’s why you need the best ice spreader to get your frozen patio and driveway transformed into a safe place for people to walk and drive on. How many times have you been driving on an icy road, feeling nervous about the appearance of your driveway? It’s likely that you’ve taken steps to clear the ice from your walkway before.

It could be time to figure out if you are getting the most out of your efforts. There are several things to think about when selecting the right ice spreader for your needs, including price, durability, weight capacity and design. In this article, we will explain how ice spreaders work, how much they cost and other factors you should consider before making a purchase.

You'll have an easier time deciding with our Scotts Elite Spreader recommendations. However, in order to provide the reader with a wider variety of alternatives, we recommend adding Agri-Fab 45-0463 130-Pound Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader if you are interested in purchasing another appealing one.

Here are the buying guides that we specially made for you guys. Follow all the words below for successful shopping!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Scotts Elite Spreader
Our Score:
9.8
Scotts
  • Never-flat tires to conquer any terrain
  • Minor assembly required - Remove agitator pins when spreading coarse rock salt
  • Holds up to 20,000 sq. ft. of Scotts lawn product, including grass seed, fertilizer, salt and ice melt
  • Dual rotor technology provides unbeatable accuracy and a 6ft spread pattern for time savings. This is our most accurate spreader ever
  • Ergonomic handle with smartphone holder
  • Enclosed gear box with tapered gears for even spreading and long life"
  • 130 pound hopper capacity saves time refilling on larger acreage lawns"
  • Durable rod linked on-off control with precise settings". Maneuverable
  • Optional hopper cover, material deflector and hopper grate available"
  • Large diameter tires with wide wheelbase for stability on rougher terrain"
  • Lifetime * No Questions Asked Money Back * Enjoy One Today! ! !
  • No More Over Spray and Wasted Salt/Seed/Fertilizer * No More Stray Grass from Crank Spreaders * Easy to Salt Driveways & Walkways
  • Perfect For Pouring Large Salt & Seed Bags in the Spot Spreader * Efficient Use * Lightweight * Stores Easily with Strong Handle
  • Multiple Adjustable Openings for Use of Any Material You Need * Large Version * Up To 80oz
  • Strong * Durable * Easy to Use * Simply Pour Your Materials from the Larger Bag into the Screw Top Container and Spread as Much as You Like
4 Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader
Our Score:
9.4
Scotts
  • Great for year-round use to weed, seed, fertilize, and apply ice melt
  • Holds up to 1,500 sq ft of Scotts lawn products
  • Adjustable arm support helps provide maximum comfort
  • Perfect handheld spreader for small yards
  • Engineered for smooth, even coverage
  • Our most advanced spreader yet, powered by 4 AA batteries with 23 settings for unbeatable accuracy
  • Battery-powered spreader you can use year round—designed to spread grass seed, lawn fertilizer and weed control products
  • Designed to cover up to 2, 500 sq. ft. using Scotts lawn care product
  • 5-foot broadcast with control of EdgeGuard Technology
  • Perfect for lawn seed, fertilizer and weed control products
  • Push broadcast spreader efficiently cultivates your lawn with wide distribution of fertilizer
  • Assembled Product Size: 35" x 22" x 33"
  • 3 Year Limited Consumer Warranty
  • Provides a spread width of 8-to-10-feet; 85-pound capacity; covers approximately 14,000-square-feet
  • Towed on 2 10-by-1-3/4-inch pneumatic treadcap wheels
  • Impeller designed to deliver an even spread pattern
  • Not for use with ROCK SALT
  • Rugged poly scoop with unique toothed edge for easy scooping through salt
  • Thumb controlled gate adjustment
  • Enclosed gears to keep out debris
  • Great for steps, sidewalks and small areas where larger spreaders can't go
  • Trigger-style gate control, spread where you want
  • Pneumatic tires roll smoothly across any surface
  • 85-lb capacity covers about 1/4 acre (14,000 sq. ft.)
  • Assembled product size: 20" L x 22.5" W x 27.5" H
  • Direct rod flow control
  • Enclosed gearbox
  • Adjustable gate settings.Wide tread 10 in. Pneumatic tires for stability on uneven terrain.Powder coated Steel frame.Enclosed gear box to protect the gears from debris.Grate and snow/rain cover included.Easy assembly, just flip up the handle and secure
  • 360° baffle system for precise control of spread pattern
  • Rugged poly hopper to withstand tough winter conditions
  • Ergonomically designed Bail system
  • Conical poly auger installed and additional spiked poly auger and flat metal agitator included - helps to break clumps for a smoother flow of product
  • CONSTRUCTION: 1 inch diameter steel tubing, Poly hopper, spreader plate, enclosed gear box; stainless steel axle and impeller shaft
  • OPERATION: Direct steel rod flow control
  • WHEELS: 13" x 5" Turf Tread Pneumatic Tires
  • ACCESSORIES: Hopper cover, grate, and deflector kit are included
  • : Comes with a 3 year limited
  • CAPACITY: 130 lbs. ; 1/2 acre (25, 000 sq. ft. )
  • Power Source Type: Manual. Pallet Quantity- 10
  • APPLICATION: Ideal for rock salt and ice melt application for ice control

What to Look For in a best ice melt spreader?

You may know that best ice melt spreader is a kind of product many customers are hesitant to pay for. It is not due to its quality but the fact that there are many factors you must consider. Nevertheless, all your worry is not a problem for us. Our knowledgeable staff will help you with the right decision.

Tech-evaluated and high-rated products are available in our list of eligible items. Here are some indispensable things you shouldn’t ignore:

Material

It will have an impact on the performance of your salt spreader over time. Because of its slimmer appearance and salt-resistant qualities, polyethylene ("poly") was the most popular material for salt spreaders over the years. A poly spreader allows salt to slide more freely without sticking to its interior liner. However, steel is harder and more likely to cause salt to stick to its surface. An iron spreader can rust, which could reduce its effectiveness at work.

Confinement

A walk-behind salt spreading machine is the best choice if salt distribution will be limited to small areas like driveways and paths. A walk-behind salt spreader, which is similar to a wheelbarrow and equipped with a handle, can be manually operated. Since you are walking on snowy paths, the handle must be pulled together by your back.

Durability

The strength of the salt spreaders is not clear between steel salt spreaders and poly. It is durability that makes the difference. Steel salt spreaders most often have motors made up of different components. This means that steel salt spreaders need to be maintained in the winter. The maintenance of poly salt spreaders is generally less complicated because they usually have electrical motors that contain fewer components.

Weight

Be aware that salt and/or ice melt can weigh a lot, especially in large numbers. Therefore, if your spreader is heavy at the beginning, you will find it to be very heavy as it fills up. Walking behind models larger than those with a walk behind are easier to push. This will increase the physical challenges.

Agitation System

A salt spreader should discharge salt at a rate that does not clog it. The conveyor system is the best option because it doesn't leak salt. You should use steel salt spreaders. An auger system uses a drill to cut down the salt before it is discharged. A few salt spreaders can be outfitted with shaking programmes, which allow the salt to be broken down by the hopper using agitation.

Capacity

You should think about how much floor the spreader would have to pay for a specific route. Use a tailgate spreading device if you are driving a commercial tractor. The salt is spread using a tailgate spreading device that moves in circular motions around the lanes driving width.

FAQs

What Is A Salt Spreader?

A salt spreader (or salt spreading machine) is an equipment that helps to spread salt, sand or other finely granulated substances onto large areas. You spread salt on icy roads as salt has a lower freezing point which allows the top layer ice to melt.

Saltwater is formed when the top layer has melted. The saltwater will not be dissolved by adding a little table salt. You will require more, which makes salt spreaders so useful.

How Do Salt Spreaders Work?

Salt spreaders are easy to use. A hopper is a container that can taper downwards to release its contents.

The spinning disk distributes the material evenly over the area as it is being released. You can use whatever spreader you prefer, but it is important to begin slowly so that the material doesn't get too spread. It's also better to finish any first layers if it seems insufficient.

How Do Truck Bed And Tailgate Spreaders Work?

Motorized hoppers are used in both truck bed spreaders and tailgate spreaders. They can overhang the back of trucks and evenly spread salt. The top loading covers allow for quick filling of the hopper and keep moisture out.
They differ in their storage capacities. A truck bed spreader is equipped with an enormous storage tub which sits on the bed of the truck. The spreaders can distribute large quantities of salt, without the need for refilling. The salt load directly into the tailgate spreader, which has a lower storage capacity. With capacities of 3-8 cubic feet they are suitable for many uses. They are also low-profile, so they don't block drivers' rearview.

What Types Of Salt Spreaders Are Available?

Salt spreaders come in many configurations. A walk-behind salt spreading machine is the most common. They are useful for clearing small areas like driveways or sidewalks. These models can also be attached to snow blowers and ATVs.
Truck bed spreaders and tailgate spreaders are the most powerful options. They mount on top of pick-up trucks. These spreaders are used for salting large areas like streets or parking lots. These are often combined with truck snowplows.

Can You Use A Grass Seed Spreader For Salt?

Although technically, you could use a spreader to do this, they were not intended for this purpose. Some spreaders simply drop seeds underneath the spreader, while others spread them all around the spreader. Your success will be determined by the size and calibration of the drop spreader/rotary spreader.

These links will show you how to adjust your sawder to get the desired effect. Both broadcast and drop spreading can work effectively, as long as the settings are easy to adjust and they don't get damaged by salt.

Can You Put Salt In A Fertilizer Spreader?

The same applies to the fertilizer spreading machine. Fertilizer spreaders, however, are often designed to cover large fields in a shorter time. This means that they may be overly big and produce excessive amounts of fertilizer. I will only recommend that the spreader be of reasonable size and adjustable to the route.

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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

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