Power seed spreader

Over the years I have owned or used a variety of spreaders.  As I age, my needs for a spreader changed from hand cranked to powered and from walking to riding.   In 2026, I installed an ATV spreader on the front of Cub Cadet ZTS1 mower.  

The 2023 Workaround

My simple workaround was to remove the crank handle from an existing Ortho Whirlybird 5 lb fertilizer spreader and attach a Black and Decker 20v 3/8" Drill to the shaft where the handle was attached.  The handle was easy to pry off with a large flat head screwdriver. 

Testing in Fall 2023

A mix of Alkar Wheatgrass, Fawn Tall Fescue and Red Fescue was used for the test.  The test area was the lots across from Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Moscow Idaho and it was conducted on October 10.   The test would be  terminated when either the 20v 1.5 AH battery power or 20 lbs seed ran out and acreage treated measured.  

Results / Conclusions

Results showed an even spread and easy to operate.   Spreader flow was plugged a few times because of large seed but slight shaking of spreader caused the seed to flow again.  This is normal even with hand crank.  It was easy to detach drill to dip spreader into 5 gallon bucket to refill with seed and reattach to start spreading.  The 20v 1.5 AH battery ran out of power and 19 lbs seed was spread in a 1/2 acre treatment area.     

The modified spreader easily treated a 1/2 acre without hand cranking.  The drill preformed well but the 20v 1.5 AH battery ran out of power after spreading 19 lbs seed over a 1/2 acre area.  A good modification to an old spreader.  

Thoughts and Hacks  

1. Bring extra batteries and seed if treating large area.

2. Take care to keep drill aligned to spreader since it is attached to a plastic component of the spreader.  

3. The drill spreader still works but designed for small areas where 5 lbs fertilizer needs to be applied.  

4. Still a lot of work because it is not attached to a mower or atv.

2026 ATV Spreader.  

Most of the fertilizer I applied was to gardens, fruit trees and a small patch of irrigated lawn.  A big year is 30 lbs applied in the spring.   The drill spreader is the perfect size when application needs are limited.   In retirement, my responsibilities have increased to 3 large properties where selected areas need to be fertilized to thicken stands.   A spreader mounted on the front of the mower will allow large areas to be covered with both spring and fall applications.  

Buyers Products ATVS100 ATV Broadcast Spreader  

Features: 

•  100 lb Capacity

• Poly Hopper regulated with a manual lever for both rate of flow and on/off control.

• 12V 2 amp Motor (water proof housing)

• Rain Cover

• Products spread Seed, Fertilizer, Salt & Feed 

• Easy to clean with water

• Cost $156 or $15.60 if I use it for 10 years

Spreader dimensions are 20"L x 23"W x 13"H.  It comes with ATV mounting hardware.  The installation guide is at https://pimimages.buyersproducts.com/Products/Documents/3011654_D.pdf 

Assembling and Installing

Assembling was fairly painless, just followed the instructions that came in the box.  There were 2 leftover washers large enough to fit on motor shaft but no instructions to install them and  a 2" bolt.  The hardware package was missing a 10 mm nut.  

The spreader will be attached to the front of a Cub Cadet ZTS1 46" mower between the front pedals.  This spacing is 16" and the bracket needs to be 13" to allow free movement of spreader support arms.  A bracket for the front of mower was made from a 2x6 board cut to 13".  A notch was cut on the down side edge to match the contour of the mower and 2 - 1/4" bolts were added to keep the spreader cross arm on the bracket and wood bracing to back to keep the spreader from moving side to side.  Holes were drilled through the front to allow the U-Bolts and a metal strap to be used to hold the bracket to the steering post.  

A lever was added to open the gates and close it when not in use.  

Motor for spreader

1. PART NUMBER SP-ATV-02

2. VOLTAGE DC 12V  AMPERE 2.5 A  SPEED 900 RPM

3. CONNECTOR SAE J928-II PIN CABLE LENGTH 12"

4. PRODUCT DIMENSIONS 3" x 3" x 9" PACKAGE DIMENSIONS 4.9" x 5.2" x 11"

Thoughts and Hacks

1. All product needs to be screened to 1/4" before broadcasting to remove any clumps and large chunks.  

2. Gate opening should be about 1/3" for a starting size.  

3. Apply twice in a crosshatch pattern to reduce striping.  

4. To get crosshatch application consider a split application over 2 weeks so fertilizer can be applied while mowing.    

5. Apply lighter than desired because it will be 2X with the crosshatch pattern.

6. Remember to turn off the spreader gates when turning.