The Commercial Ice Melt Spreader: Guides & Ranking 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
EarthWay Polar Tech 90950 50 LB Professional Ice Melt Behind Spreader
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Scotts Elite Spreader

The Scotts Elite Spreader is the most accurate spreader ever. The dual rotor technology provides unbeatable accuracy and a 6ft spread pattern, while the never-flat tires conquer any terrain. The ergonomic handle with smartphone holder, and removable agitator pins allow for easy distribution of coarse rock salt, sand or granulated fertilizer. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader

The Agri-Fab 45-0462 is an affordable and durable way to broadcast seed or fertilizer. The rustproof poly hopper features a large capacity and the solid rod gate control allows for excellent control of seed or fertilizer. The enclosed taper and bevel gear box offers a smooth, consistent application of material. This unit also features optional Pro Kit with sheild available which gives you additional peace of mind. Read Review

3. Best Performance: Buyers Products UTVS16 UTV All Purpose Spreader with Mount

Turn your UTV into a landscaping tool with the receiver mount All Purpose Spreader. Easily distribute salt, fertilizer, seed, feed and other free-flowing materials. This spreader has a durable poly hopper that holds up to 15 gallons of material and an adjustable shut off gate. The 12V motor is sealed and features a powerful design for long lasting performance. Read Review

4. Best Versatile: Agri-Fab 45-0288 175-Pound Max Tow Behind Drop Spreader, Black

This rugged drop spreader features a large hopper capacity of 17 gallons and rustproof poly hopper that increases product life for a smooth application. The controlled spread width is 42 inches, and the agitator is premium galvanized steel. The tires on the spreader are pneumatic so it can deliver smooth transport over all types of terrain including gravel, dirt,... Read Review

Ice melt is a mix of water and smaller ice particles that are added to road salt to ease the traction of snow, ice, and sleet. It’s used to decrease the amount of salt needed for icy conditions and prevent snow from sticking to roads. Ice melt can also be used on lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and other non-public surfaces in order to reduce the time needed for them to thaw in spring.

The equipment necessary for ice melt applications vary depending on your geographic location and the type of road you’re working with. In this article, we’ll discuss common types of ice melt spreaders and how they work.

You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 18 hours conducting surveys through 12,118 real customer reviews. Because of this, we came to the conclusion that the best-reviewed product is Scotts Elite Spreader. And Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Scotts Elite Spreader
Our Score:
9.8
Scotts
  • Ergonomic handle with smartphone holder
  • Dual rotor technology provides unbeatable accuracy and a 6ft spread pattern for time savings. This is our most accurate spreader ever
  • 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
  • Never-flat tires to conquer any terrain
TOP Choice #2 Agri-Fab 45-0462 Push Broadcast Spreader
Our Score:
9.6
Agri-Fab
  • Rustproof poly hopper
  • Optional Pro Kit with sheild available
  • Pneumatic tires
  • Solid rod gate control
  • Enclosed taper and bevel gear box. Assembled Product Dimension (L x W x H)- 48.0 x 27.1 x 33.6 Inch
TOP Choice #3 Buyers Products UTVS16 UTV All Purpose Spreader with Mount
Our Score:
9.5
Buyers Products
  • We Do Things The Right Way: We design products like we we’re building them for ourselves, because we are. Our teams are staffed with engineers and experts who know how to make a product exceptional
  • Versatile and Rust-Proof: This spreader attaches with a 2 inch receiver hitch and has a spread width of up to 30 ft. The durable poly hopper holds up to 15 gallons. Features a sealed 12V motor and adjustable shut off gate
  • More Than Just Parts: From snow and ice equipment to toolboxes, hydraulics, towing, truck and trailer hardware to our innovative lighting products—it’s amazing what Buyers Products can do for your truck
  • All Purpose Spreader: Turn your UTV into a landscaping tool with our Receiver Mount UTV All Purpose Spreader; Easily distributes salt, fertilizer, seed, feed, and other free flowing materials
  • Durable and Dependable: Founded in 1946, Buyers Products has become a leader in the truck equipment industry though our commitment to customer care, innovation, and value across our range of products
  • 42-inch controlled spread width
  • 40,000-square feet coverage; roughly 1 acre
  • Rustproof poly hopper increases product life
  • Hopper capacity is 17-gallons (dry)/175-pounds
  • Premium galvanized steel agitator improves durability; pneumatic tires allow for smooth transport, 3 Year Limited Consumer Warranty
  • Durable and Dependable: Founded in 1946, Buyers Products has become a leader in the truck equipment industry though our commitment to customer care, innovation, and value across our range of products
  • Walk Behind Salt Spreader: This easy to assemble manual salt spreader has a 100 pound capacity so you can cover larger areas using bagged salt or ice melt; Adjustable spread range of up to 24 feet
  • We Do Things The Right Way: We design products like we we’re building them for ourselves, because we are; Our teams are staffed with engineers and experts who know how to make a product exceptional
  • More Than Just Parts: From snow and ice equipment to toolboxes, hydraulics, towing, truck and trailer hardware to our innovative lighting products, it’s amazing what Buyers Products can do for your truck
  • Stand Up To Winter: Featuring a fully welded powder coated carbon steel frame, poly hopper, and enclosed gear box, this salt spreader won't rust; Hopper screen and nylon cover included
  • Includes full manufacturer warranty
  • 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
  • Conical poly auger installed and additional spiked poly auger and flat metal agitator included - helps to break clumps for a smoother flow of product
  • 360° baffle system for precise control of spread pattern
  • Rugged poly hopper to withstand tough winter conditions
  • Ergonomically designed Bail system
  • 14" wide pneumatic tires
  • Poly Hopper Capacity: 100 LBS.
  • Enclosed gearbox w/ grease fitting ; Gears made of metal-alloy material
  • Finger grip for balanced lifting
  • Includes rain cover and hopper grate
  • Stainless steel frame, stainless steel linkage, stainless steel t-handle
  • Adjustable Rotary Gate
  • Made in the USA
  • Spread pattern control
  • CONSTRUCTION - 13" pneumatic tires and wide-set frame provide even weight distribution and all-terrain control
  • COMFORT - 2-position, height-adjustable ergonomic handle for comfortable applications by operators of all heights
  • ACCURACY - 3-hole drop shut-off system and adjustable drop rate ensures an even spread pattern and accurate application
  • COMPATIBILITY - Hopper cover and fertilizer/seed/salt compatibility allow for year-round, all-weather usage
  • EFFICIENCY - 50-lb. hopper capacity and 175-lb. load-bearing capacity allow for the rapid application of fertilizer, seed, and salt
  • 100 LB Capacity Hopper
  • Powder Coated Steel Frame
  • T-Handle With Rubber Grips
  • Contractor Series
  • Turf Spreader

Buying Guide and Tips for better purchase of commercial ice melt spreader

Merchandise is much more than a physical item. It's the result of someone having an idea, working on it, and making it a reality. When you go out to buy, these would be the factors you should know once looking for commercial ice melt spreader.

In fact, this is not about how much it costs and what other people think of it, but whether it will suit your requirements and last long enough even for users to have your money's worth out of it. This article will inform consumers about how and why you buy commercial ice melt spreader.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Conclusion

commercial ice melt spreader are usually made of high-quality materials, come with a warranty in case something goes wrong, and have a lot of positive customer feedback. If you want to buy the best commodity for your necessities, you must first understand what characteristics or qualities constitute an "ideal" item.

You can also look into EarthWay Polar Tech 90950 50 LB Professional Ice Melt Behind Spreader as an alternative to the options listed above. We hope that this list of excuses why investing in the best is worthwhile will assist you in making an informed decision when shopping online.


1 ratings

About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

Read Sarah's full bio