6 Best Tailgate Spreaders For ATV Fertilizer Application for Small Acreage
Choosing the right ATV spreader is key for small acreage. We review the top 6 tailgate models for precise, efficient fertilizer application and even coverage.
That five-acre pasture looks a lot bigger when you’re staring at it with a push spreader and a dozen bags of fertilizer. An ATV-mounted tailgate spreader turns a full day of back-breaking work into a quick morning task, saving you time and ensuring a more even application. Choosing the right one means matching the tool to your property, your materials, and your budget.
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Key Features in an ATV Tailgate Spreader
Before you look at specific brands, you need to know what separates a good spreader from a frustrating one. The hopper is your starting point. A poly (plastic) hopper is essential because it won’t rust from corrosive fertilizers, while a steel hopper might look tough but will quickly become a problem.
Capacity matters, but bigger isn’t always better. A 100-pound capacity hopper sounds great, but that’s a lot of weight hanging off the back of your ATV, which can affect stability on hills. For most small acreages, something in the 80-120 pound range is a good balance between refill stops and safe handling. Consider your terrain; if you have steep grades, a smaller, lighter load is safer.
Pay close attention to the motor and controls. A sealed 12-volt motor is non-negotiable to protect it from dust and moisture. The controls are just as important for your sanity. Can you reach the on/off switch and the gate control from the driver’s seat? Fumbling for a switch on the back of the unit while you’re moving is a recipe for uneven application and wasted material.
Finally, look at the mounting system. A "universal" mount sounds good in theory, but check reviews to see how well it actually fits your type of ATV rack. Some require drilling, while others use simple U-bolts. A quick-detach system is a fantastic feature if you plan to use your ATV for other tasks and don’t want the spreader living on it permanently.
Agri-Fab 45-0530: A Reliable All-Rounder
The Agri-Fab 45-0530 is the kind of tool you buy when you need something that just works without a lot of fuss. It features a rustproof 100-pound poly hopper and a straightforward design that’s easy to assemble and operate. Its controls are designed to be reachable from the seat, which is a bigger deal than it sounds when you’re trying to shut off the flow before a turn.
This spreader is a great choice for general-purpose fertilizing and seeding on relatively flat ground. The included wiring harness is usually long enough for most ATVs, and the universal mount fits a wide variety of racks. It’s a solid, mid-range option that balances capacity, durability, and ease of use. This is a dependable workhorse for the hobby farmer who needs to cover a few acres of pasture a couple of times a year.
Buyers Products ATVS100 for Heavy-Duty Use
If your needs go beyond standard granular fertilizer, the Buyers Products ATVS100 is built to handle tougher materials. Its sturdy poly hopper holds 100 pounds, but the key difference is its robust, sealed 12V motor and frame construction. This unit is designed to spread not just fertilizer but also rock salt, calcium chloride, and other dense, heavy materials.
This heavy-duty nature makes it ideal for someone managing laneways in the winter in addition to fields in the summer. The trade-off is that it’s a bit heavier and more expensive than some other options. But if you need a spreader that won’t bog down when spreading pelletized lime or ice melt, the investment in a more powerful motor and tougher gearbox is well worth it. It’s overkill for just grass seed, but perfect for year-round, multi-material use.
Field Tuff AS-12V: Versatile and Affordable
Not everyone needs a top-of-the-line spreader for occasional use. The Field Tuff AS-12V hits a sweet spot for affordability and functionality, making it a great entry-level choice. It typically has a capacity around 80 pounds, which is plenty for tackling a two or three-acre plot without being too heavy for smaller ATVs.
The main draw here is the price. You get a functional electric spreader without the high cost of premium models. The trade-offs often come in the form of a simpler mounting system or less robust components, but for light-duty fertilizing or seeding, it gets the job done. If you only fertilize once a year and can’t justify a big expense, this is a practical and effective solution. Just be sure to clean it thoroughly after each use to maximize its lifespan.
Moultrie ATV Spreader for Multi-Purpose Use
Moultrie is a name many recognize from the hunting world, and their spreaders reflect that heritage. These units are fantastic for the landowner who is managing both pasture for livestock and food plots for wildlife. They are engineered to handle everything from fine clover seed and fertilizer to larger corn and soybeans without clogging.
A key feature of many Moultrie models is the quick-release bracket system. This allows you to mount or remove the entire spreader in seconds without tools, freeing up your ATV rack for other jobs. The controls are simple and effective, often featuring an adjustable shut-off gate and a straightforward on/off switch. For the hobby farmer who also manages a deer plot, this spreader’s versatility makes it an excellent two-for-one investment.
FIMCO ATV-DMS-12V for Precise Application
Waste is the enemy on a small farm where every dollar counts. The FIMCO ATV-DMS-12V is designed for the operator who values precision. It features a variable speed controller, allowing you to adjust the spinner’s rotational speed to control the width of your spread pattern, from a narrow 5 feet to a wide 45 feet.
This level of control is incredibly useful. You can widen the spread for open pastures and then narrow it significantly when working along sensitive creek beds, fence lines, or garden plots to prevent overspray. The stainless steel components in the spinner and gate mechanism resist corrosion better than standard steel. If you’re meticulous about application rates and want to minimize waste, the FIMCO’s precision is a major advantage. It costs a bit more, but the savings in fertilizer or seed can pay for the difference over time.
Swisher 19920 Universal Mount Spreader
The biggest headache with any new attachment is often the installation. The Swisher 19920 is designed to minimize that pain with a genuinely versatile mounting system that adapts to most ATV cargo racks, front or back. This makes it a great option if you have multiple machines or simply want to avoid a frustrating afternoon with a drill and a wrench.
With a capacity of around 150 pounds, it’s one of the larger options, reducing the number of times you have to stop and refill. The transparent hopper lets you see your material level at a glance. It’s a heavy-duty unit with a zinc-plated spinner for durability. Choose the Swisher if your top priority is a large capacity and a hassle-free mount that will fit almost any machine you have.
Calibrating Your Spreader for Best Results
Buying a great spreader is only half the battle; calibrating it is what separates a successful application from a disaster. The settings chart on the fertilizer bag is just a starting point. Your travel speed, the humidity, and the specific spreader model all affect the actual application rate.
Here’s a simple, effective method. Mark out a known area, say 1,000 square feet (a 20 ft by 50 ft rectangle works well). Then, lay down a tarp, put a known weight of fertilizer in the hopper (say, 10 pounds), and make a pass over the tarp at your normal operating speed with your chosen setting. Weigh the fertilizer you collected on the tarp to see how much was actually applied over that area.
This sounds like a hassle, but it’s a five-minute job that can save you from scorching your pasture with too much nitrogen or wasting expensive product with too little. If the bag calls for 4 pounds per 1,000 sq ft and you only collected 2 pounds, you need to open the gate more or slow down. Do this once at the beginning of the season, and you can fertilize with confidence, knowing your application is accurate, effective, and economical.
Ultimately, the best ATV tailgate spreader is the one that fits the scale of your land and the type of material you’re spreading most often. By focusing on key features like a poly hopper and accessible controls, and by taking the crucial step of calibration, you can turn a tedious chore into a highly efficient part of managing your small farm.
