Salt and Ice Melt Spreaders

How to Choose the Right Salt Spreader

Selecting the right salt spreader depends on the size of the area you need to treat, the type of terrain, and the equipment you have. Before you buy, it's crucial to understand the main types of spreaders and the key features that will make your winter maintenance tasks easier and more effective. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know and introduce you to our Salt Inator products.

Spreader Types: Drop vs. Broadcast

Drop Spreaders: These release salt or ice melt directly underneath the hopper in a controlled, precise path. The Salt Inator T-S and H-S models are drop spreaders, perfect for sidewalks, pathways, and areas near sensitive landscaping, as they prevent material from being thrown into garden beds or lawns.

Broadcast (Spin or Rotary) Spreaders: These use a spinning plate to cast material out in a wide arc, covering large areas like driveways and parking lots quickly. Our Salt Inator spin spreader models are ideal for efficient, wide-scale coverage.

Key Features to Look For

  • Hopper Material: Look for heavy-duty steel or corrosion-resistant polyethylene hoppers. Steel offers maximum durability for commercial use.
  • Tires: Large pneumatic tires provide better stability and are easier to push over uneven, snowy ground compared to smaller, solid plastic wheels.
  • Mounting Options: Consider how you'll move the spreader. We offer push-handle models for walking, tow-behind models for lawn tractors or ATVs, and 2-inch hitch or 3-point hitch mounts for trucks and utility tractors.

For Professionals: Truck-Mounted Salt Spreaders

For commercial snow removal, property management, or clearing large estates, a truck-mounted spreader is essential. These units offer large capacities and efficient distribution for parking lots, private roads, and long driveways. Our Salt Inator broadcast and 3-point-hitch models are designed for heavy-duty use, attaching securely to your vehicle for powerful, reliable performance all winter long.

Our Salt Inator Spreader Lineup

 Model Type Handle Size Tires Best For
2413H-S Drop  Push 24" 13" pneumatic Sidewalks, narrow paths
2413T-S Drop  Tow 24" 13" pneumatic Larger walkways, small driveways
3613H-S Drop Push 36" 13" pneumatic Wide sidewalks, small commercial lots
3613T-S Drop Tow 36" 13" pneumatic Residential driveways, small lots
4216H-S Drop Push 42" 16" pneumatic Large pedestrian areas
4216T-S Drop Tow 42" 16" pneumatic Large driveways, estates
42PTH-S Drop 3PTH 42" none Utility tractors, commercial properties
9340 Spin 2" hitch 2.3 cu ft none Trucks/SUVs, large parking areas
9345 Spin 3PTH 2.3 cu ft none Trucks/SUVs, large parking areas
9347 (coming soon) Spin 2" hitch 4 cu ft none Trucks/SUVs, commercial properties, larger parking areas
9350 (coming soon) Spin
6 cu ft none Trucks/SUVs, Commercial properties

What About Liquid De-Icer Sprayers?

While granular salt spreaders are the most common solution, liquid de-icer sprayers are another option. Liquids are sometimes more effective at preventing ice from bonding to the surface (anti-icing). However, they require separate spray equipment and can be less effective in heavy snowfall. For most residential and commercial applications, a traditional granular salt spreader offers a reliable, cost-effective, and powerful solution for breaking up existing ice (de-icing).