I think it depends on what you apply. I have a mounted sprayer because I apply liquids.

You are doing lawn maintenance with dry, do you want to change to using liquids?

Dry may be bulkier, liquids may cost more.

I think liquids are more effective, just don't stop when the sprayer is on!

Currently I have "Scott's" doing it now so no preference - Scott's uses primarily liquid.

Stopping is bad on spread or spray:) The control of spray with a switch seems better than spread where both a switch and lever are needed. Spray coverage can be controlled better than a spinning disk throwing it all over? In flower beds etc.

I'm retired and have the advantage over Scott's where I can do it at the ideal time, right after rain or before rain, when I see weeds or crabgrass starting etc.

Maximum flexibility would be mounted on the back of the machine. You don't say how many trees, shrubs, etc. you have to maneuver around. If you have a garden cart, take it for a trial run like you were using a tow behind, have to back up, etc.? IMHO, liquid is immediate and fast acting, solid is slow release and gives you a better bang for your $$. You mention flexibility in time of application, before rain definitely for solid, definitly not before rain for liquid. Also agree that liquid is more costly. Solid material (slow release) is much more forgiving when overlapped than spray.

Be very suspicious in reading Mfg. "claims" as to width of spread, they lie. If it says 10 feet, plan on 6. Electric vs. Ground driven: Electric you would think would give you positive control to stop application. If you investigate, you'll find the switch only controls the motor be it on the pump or the rotator, you'll also have to physically shut a valve or close a gate to stop dribbling.

Here's the one I have, I like that just pull or push the lever gives me control of the application. the rotator moves all the time, the lever only controls the gate. These are available from 60 lbs. up. My lawn is four acres so I wanted a larger capacity. WIth a ground driven unit, ground speed definitely determines how wide the pattern is.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Brinly-125-lb-Capacity-Tow-Behind-Lawn-Spreader/50240011

Mounting a spreader on the back of your machine you'll have to be very judicious in washing immediately after use. There will be material, solid or spray which gets on it and is very corrosive.

I have friends that are hunters and as part of the "justification" to their wives for a four wheeler, they got 12V. spreaders for the lawn. They didn't last too long and the replacement cost of one of those motors is ridiculous. Also, what kind of charging system/size of battery does your tractor have? Those little motors can suck up a lot of amps and starving a DC motor will lead to early failure. If you have a "garden variety" LT which is designed to recharge a 220AH battery and keep the PTO solenoid (mower) energized you might be in trouble.

If you go with a sprayer, plan on filtering the water going in and make sure it has a bypass line for the pump to recirculate the liquid to ensure a good mix. Some of the Ferts. and "cides" can be clumpy when initially dispensed. The orifices on the nozzles are small, high pressure and small orifice gives you the spray pattern. You'll still end up with plugged nozzles and have to take apart and blow out, but try to minimize that up front.

Not trying to talk you into a ground driven tow behind, but the above was the thought process I went through ten years ago when I bought mine.

Good luck,

Thanks exmar, I was looking for a back of tractor mount, but after your comments I am back looking at a tow behind. Not many trees or plants to worry about. I forgot I aerate and over seed every fall and liquid seed is not available:) I have a Brinly plug aerator that is 25 years old and still working fine so the spreader you mentioned looks good and the price is the same as the tractor back units. I guess I'll use a hose end sprayer for some liquid applications like insecticides. My X300 has a pretty good charging system (15A) and never had a problem even using a winch or electric lift on the 40" shovel but something to think about using a motor driven spreader or liquid pump. Previous to a landscape company I used a push spreader so I am used to any problems with a granular spreader, I may sell it now to pay some toward the new one. I'll let you know what I decide - and of course - pictures or video.

For top seeding, this is what I use, provides much better control and provides a little exercise. There's a ton of them out there, I think I paid about $20 at Tractor Supply. The problem you may find with a tow behind and grass seed is you may only be spreading five lbs. of seed, Depending on the size spreader, that won't even begin to cover the bottom, so seeding rate will significantly suffer.

https://www.zoro.com/earthway-handheld-broadcast-spreader-25-lb-1-hole-2750/i/G1343675/?gclid=CjwKEAjwgdS-BRDA7fT68f6s8zMSJADZwHmvDoBZ-vKAjFp2AHu3S5tCLfh1YxoiJriw1RJJI6uSMBoCIsnw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

LOL, you have plenty of Amps to run anything you want. Some LT's only have a 2-4 amp charging system.

I have a Scott's Pro push spreader which I will be selling to help with the cost of new. I also have a hand held spreader for small seeding jobs. This morning I went to the orange box store and found the Brinly 125 Lb spreader. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Brinly-Hardy-125-lb-Tow-Behind-Broadcast-Spreader-BS26BH/202303142 One box had a tear on one side, opened and looks like all there inside. Talked them into 10% off which here in TN just covers the tax:( Paid $177. Now I go into the garage and assemble. By the way this spreader now comes with a plastic cover.

After 2 hours to assemble it looks great and sturdy. I like it now comes with the plastic cover. But the instructions are below par as follows

Shrink wrapped parts lettered, instructions use numbers. WTF

Wheel spacers – not on shrink wrap, in separate bag 15
minutes to figure out.

Some parts have 2 different sides, no clue in directions and
can’t tell by pictures. Like the rubber washer thing driving the fan.

The rod from the handle to the opening gate – not shown or explained
well, I had to completely disassemble and reverse it near the end.

Time to assemble 2 hours +

I have assembled many tools similar to this and consider myself "Expert" in mechanical ability, and give this
one a harder than most due to badly written instructions. The shrink wrapped parts in groups was nice
but should be numbered to match instructions.

PS before retiring I was trained in and did years of Technical Writing , if I had written this I would be fired.

First use in a couple weeks for over seeding.

Thanks Exmar for the help deciding.

Mine's lasted a lot of years, use twice a year, Hose out well, spray down anything metal with lube and stick in barn. Simple is good!

Coincidentally, just put a new pump on my brother's 40 gallon tow behind sprayer. Due to two years of totally strange weather, the poison Ivy and Oak is running rampant. Will see if some "Crossbow" won't teach it some manners. :-)

One thing I noted in searching at the orange box store web pages they have the 175 Lb spreader for only $15 more than the 125 Lb ???? Thought maybe the 175 was built stronger but looks like the exact same unit just has a larger bucket. The 125 is overkill for my 5K yard, but tempting on the 175. The user manual is written for both the 125 lb and 175 lb so know they are the same just a larger hopper. Also saw Lowes has both sizes for the same price but a lot higher than HD???