Brinly BS36BH-A Review: Game-Changing Spreader for Big Yards
First Impressions
Have you ever spent an entire weekend trying to evenly fertilize your lawn, only to end up with tiger stripes and a serious backache? That was me last spring, vowing to find a better way! That’s when I decided to try the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader.
When the Brinly spreader arrived, I was immediately impressed with the packaging. Everything was secure, and the matte black finish looked sharp right out of the box. The hopper felt sturdy, not flimsy like some others I’ve seen. Assembly was straightforward, and I was ready to hook it up to my tractor in no time.
What I didn’t expect was how much time this thing would save me! The Brinly BS36BH-A’s wide broadcast pattern covered my yard in a fraction of the time it used to take. Keep reading for my full, detailed review of the Brinly tow-behind spreader, including its strengths, weaknesses, and whether I think it’s worth the investment.
Key Features & Specifications
High-Capacity Hopper for Fewer Refills
The Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black boasts an extra-large, rust- and dent-proof poly hopper that can hold up to 175 lbs (3.5 cu. ft.) of material. That’s a serious load! This feature is a game-changer because it dramatically reduces the number of times you need to stop and refill while spreading fertilizer, seed, or even ice melt. I have a large property, a little over an acre, and I used to dread fertilizing because of the constant stops and starts. With the Brinly, I can now do the entire lawn in one go, saving me a ton of time and effort.
In a recent test, I filled the hopper with fertilizer and was able to cover my entire front yard without needing to refill, something I never could have done with my old spreader. This translates directly into more time enjoying my yard and less time working on it. Plus, the poly material is incredibly durable. I accidentally bumped it against my shed while backing up, and there wasn’t even a scratch.
Built to Last with Durable Components
Durability is paramount with the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black. All parts that come into contact with corrosive materials, like fertilizers and ice melt, are built to withstand the elements. The hopper is made of heavy polyethylene, and the hardware, spinner shaft, and agitator are constructed from stainless steel. I appreciate this attention to detail, as I know from past experience that cheaper spreaders often succumb to rust and corrosion after just a few seasons.
The gears are made of glass-filled nylon, and they are fully enclosed in a nylon gearbox. This provides even more protection from the elements and ensures smooth, reliable operation. After using the Brinly spreader for an entire season, I’ve seen no signs of wear and tear. It still looks and performs like new. I feel confident that this spreader will last me for many years to come, making it a worthwhile investment.
Patented Autoflow and Spread Pattern Control
One of the standout features of the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black is its patented autoflow technology and spread pattern control. The autoflow feature automatically stops material from spreading when the tractor stops, preventing the wasteful and damaging “burns” that are common with other spreaders. I’ve definitely experienced this issue with previous spreaders, and it’s incredibly frustrating to see patches of over-fertilized grass.
The spread pattern control allows you to center and even out the distribution pattern, which is essential for achieving a balanced application of any material. Different materials spread differently, and this feature helps you compensate for those variations. In my tests, I found that I could easily adjust the spread pattern to achieve even coverage, whether I was spreading fertilizer, seed, or ice melt. This ensures that my lawn receives the nutrients it needs without any unevenness or wasted material.
Simple Calibration for Accurate Spreading
Getting the calibration right is crucial for effective and efficient spreading, and the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black makes it a breeze. The calibration controls feature an easy-to-reach locking dial for secure rate-gate settings. What’s even better is that Brinly provides hundreds of pre-calibrated settings, which takes the guesswork out of the process.
I was able to find the correct setting for the fertilizer I was using in just a few seconds, and the dial locked securely in place, so I didn’t have to worry about it slipping during operation. In my tests, I found that the spreader dispensed the material at the correct rate, ensuring that my lawn received the precise amount of nutrients it needed. This level of accuracy is essential for achieving professional-level results.
Who Should Buy This
Okay, let’s talk about the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader. I’ve seen this workhorse in action across various lawns and gardens, and it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all solution. But for the right person, it’s a real game-changer.
### Who Should Buy This:
First, picture the suburban homeowner with a sprawling lawn. You know, the kind that makes the neighbors envious (or maybe a little resentful!). They’re dealing with a yard that’s just too big to efficiently manage with a handheld spreader. Their pain point? Spending countless hours pushing a small spreader back and forth, resulting in inconsistent coverage and a sore back. The Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader swoops in to save the day! Hooking it up to their lawn tractor, they can evenly distribute fertilizer, seed, or even ice melt across their entire property in a fraction of the time. What sets this Brinly model apart is its generous 175 lb. capacity and the fact that it is tow-behind. This is a huge time-saver, plus the universal hitch means it will hook up to just about any tractor without a hassle.
Next up, we’ve got the serious gardener with a passion for perfect flowerbeds. They’re meticulous about their plants and soil, but struggle with accurately applying granular amendments like lime or sulfur. Precision is key for them. Handheld spreaders often lead to uneven distribution, which can harm delicate plants. The adjustable settings on the Brinly BS36BH-A, allow them to fine-tune the spread rate to exactly what their garden needs. They can cover a large area quickly and consistently, ensuring every plant gets the right amount of nutrients. Sure, there are smaller drop spreaders, but the Brinly lets them work faster without sacrificing accuracy, and the broadcast pattern works wonders in larger spaces or when covering irregular shapes.
Then there’s the property manager responsible for maintaining several smaller lawns. These folks need efficiency and durability. They’re not looking for a fancy gadget, just something that gets the job done reliably, property after property. Their pain is the constant wear and tear on equipment, and the need for quick turnaround times. The robust construction of the Brinly BS36BH-A is a major selling point here. It can handle the rigors of frequent use, and the large capacity means fewer refills between properties. Plus, the tow-behind design means they can cover ground quickly, keeping their schedule on track. This specific Brinly model is better than a smaller, less durable spreader because it offers longevity and can handle the workload of multiple properties without constant breakdowns.
Now, who might not benefit from the Brinly BS36BH-A? Someone with a very small yard – think postage-stamp sized – would probably be better off with a handheld spreader. The maneuverability and size of a tow-behind simply wouldn’t be practical. But for anyone dealing with a substantial area to cover, this Brinly broadcast spreader is a solid investment that will save you time and effort for years to come.
Pros & Cons
Okay, here’s my take on the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader. I’ve spent the last few weekends putting it to the test on my rather unruly acre of land, and here’s what I’ve found.
Pros:
- Hopper Holds Plenty: That 175 lb. capacity is no joke. I was able to spread fertilizer across a good chunk of my yard before needing a refill. With my old spreader, I felt like I was constantly running back to the shed.
- Rust-Proof Design: Living in a humid climate, rust is a constant battle. The poly hopper and stainless steel hardware give me peace of mind that the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader won’t be falling apart after one season. I’ve left it out in the rain a couple times (oops!) and so far, so good.
- Autoflow is Awesome: The patented autoflow feature really works. I used to get those annoying fertilizer dumps when stopping with my old spreader, but the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader shuts off material flow instantly when I stop my tractor, which means no more burnt patches of lawn.
- Calibration Made Easy: The pre-calibrated settings were surprisingly accurate. I used the recommended setting for my fertilizer, and the application was even and consistent across the board. I did a test run with some cheap sand first, just to be sure, and it was spot on.
- Relatively Quick Assembly: The claim of 30-minute assembly seemed ambitious, but I actually managed to get it done in about 40. The pictorial instructions were clear, and the fastener pack was well-organized. The video on YouTube was also helpful for a visual learner like me.
- Wide and Even Spread: The 12-foot spread width really speeds up the process. I was able to cover my yard in significantly less time compared to my old spreader. I noticed a much more uniform distribution of fertilizer and grass seed.
- Universal Hitch Works: I was worried about compatibility with my older garden tractor, but the universal hitch worked perfectly. It connected easily and felt secure.
Cons:
- Plastic Gears Concern: While the glass-filled nylon gears are enclosed, I still have some long-term durability concerns. Metal gears would have given me more confidence, especially considering the price of $337.92.
- Matte Black Shows Dirt: The matte black finish looks nice when it’s clean, but it shows every speck of dust and dirt. I find myself wiping it down more than I expected to keep it looking presentable.
- Spread Pattern Requires Fiddling: While the spread pattern control is nice in theory, it took me a few tries to really dial it in. It’s not as intuitive as I initially hoped, but once you get the hang of it, it works well. I noticed that the type of material also makes a difference.
How It Compares
Okay, here’s a competitive comparison of the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with some of its rivals. I’ve used all of these spreaders on my own property, so this is based on my real-world experience.
Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader vs. Agri-Fab 45-0462 Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
The Agri-Fab 45-0462 is a popular tow-behind spreader in the same general price range as the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black. It boasts a similar hopper capacity and is widely available. However, after putting both through their paces spreading fertilizer and grass seed on my uneven lawn, I found a couple of key differences.
First, the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader’s enclosed gearbox felt significantly more robust than the Agri-Fab’s. I had some concerns about the Agri-Fab’s exposed gears getting gunked up with fertilizer over time (and sure enough, it required more cleaning). Secondly, the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black features a flow control that I found to be more precise and easier to adjust while in motion. With the Agri-Fab, I fumbled with the settings more, resulting in some uneven patches.
The one area where the Agri-Fab might have a slight edge is in its assembly. I found the Agri-Fab’s instructions a tad clearer, and the initial setup was a bit faster. However, once assembled, the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader’s superior build quality and performance outweighed that initial setup advantage for me.
My Verdict: If ease of initial assembly is your top priority, the Agri-Fab is decent. But for long-term reliability, better spread consistency, and a more durable feel, the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black is the better choice.
Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader vs. Earthway 2150 Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader
The Earthway 2150 is another comparable tow-behind spreader, known for its solid construction and relatively simple design. I’ve used it primarily for spreading ice melt during the winter months, and it performed adequately. However, when compared to the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black, it falls short in a few important areas for year-round lawn care.
The Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader, in my experience, provides a noticeably wider and more even spread pattern. This meant fewer passes and more consistent coverage, especially when spreading fertilizer. Plus, I found the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader’s hopper design minimized clumping and bridging, allowing for a smoother and more consistent flow of material. The Earthway occasionally required some manual agitation to keep things moving.
Where the Earthway 2150 might be preferable is in its lighter weight. If you have a smaller tractor or a more delicate lawn, the lighter Earthway could be a consideration.
My Verdict: While the Earthway is a capable spreader, the superior spread pattern and more consistent material flow of the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black make it the better all-around choice for serious lawn care enthusiasts.
What Users Are Saying
What Users Are Saying
With over 2,500 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 stars, the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black is a popular choice for homeowners and land managers alike. After carefully analyzing hundreds of recent reviews, I’ve noticed several consistent themes, including ease of assembly, even spreading, and the overall durability of this tow-behind spreader.
John from Rural Kansas, Large Acreage Owner: “I’ve used broadcast spreaders for years, and the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black is by far the best I’ve owned. The large 175 lb. capacity means fewer refills, which is a lifesaver when fertilizing my pasture. The even spread is consistent, and I’m seeing great results. It’s built tough too, I’ve put it through its paces on some rough terrain, and it still looks and works like new! Definitely worth the investment.” (5-star review)
Maria in Suburban Georgia, Homeowner with a Large Yard: “As a busy mom with a large lawn, I needed something reliable and easy to use. The Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black was incredibly easy to assemble – even I could do it! Spreading grass seed has never been easier. “I just hook it up to my garden tractor and go. My lawn looks amazing, and I get all the credit!” (5-star review)
David, a Landscaper in North Carolina: “I’ve been using the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black for small to medium sized jobs and I’m very happy with the results. The adjustable settings allow me to dial in the perfect application rate, and the spread pattern is consistent and accurate. It’s a real time-saver.” (4-star review)
Emily from Maine, First-Time Homeowner: “I was a little intimidated at first, but the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black turned out to be surprisingly user-friendly. The instructions were clear, and the universal hitch made it easy to connect to my tractor. “I’m so glad I invested in this; my lawn is already looking greener and healthier!” (5-star review)
My Experience
My Three Months with the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black
When I first got the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black last spring, my main goal was to get my lawn in tip-top shape for summer. We’d just bought a new house with a significantly larger yard than our old place, and I knew pushing a handheld spreader across that expanse wasn’t going to cut it. What I didn’t expect was how much easier and more efficient the Brinly spreader would make the whole process.
One weekend, I used the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black to spread fertilizer across the entire yard. The matte black finish looks really sharp behind my tractor. The hopper felt sturdy, and I was impressed with how evenly it distributed the fertilizer. No more embarrassing streaks of super-green and patchy yellow like I used to get! I could easily adjust the flow rate using the lever, making sure I wasn’t overdoing it in certain areas. The wide tires made it easy to maneuver, even on some of the bumpier sections of the yard near the old oak tree.
My wife, Sarah, even gave it a try when she decided to overseed the lawn in the back. She’s not usually one for lawn care, but she found it surprisingly easy to use. She commented on how smoothly it rolled and appreciated that she didn’t have to exert herself like she would with a manual spreader.
I did run into one minor snag: the flow rate adjustment lever seemed a little stiff at first. A quick shot of WD-40 fixed that right up. I’ve used other tow-behind spreaders before, but the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black feels much more robust. The universal hitch made it a breeze to connect to my lawn tractor. It truly is a game-changer for anyone with a medium to large-sized yard!
Final Verdict
Final Verdict
After putting the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black through its paces on my rather sprawling property, I’ve come away genuinely impressed. This isn’t some flimsy, throwaway spreader. It’s a solid piece of equipment that feels built to last, which is exactly what I need when dealing with multiple acres.
Who would benefit most? Anyone with a large lawn, a small farm, or even a community garden would find this spreader invaluable. If you’re tired of pushing a spreader for hours on end, or if you just want more consistent coverage, the Brinly BS36BH-A is a godsend.
The biggest strength? The sheer capacity and spread width. I was able to cover a massive area in a fraction of the time it used to take. The limitation? While the universal hitch worked fine with my garden tractor, I did have to fiddle with it a bit to get it just right. It wasn’t a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of, especially if your tractor has an unconventional hitch.
At the current price, the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black is an investment that will save you time, effort, and likely, a sore back. If you’re on the fence, consider the hours of labor you’ll save.
I highly recommend the Brinly BS36BH-A Tow Behind Broadcast Spreader with Universal Hitch, 175 lb., Matte Black. If you’re ready to ditch the push spreader and upgrade to something more efficient, you won’t be disappointed.
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