Durable Sand Spreaders & Topdressers That Handle 100% Sand Capacity

When it comes to turf care, golf course management, or large-scale landscaping, one thing is certain: not all sand spreaders and topdressers are created equal. Some machines struggle with capacity, forcing you into constant refills and wasted time. At Earth & Turf, we’ve engineered our MultiSpread® topdressers and TruFlow® drop spreaders to do what most machines can’t: carry 100% hopper capacity in sand without slowing you down.

That’s right. While many compact topdressers are only rated for about 40% capacity with sand, our lineup of self-propelled sand spreaders, tow-behind topdressers, and drop sand spreaders can handle two-and-a-half times more material per load. That means less downtime, fewer refills, and tougher machines built to keep up with the demands of golf courses, sports fields, and lawns.

What Is a Sand Topdresser?

A sand topdresser (sometimes called a sand spreader) is a specialized machine designed to evenly distribute sand, compost, or other topdressing materials across turf. On golf courses, topdressers are used to smooth putting surfaces and improve soil structure. On lawns, sports fields, and landscaping projects, they help create healthier, firmer turf.

Think of a topdresser as your turf’s finishing tool: it levels imperfections, boosts drainage, and strengthens your grass over time.

Why 100% Sand Capacity Matters

Ask any turf manager and they’ll tell you: sand is one of the heaviest and toughest materials to spread. At nearly 100 lbs per cubic foot, it pushes most compact topdressers to their breaking point, which is why so many are only rated for partial loads. That means more refills, wasted time, and machines that wear out too soon.

Earth & Turf’s durable sand spreaders and topdressers are different. We build every machine to handle 100% hopper capacity in sand, giving you more efficiency and longer-lasting equipment.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Better ROI — more material moved with fewer trips equals lower cost per job.
• Fewer refills, more coverage — save time every pass.
• Stronger builds, less maintenance — our machines won’t break under pressure.

Benefits of Sand Topdressing

So why topdress with sand in the first place? Because it’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to create healthier, stronger, and more consistent turf. Whether you’re managing golf greens, residential lawns, or athletic fields, sand spreading provides benefits you can see right away, and improvements that build year after year.

Here’s what makes sand topdressing a must for turf care:

• Long-term soil improvement → regular applications enhance root zones year after year.
• Smooth surfaces → fills imperfections for truer ball roll on greens.
• Healthier turf → dilutes thatch, reduces compaction, improves drainage.
• Firm playing conditions → builds surface resilience and consistency.

Earth & Turf’s Sand Spreader Product Line

From compact walk-behind drop spreaders to high-capacity tow-behind and stand-on models, Earth & Turf offers a full line of sand spreaders and topdressers designed to match every turf application.

We’ve designed our machines for every job, from precision greens work to wide-open sports fields. Choose the right fit below.

Self-Propelled Sand Spreaders

Why Choose Self-Propelled? Perfect for contractors or crews covering multiple accounts quickly. Compact, maneuverable, and highly productive.

Tow-Behind Topdressers

Why Choose Tow-Behind? Great when you’ve got a capable towing vehicle and big areas to cover without needing full self-propelled investment.

Drop Spreaders (TruFlow® Series)

Why Choose Drop Spreaders? Precision spreading for golf greens, sports turf, and fine detail work.

Self-Propelled vs Tow-Behind vs Drop Spreaders

Find a sand spreader Dealer Near You

Looking to buy or rent? Earth & Turf works with a nationwide network of trusted dealers across the U.S. Whether you need a machine for long-term ownership or want to rent a sand spreader for a specific project, our dealers are ready to help.

Find a dealer near you and explore rental and purchase options today.

How Much Sand Do You Need for Topdressing?

Figuring out how much sand to apply is one of the most common questions turf managers, golf course superintendents, and landscapers ask. The answer depends on two factors: application depth and the size of your turf area. Applying too little sand won’t deliver results, while applying too much can stress the grass.

To make it simple, here’s a quick topdressing calculator you can use to estimate the amount of sand needed per 1,000 sq. ft. or per acre:

Use this to estimate material cost and equipment needs before starting your topdressing project.

Best Earth & Turf Models for Each Application Size

• Small Jobs (Up to ~0.4 cubic yards per 1,000 sq. ft.)
  Perfect for precision work like golf greens, small lawns, or residential topdressing.
  Best Fit: TruFlow 24D walk-behind drop spreader or 62SP self-propelled spreader.
• Medium Jobs (~0.8 cubic yards per 1,000 sq. ft. or ~34 cubic yards/acre)
  Ideal for mid-sized sports fields, large residential lawns, or practice areas.
  Best Fit: 100SP self-propelled spreader or 220MS tow-behind topdresser.
• Large Jobs (~1.2 cubic yards per 1,000 sq. ft. or ~50 cubic yards/acre)
  Designed for golf course fairways, athletic complexes, and turf managers with acres to cover.
  Best Fit: 415SP stand-on spreader or 320MS tow-behind topdresser.

Best Practices for Sand Topdressing

Topdressing isn’t just about throwing sand on the turf because doing it the right way makes all the difference. Whether you’re caring for golf course greens, athletic fields, or residential lawns, the right approach will improve soil health, create smoother surfaces, and keep your turf firm and resilient.

Want to know the best way to topdress your lawn or golf greens? Here’s what the pros recommend:

• Sand choice: Use medium-fine, screened sand that matches your soil profile.
• Application depth: 1/8″ to 3/8″ depending on soil and turf condition.
• Frequency: Light, frequent applications are best for turf consistency.
• Equipment match: Small spaces → drop spreaders. Big fields → tow-behind or stand-on.

Cost & ROI of a Sand Spreader

Investing in a sand spreader or topdresser isn’t just about the purchase price, it’s also about the return you’ll see in time saved, labor reduced, and turf quality improved. For turf managers, contractors, and golf course superintendents, the right machine can pay for itself season after season by handling heavier loads and cutting down on wasted effort.

Here’s how the different models compare when it comes to cost vs ROI of a sand spreader:

• Self-Propelled Models: Higher upfront cost, but best productivity and ROI for contractors or sports fields.
• Tow-Behind Models: Affordable for turf managers with tractors or UTVs.
• Drop Spreaders: Lowest cost, best for greens and precision.

Because Earth & Turf machines are built for 100% sand capacity, you save money over time with fewer trips, less downtime, and longer machine life.

Why Choose Earth & Turf?

If you’ve worked with other sand spreaders, you already know the headaches: small loads, constant refills, frames that bend under pressure, and wasted material every time you turn or reverse. That’s why we set out to design something different.

• Built for 100% Sand Capacity → No more settling for 40%. Our machines are engineered to handle the full load, even with one of the heaviest materials you’ll spread.
• Durability That Pays Off → Rugged engineering means lower lifetime costs, fewer repairs, and equipment that lasts season after season.
• A Model for Every Need → Whether you’re managing a golf course, running landscaping crews, or maintaining athletic fields, we have the right solution: self-propelled, tow-behind, or precision drop spreaders.
• Trusted Nationwide → Contractors, golf course superintendents, and sports facilities across the U.S. rely on Earth & Turf to get the job done right.

Take the Next Step

Don’t settle for spreaders that only handle half the job. With Earth & Turf, you get machines engineered for 100% sand capacity, built to last, and designed to make every pass more efficient. Whether you’re maintaining golf greens, sports fields, or residential lawns, our lineup of self-propelled, tow-behind, and drop spreaders gives you the perfect fit for your turf needs.

Stop wasting time (and money) on spreaders that can’t keep up. With Earth & Turf, you’ll spread more in less time, protect your investment, and finally get equipment built for the way you work.