I am going to be honest, it can be very challenging to find the best walk behind salt spreader. The gears jam up, the wheels lock, the frames break, tires split and on and on. Discount Snow Stakes has redesigned ours, the Ice Master 5000, 7 times since we started offering salt spreaders 10 years ago.
Every year we make them better and better. This season, our walk behind salt spreader, the Ice Master 5000 has received rave reviews. We redesigned the bottom chassis into a one piece steel frame beam. This basically takes out the possibility of two parts malfunctioning and streamlines the tire rotation. It simplifies the overall functionality of the spreader. Also, we doubled the steel gauge that we used last season. This makes the frame more durable and professional grade. We did this and only increased the price by $5.
Also the price point on our spreader for the options you receive with the unit, is significantly lower. Many companies sell similar spreaders for about $20-$30 cheaper. This is because the spreader comes without the four way deflector kit, interior steel grate and weatherproof salt spreader cover. Once you add these items on, the spreader ends up being almost $50 more than the Ice Master.
Overall, a decent middle of the road spreader should last 2-3 snow seasons. For bigger snow removal companies, you should consider spending the extra money on a stainless steel unit, but even then, with the rigors of the snow season, they can’t last much longer than that. Mid level walk behind salt spreaders off the best value and bang for your buck and the Ice Master 5000 is moving towards the top of the class.
Features:
- UPGRADED Gear and operation system
- One-piece fully-welded steel frame
- Large 1.5 cu. ft. polymer hopper
- Cap.: 100 lbs. of bagged salt, sand, or other free flowing materials
- Large 13″ pneumatic tires
- Large flow regulator offers ease of operation
- Solid control linkage eliminates sticking and stretched cables
- 4-flap adjustable poly deflector controls spread pattern (ideal for sidewalks, near sensitive foliage, etc.)
- Additional fixed rear deflector protects operator’s feet
- Ergonomic handle
- Expanded metal hopper screen helps prevent material jamming Includes a durable, double-stitched plastic rain cover to protect from moisture and spillage
- Heavy-duty stainless steel gears for added strength Individually boxed for retail display Improved restrictor plate design for durability