Walk Behind Spreader Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029

MARKET OUTLOOK

The global walk behind spreaders market size was valued at USD 865.47 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 1.11 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.25% during the forecast period. As metropolitan areas rise globally, there is a great emphasis on maintaining gardens, parks, green spaces, and lawns, which requires walking behind spreaders or managing the maintenance of these spaces, including applying fertilizers, seeds, and other materials. Moreover, the increasing demand for landscaping services across golf courses, sports fields, and public parks is driving the expansion of the walk behind spreader market in North America. The rise in commercial landscaping activities, fueled by a growing interest in backyard beautification, is contributing to the growth of the walk behind spreaders industry. Developing green spaces and roofs also drives the need for innovative spreader products. As these spreaders become more widely used in large parks and golf courses, adopting new commercial technologies is expected to boost market growth significantly during the forecast period.

Moreover, a growing landscaping industry, home improvement projects, and a rise in sports activities significantly support the walk behind spreaders market. For instance, increasing sports events such as the Ryder Cup 2023 at Macro Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy, significantly increased the market demand, as in sports arenas, walk-behind spreaders are used for field maintenance and pest and weed control in the ground without significantly adding labor costs. Additionally, increasing investments in enhancing backyard aesthetics, landscaping projects, garden gatherings, and outdoor cooking, along with the desire to minimize time spent on lawn and garden care, is expected to boost the demand for gardening equipment. Furthermore, the expanding construction and tourism sectors, with rising global disposable incomes, also drive the walk-behind spreaders market. In addition, consumer inclination toward energy-efficient products and the surging popularity of electrical products are anticipated to positively influence the global demand for electric-powered walk-behind spreaders.

Manufacturers are developing models of electric-powered spreaders specifically designed to meet the needs of consumers. These often come with advanced features such as adjustable spread patterns, variable speed control, and improved battery life. Manufacturers are investing in R&D to enhance the performance and efficiency of these electric-powered spreaders, ensuring they meet consumers' expectations. For instance, Earthway, one of the prominent vendors in the walk-behind spreaders market, offers an electric walk-behind spreader model- 2150 with a durable construction, an adjustable spread pattern, and a reliable electric motor. This electric power system eliminates manual pushing, making it easier for users to operate and control the spreader.

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Growing Popularity of Electric-Powered Spreaders

Electric-powered spreaders are more eco-friendly and emit fewer pollutants, making them popular among environmentally conscious consumers. They are more efficient and require less maintenance than gasoline spreaders, which adds to their appeal. Additionally, manufacturers are actively investing in developing new electric-powered spreader models and adapting existing ones to meet the increasing demand. For instance, Scotts, one of the leading vendors, offers a Wizz Electric Spreader, a compact and lightweight design for smaller yards and gardens, making it ideal for residential use. Hence, these developments will likely drive the growth of the global walk behind spreaders market during the forecast period.

Development of Green Spaces

Walk-behind spreaders have been witnessing increasing applications in the commercial sector and are being used in various applications, such as for spreading fertilizers, seeds, and other nutrients in golf courses and other large parks and lawns. Furthermore, rapid urbanization generates an ecological imbalance through improper resource utilization and heightened pollution. Therefore, global urban developers and city authorities prioritize creating green zones within cities to enhance livability. Thus, several vendors, such as Earthway, offer various models suitable for different green spaces, from small residential lawns to large commercial landscapes, thereby supporting the market growth.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT TYPE

The global walk behind spreaders market by product type is segmented into broadcast spreaders and drop spreaders. In 2023, broadcast spreaders dominated the global market as they are preferred for applications that involve huge lawns and gardens, though they can also be used for smaller lawns and gardens. Further, the drop spreader is growing because of the rising residential segment, as it is suitable for lawns and gardens, which are smaller in size and drop the contents straight below the container. The quantity and the speed at which they will be discharged can be manually set and changed depending on the needs and the size of the lawn or the garden.

INSIGHTS BY CAPACITY

The global walk behind spreaders market by capacity is segmented into small, medium, and large. The small capacity segment holds the most prominent segmental share. Small-capacity walk-behind spreaders are crucial in the gardening and lawn care market. These tools are designed for precision, ease of use, and versatility. The small walk behind spreaders are used across the residential and commercial areas with relatively smaller grass and lawn areas. Also, small capacity walk behind spreaders offer high levels of precision in applying seeds, fertilizers, and other granular materials. This precision is crucial for maintaining healthy and aesthetically pleasing lawns, preventing over-application and wastage.

INSIGHTS BY FUEL TYPE

The gasoline fuel type holds the largest share of the global walk behind spreaders market in 2023. In 2023, the gasoline segment had the highest global market share. Owing to the strong design, gasoline spreaders are in demand and thus are an excellent choice for tougher and more demanding work. Also, consumers feel the battery-operated walk behind spreaders do not generate enough power. In addition, quality cordless spreaders deliver an hour-and-a-half of commercial use, which costs four to five times more than gasoline spreaders. Hence, positive trends such as power and low cost are expected to turn opportunities in favor of the market. However, with the rising awareness towards sustainability, the demand for electric spreaders is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.

INSIGHTS BY APPLICATION

The global walk behind spreaders market by application is segmented into fertilizing, seeding, and other applications. In 2023, the fertilizer segment dominated the global market share. Walk behind spreaders are widely used in fertilizer application due to their efficiency and precision in covering large areas as they ensure an even distribution of fertilizer, which is crucial for healthy and uniform plant growth. Further, increased awareness of lawn and garden care, residential and commercial construction growth, and landscaping and gardening practices are also increasing market demand. Additionally, the seeding segment is expected to add a revenue of over USD 84 million by the end of 2029. The growth is ascribed to the rising demand for the residential segment as homeowners seek to improve their landscapes; there is a rising demand for effective seeding solutions to establish lush, healthy lawns.

INSIGHTS BY END-USER

The global walk behind spreaders market by end-users is segmented into residential, commercial, and other end-users. In 2023, the residential segment had the highest share and is projected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period because of the rising development of residential construction and people shifting from rural areas to urban settings. The demand for walk-behind spreaders is rising in the residential segment because of the growing interest in DIY lawn care, increased awareness of sustainable gardening practices, and the desire for well-maintained outdoor spaces. Homeowners are increasingly taking pride in the appearance of their lawns and gardens, recognizing that a well-kept yard enhances their property's aesthetic appeal and value. This shift towards personal lawn and garden maintenance has led to a surge in the popularity of walk behind spreaders.

INSIGHTS BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

The offline distribution channel dominates the global walk behind spreaders market in 2023. Factors such as the broader reach in areas that lack better connectivity and high consumer trust associated with personally experiencing the quality of products are driving the growth of this segment. Furthermore, although the online channel holds a relatively lower market share, it is expected to grow at a higher CAGR of over 4% during the forecast period. The proliferation of e-commerce and raising awareness of the benefits of online purchases, such as heavy discounts, occasional offers, and rising demand for convenience, is driving the growth of the online segment.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

North America dominated the global walk behind spreaders market, accounting for a share of over 33% in 2023. The region holds a dominant share because of the presence of many golf courses and the increased demand for landscaping services due to the widespread green areas across the region. The U.S. has a substantial market share due to its expansive lawns and landscaping businesses. The economic growth in the U.S. resulted in a spurt in construction activities, a higher number of residential units, business establishments, and the construction of commercial buildings, which is anticipated to generate more demand for garden and yard maintenance services. Furthermore, APAC is significantly growing in the global walk behind spreaders market at the highest CAGR due to the extensive penetration of green areas across countries like Japan and India. The increasing commercial growth, expansion of commercial spaces, and improvement of the hospitality industry due to rising tourism drive the demand for walk-behind spreaders in the region.

VENDORS LANDSCAPE

The global walk behind spreaders market is a dynamic and diverse industry encompassing local and international players. With a wide array of manufacturers catering to local demands and regulatory requirements, customers can access a range of specialized gardening equipment. The key global walk behind spreaders market players are Agri Fab Inc, Chapin International Inc, and The Scotts Company LLC. Further, the adoption rate of walk-behind spreaders among end-users is increasing, leading to more innovative and advanced solutions. However, price remains a critical competitive factor despite minimal product differentiation. While walk-behind spreaders are extensively sold through e-retail formats, vendors increasingly use online mediums to maintain market relevance. Intense competition is driving players to gain market share, and the market is likely to witness consolidation due to the highly competitive landscape. To survive in this environment, vendors must distinguish their products and services through unique value propositions such as price, warranty, and after-sales service.