Why Tailgate Spreaders Still Matter—And What to Know Before You Buy One–If you’ve ever slid through a stop sign or watched your driveway turn into a skating rink overnight, you know the importance of having the right de-icing gear. For most of us, that starts with tailgate spreaders. They’re the unsung heroes of winter—quietly doing their job so we can do ours without slipping, sliding, or spending hours shoveling.
But not all tailgate spreaders are created equal. We’ve helped enough folks over the years to know that the difference between a good winter and a rough one can come down to your equipment. And if you’re shopping around or thinking of upgrading, there are a few things worth talking about first.
What Makes Tailgate Spreaders So Effective?
When the snow hits and ice builds up, fast and even coverage matters. A quality tailgate spreader gives you the control and consistency you need to keep up with the elements. It mounts directly to the back of your vehicle, making it a simple yet powerful tool for spreading salt, sand, or a combination of both.
The big win here is ease of use. You don’t need a giant truck or a commercial route to make it worthwhile. Whether you’re a contractor, a municipality worker, or just someone trying to keep a church parking lot safe, tailgate units give you reach and efficiency without a huge footprint.
Work with a Tailgate Spreader Dealer Who Gets It
There’s a huge difference between buying equipment and partnering with someone who understands your job. A true tailgate spreader dealer won’t just hand you a box and send you on your way. We ask about your route, your materials, your truck setup—and we help guide you toward the right match.
Are you mostly covering residential areas? Gravel roads? Commercial lots? That all matters. A unit that works for a city truck won’t necessarily be the best choice for someone running a pickup out to rural properties. We’ve seen too many people waste money on equipment that looks great on paper but doesn’t hold up in real-world conditions.
We make sure what you’re getting is actually going to serve you—not just this season, but every season after.
Don’t Sleep on the Receiver Hitch Spreader
Maybe you don’t need a full tailgate system just yet. Maybe you’re running shorter routes or only treating smaller spaces. That’s where a receiver hitch spreader can be a perfect fit.
It’s compact. It’s quick to install. And it handles smaller payloads like a pro. For contractors running multiple vehicles or for crews who need flexibility, these hitch-mounted models are a solid addition. They’re also easier to remove once the season ends, which makes them ideal for multipurpose trucks.
Sand Spreader or Salt Spreader—What’s the Right Tool?
We hear this one all the time: “Should I use sand or salt?” The short answer? It depends on the surface and the temps. Salt is great for melting ice fast, especially in parking lots, sidewalks, and city streets. Our salt spreaders are designed to deliver consistent flow even with rock salt or calcium chloride blends. You get coverage without clumping or excessive waste.
But in areas where you need more traction—think hills, unpaved roads, or high-wind corners—sand can make a big difference. That’s where a sand spreader comes in handy. They’re built to handle heavier, coarse material and distribute it evenly without jamming up the system.
A lot of folks end up using both, which brings us to…
Why Salt & Sand Spreaders Are the Most Versatile Option
If your work takes you through a variety of locations—or if the weather where you live swings wildly—you might want the best of both worlds. That’s where salt & sand spreaders shine. They’re designed for flexibility, giving you the ability to swap materials based on the day’s demands without needing new equipment.
This kind of versatility isn’t just convenient. It saves time, reduces labor, and keeps your team focused on getting the job done—not fiddling with adjustments or trying to make a one-material unit work in a two-material world.
Tailgate Spreaders That Can Keep Up
Winter weather is unpredictable. Your equipment shouldn’t be. We work with folks who rely on tailgate spreaders to keep schools open, businesses running, and neighborhoods safe. The last thing you need is gear that jams up halfway through a job or can’t handle a surprise drop in temperature.
That’s why we stand by every model we recommend. From compact options for tight urban routes to high-capacity spreaders for rural roads and industrial lots, we’ve got the right match for your workflow.
And if you’re not sure where to start? Give us a shout. As a local tailgate spreader dealer, we’re always ready to help you size things up, weigh the pros and cons, and walk away with something that works.
Snow Doesn’t Wait. Neither Should You.
Do you need top-quality snow removal equipment and accessories? Contact our team at Hiniker today!
Hiniker has been a proud Minnesota based manufacturer and one of the top skid steer plow dealers since 1995. We are proud to offer the highest quality salt & sand spreaders, skid steer snow plows, truck plows, accessories, and more! Our equipment at Hiniker is built to enable the operator to work as efficiently as possible.
At Hiniker, we take great pride in providing equipment that is straightforward and reliable. We can help you with anything from a blaze bar light to a receiver hitch spreader. Our team wants you to avoid as much downtime as possible so you can clear all the snow and ice that stands in your way!
Contact us today by calling (800) 433-5620 to find out more about the premium snow removal products we offer. You can also follow us on Facebook for the latest news regarding Hiniker’s premium equipment and accessories.
