Unverferth announced on January 30, 2020, that it had purchased Force Unlimited, an Oelwein, Iowa, manufacturer of Pro-Force fertilizer spreaders. The deal brought dry-material spreaders into Unverferth’s fertilizer application lineup; founder Stan Duncalf joined the company’s product research and development team.
What did Unverferth purchase?
Unverferth purchased Force Unlimited, the company behind the Pro-Force line of pull-type and truck-mounted spreaders. The January 30, 2020 announcement described Force Unlimited as an innovative manufacturer of single- and multi-bin machines with adjustable spinners. The equipment was designed to distribute granular fertilizer as well as cover crops, poultry litter, and compost. Unverferth’s acquisition announcement
Force Unlimited founder Stan Duncalf joined Unverferth in product research and development. Duncalf said the larger company would bring added manufacturing capacity, broader distribution, and continued product development and aftermarket support to the line. Unverferth president Larry Unverferth said the company intended to build on Duncalf’s spreader designs.
Why did the acquisition matter to Unverferth?
Unverferth later described the purchase as completing its fertilizer application range across anhydrous, liquid, and dry products. That is the company’s stated rationale; the announcement does not establish the transaction’s price, financial impact, or measured results after the purchase. Unverferth company history
The Tool Desk
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- OPERATION: Adjustable arm support on this seed, salt and fertilizer spreader helps provide maximum comfort
- HAND-HELD SPREADER: Perfect hand-held fertilizer, salt and seed spreader for small yards
- CAPACITY: A seed, fertilizer and salt spreader that holds up to 1,500 sq. ft. of Scotts lawn products for year-round lawn care
- USAGE: These hand spreaders for lawns are great for year-round use to seed, fertilize, salt and ice melt
- COVERAGE: These salt, fertilizer and seed spreaders for lawns are engineered for smooth, even coverage
How has the Pro-Force line developed?
Product range and published application widths
An August 2023 Unverferth brochure described Pro-Force machines for dry fertilizer, compost, poultry litter, and cover crops. It specified a 102-inch-wide hopper made from 10-gauge 304 stainless steel and optional Duo-Force, Tri-Force, and Quad-Force configurations for applying two, three, or four products separately.
The brochure listed maximum application widths by material. These are manufacturer-published specifications, not independent performance measurements; actual results depend on the model, material, setup, and operating conditions. 2023 Pro-Force brochure
Rank #2
- NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED: Scotts spreader comes pre-calibrated and ready-to-use; use it year-round including as an ice melt spreader or salt spreader for snow
- CAPACITY: Broadcast spreader holds up to 15,000 sq. ft. of Scotts lawn products, and can be used as a lawn food, salt, ice melt or grass seed spreader
- OPERATION: These fertilizer spreaders for lawns feature a hopper and agitator designed for smooth product funneling and consistent coverage
- SIDE SHIELD: Scotts exclusive EdgeGuard Technology on these broadcast spreaders for lawns keeps lawn product off landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks
- BROADCAST SPREADER: Use the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard DLX Broadcast Lawn Spreader to apply Scotts lawn care products, like grass fertilizer for lawns
| Material | Manufacturer-listed width |
|---|---|
| Common fertilizers | Up to 90 feet |
| Lime and gypsum | Up to 60 feet |
| Soybean and cover-crop seeds | Up to 70 feet |
| Compost and litter | Up to 45 feet |
Air Command control and 2025 models
On August 5, 2025, Unverferth announced Air Command pneumatic section control for specified PTO-operated Pro-Force models 2250 and 1850, and models 1450 and smaller equipped with single hydraulics. The system uses a Raven RCM ISOBUS controller and a customer’s prescription coverage map to control four sections. The announcement does not establish compatibility for every Pro-Force model or configuration. Unverferth’s 2025 product announcement
The same announcement introduced pull-type models 1050 and 1250, with stated capacities of 10 tons and 12 tons, respectively. For these two models, Unverferth listed widths of up to 100 feet for dry fertilizer, 60 feet for lime, and 45 feet for compost. These are the manufacturer’s figures, not independently verified results.
Rank #3
- 64-OUNCE BOTTLE: high-capacity poly bottle with a wide opening and easy screw top, quickly remove the lid to add your preferred seed, salt, fertilizer, etc. and simply screw back into place
- TURF AND SALT: year-round use; for steps, sidewalks and small paths in the winter; grass patches, shaded areas, gardens, and small sections the rest of the year
- 3 OPENINGS IN LID: twist lid to choose small, large and wide openings; each designed to fit different particulates like ice melt, salt, fertilizer, grass seed, sand and most pelletized products
- LARGE HANDLE: easy to grip, scoop and fill; accommodates small and large-sized hands, with or without gloves for use any time of the year
- PORTABLE: keep it on a shelf, in a closet or in the car and pull it out when it’s needed; you can even store it with product inside when not in use
Who makes Pro-Force spreaders now?
Unverferth is the company identified as making and supporting the Pro-Force line in its product announcements and operator materials. Owners seeking parts or assistance should have the machine name, model, and serial number available. The operator manual states a one-year warranty from consumer delivery; confirm the manual version and applicable terms for the specific machine. The parts manual directs owners to Unverferth’s parts page for current listings, and replacement parts should be matched to the machine’s model and serial number. Unverferth operator manual · Unverferth parts manual
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the announcement does not establish
The acquisition announcement does not state a purchase price, deal terms, or independent financial results. Product widths and capacities cited here are Unverferth specifications, rather than independently tested performance claims. For a particular machine, verify current specifications and option compatibility with Unverferth or a dealer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Chapin Garden Spreader: Designed for all your residential lawn and garden seed, pest control and fertilizer spreader needs, this 25 lb. spreader is suitable for small areas and hard to reach places
- How to Use and Convenience: Easily adjust the gate for different materials and control the flow rate for precise spreading. The rear baffle keeps product off your clothes and legs for a cleaner, more comfortable experience
- Comfort and Control: The padded shoulder strap makes carrying easy, even in tight spaces, while simple gate and flow adjustments give you precise control over spreading
- Durable Components: This all-round spreader is waterproof and built to last, with heavy-duty materials and enclosed gears. The zippered bag keeps your seed or fertilizer protected from rain and wind while you work
- Chapin Warranty: This spreader is backed by Chapin's 2-year limited warranty and supported by a dedicated US-based customer service and technical help center
Rank #4
- Lawn fertilizer spreader for evenly distributing grass seed, fertilizer, salt, and ice melt in outdoor areas
- Broadcast spreader can cover up to 5000 square feet in one load
- Multi-purpose garden spreader design with multi-gear operation and precision control
- Durable steel frame and plastic lawn spreader bin stands up to all-season weather use
- Easy assembly with release cable pre-installed
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
