What is a disadvantage of using a rotary spreader?

The selected answer highlights a significant concern associated with rotary spreaders. These devices distribute materials by flinging them outward from a rotating disc, which can lead to uneven application patterns. Factors such as wind conditions, speed of operation, and the type of material being spread can drastically affect the uniformity. This uneven distribution can result in some areas receiving too much application, while others are insufficiently treated, which is crucial when applying pesticides or fertilizers, as it can affect both effectiveness and safety.

The other options present factors that might be relevant to the operation of rotary spreaders, but they do not directly address the primary concern of application uniformity as effectively. While operational costs can vary based on style and use, and maintenance needs exist for all equipment types, these considerations are less critical to the core functionality of a rotary spreader. Additionally, rotary spreaders are often favored for their efficiency over larger areas, making them suitable for such tasks, which counters the notion that they are not suitable for large areas. Thus, the focus on uniformity of application aligns closely with common operational issues encountered with rotary spreaders, validating the selection as the most relevant disadvantage.