Getting the best for this type of project is highly recommended. Some of the best salt spreaders are: Suncast S S025, Scotts 71030 and Earthway 3100.
A salt spreader would be a sound purchase in areas where snow and ice accumulate during the winter months. A salt spreader can effectively distribute salt to melt ice and snow so that roads and surfaces become easier to navigate.
Salt spreaders are used to spread salt onto a surface in order to melt ice and snow in the winter, making it safer to walk and drive. It is possible to use a salt spreader to spread fertilizer, but the spreader must be cleaned very well between uses to prevent contamination.
You don't need to add hydraulics for the spreader (although you would for the plow). There is electrical work to be done for the spreader controls, however.
Salt spreader truck.
I believe a salt spreader would be a good solution. Salt is known to react as a melting force when applied to moisture. When the pavement is dry it would be advisable to clean any particles left on the sidewalk.
I use rock salt to melt ice and use my brocast spreader to scatter it on my driveway. I have also used the spreader to apply other ice melting products as well with no problem.
The Atlas Greek pepper mill
I have not used the brand of fertilizer you are speaking of, but I know from experience that for other big name brand fertilizers, a scotts spreader would be set around 5 1/4 on the dial.
There is a conversion matrix on Earthway's site to get the conversion from a Scott's spreader to an Earthway spreader. It is easiest to add 10. For example, Scott's spreader set at 4 should be set at 14 for an Earthway spreader set.
The spreader setting for Scotts Southern Turf Builder when using the EZ Broadcast spreader by Republic is 3.5. If you are using the EZ Drop Spreader by Republic the spreader setting is 6.5.
The brand name is Morton
Spreader settings for Scotts manufactured spreaders are listed on the back of the bag.