A manually operable spreader which can be moved from behind on a surface is especially suitable for distributing salt and other particulate materials which tend to conglomerate or clump in a hopper of the spreader. Wheels are mounted to a frame also support the hopper. A horizontal drive shaft between the wheels is coupled to rotate a vertical shaft. A distributor below the hopper rotates with vertical shaft rotation to distribute particulate material which drop via openings in the bottom of the hopper. The vertical shaft extends via a hole in bottom of hopper and carries at the top thereof an auger having a helical vane. The auger is rotatable with the vertical shaft as the spreader is moved on its wheels. The auger circulates the particulate material in the hopper as the spreader moves while directing material in the hopper towards the bottom thereof.