I used an old hoe that I ground to almost match the profile of the kettle, it'll spread coals and it'll scrape the greasy ashy muck out of the kettle in between cleanings.
When I tend a fire in one of my pits or wood stove I use a bow rake (with the heavy solid tines), cut down to like 6 tines, to move coals around and keep air flowing proper.
You can find either at a second hand store and modify'em with without too much trouble or expense.
One advantage to using a coal spreader with a ranch is you can spread the coals out fast so your heat don't get away from you, as well as keeping the hair on your knuckles intact.