Which Lawn Spreader Is Best for DIYers?

In this video we take a detailed look at the most popular lawn spreaders I see in our DIY community
#lawncare #diy

Earthway spreaders here:

Affiliate Links:
Echo RB60

Scotts Elite on Amazon

Hand Spreader Video:

Website - Lawn Plans:

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[markamarkam]

Agree on the Scott's broadcast spreader. I have the DLX and it's an exercise in frustration every time I use it. The tiny mixer sits slightly above the basin so material tends to accumulate below, especially fine granulars like Milo. Once it builds up enough it will interfere with the mixer or stress the mixer. After a round of Milo, mine came off and I found it sitting at the bottom of the basin. I eventually fixed it by taking the spreader apart and used Rhino glue to fix the mixer back on. I might have used a tiny screw to keep it from popping off as well. Another problem is the slot opening at the bottom of the basin. At lower settings large granulars will not get through the slot and it will clog, but even fine granulars will eventually clog up and after a few rows the output will be substantially reduced. I always carry a thin wire/rod with me to clear up the clogs as I go, but as you clear up the clogs you invariably are going to drop a load of fert/seed when you are doing it (and that might lead to spot burning on your lawn). Lastly, the wheels impede side to side broadcasting, so you need to make sure you cut the rate down and overlap in a criss-cross pattern to even things out. But even then you might have streaks with higher nitrogen ferts where they hit the wheels. I still have mine, but I am definitely moving on to another spreader.

[RR-gtcc]

I bought an Earthway a few years back after watching one of your review videos. It’s a fantastic spreader.

[mainnerd]

I started with a Scotts Elite and then upgraded to an Earthway 2600. I don't regret a thing. The tires are amazing, and the way it spreads is phenomenal. I couldn't imagine going back to Scotts. The only drawback is what he mentioned. I'm 6' 1" and the Earthway is short. It is sort of a bother, but not. The thing spreads great and vast, so I'm not in that hunched position for long. I get my yard done faster than I would with the Scotts Elite. So it does make up for it.

[MixingGBP]

I have the Echo RB 60. Got it back in 2020 when they were $100. Good spreader, and waaaay better than Scotts spreader, which I also own.

[Radienleo]

I special ordered the Echo from H.Depot service desk, now for half an acre of land at a cost of about 160 dollars. Best investment yet as far as fertilizing something goes. Has about an 8 foot throw. Can hold about 12000 S.foot worth in each fill. 😊

[TommyDetails]

I have the echo and for the modest amount of fertilizing I do it’s great. I came from having a lesco in the field and I feel like for the price of the echo I think it’s a good buy. Im happy you put it in the mix!

[Eric-emqw]

Great vid! Back when I started with the LCN (2015/6) I bought an Earthway 2150 for our 9k yard. It's a beast! Huge tires, very solid, terrible add-on edge guard. One thing to also think about for future shoppers is the spreader weight. We have a really inclined yard with a lot of variation. Pushing that sucker around with half of a load of fert up hills can really be something. Allyn's call-out about operator height is also great, behind hunched over is miserable.

[kentfaver]

Excellent video Allyn! Because I have issues, I still have the Scott's mid-level in my garage, but I AM switching to a handspreader next season. Those hollow wheels can also cause lines in your lawn. Fert gets inside the wheels, accumulates and then spills out as you walk. So, you have to duct tape or cover up the inside open area of the wheels.

[johnsmith-wdsq]

Thank you for the Info Sir! And thank you for the good Laugh when you tossed the first Scott spreader! Omg! I was cracking up!

[avocares]

I am watching your video because I am replacing my Earthway spreader. 10 years old but the last 2 were very frustrating. It's a design issue where the linkage arm pushes down and forward on the plastic gate. Because the forces are at an angle to the direction the gate rotates in, the plastic gets weaker and weaker over time. Eventually the plastic bends down instead of rotating so you have to tap it with your foot to get it to close. I got more life from it by oiling the plate before every use but then dust would eventually cake on it and I would be right back where I started. I finally trashed it last week. Another thing to note is that the base is large and flat meaning you have to bounce it left and right with the gate full open to get the last of the material out, and that is not controlled at all. I feel like it's designed to run between 25%-100% full. Looks like the Echo may be the replacement I choose.

[mr.b]

Excelent video and the best explanation of how these spreaders work. I think you're being too polite about the Scotts Edgeguard Mini LOL. I bought a new home a couple years ago and wondered why my lawn has dark stripes a couple weeks after I fertilize. After doing some research I learned that the Scotts spreader design is poor and the fertilizer or whatever you are spreading hits the wheels because the impeller is below the wheels. So I'll be handing that spreader over to Goodwill and picking up one of those Echo RB60. They may cost a bit more but worth it. Again, thanks for a great video.

[ChrisK-LTC]

I bought the Earthway 2600 a few years ago because of this channel, it is a GREAT spreader!

[abelcerrillo]

I bought the Chapin spreader with the big wheels for 30 dollars from the pawn shop it even came with the hand spreader. I researched it and that sucker go's for more that 400 bucks, I won on that deal, plus it works good, I love it, it did its job.

[hhattingh]

This year I'm getting something with neumatic wheels for my St Aug. Heaven knows after following your lawn program it is an absolute must.

[gregwayne]

Great stuff, as usual. I’m still using an Ortho broadcast that I purchased over 30 years ago. Paid a premium price back then, but it has has certainly returned great value. As you mention, the biggest PITA with cheaper models is the calibration and product distribution. Pay attention to quality when purchasing, and you will experience less frustration and enjoy the spread.

[randythomas]

... this shows you how "individual user experience may vary...I like my Edgeguard Mini, which I caught on sale for around $25...I've used it for several years, maintaining two yards of 10, 000-12, 000sq ft, doing about 7-8 applications each year...I've had no balance issues, plastic tire problems, etc... it does have to be refilled more often, which means that I get a little more walking in... so choices are great!...😊

[kolefarney]

For taller guys like me the Brinly-Hardy 50lb spreader is the same exact design as the Earthway (except for the edge guard) and the handle is adjustable and comfortable for those over 6ft. Throw’er down! Love the videos!

[joycoughlan]

Man I am so lucky I have learned so much from just what all the tons of different assortments of lawn equipment my neighbors throw out!! I found a Scott's Turf Builder Classic and I'm so excited to try it today!

[lancekirkland]

The RB 60 is the best one I’ve used. The spread of fert is awesome!

[fish]

Great video, lots of helpful information. I’ve had my RB-60 for a couple seasons now and it has never let me down.