Which Lawn Spreader Is Best for DIYers?

If you use the hand spreader wear a mask so chemicals want get into your lungs.

Bought the Earthway based on this video and now regret it. Coming from an old Scotts Deluxe Edgeguard that was working and dropping the correct amount. The Earthway tires are great. However the calibration being held in control with one nut is not ideal. Also the control of the spreader setting with one nut also has caused issues. Really need to crank down on both if you want to spread accurately. Would have gone with the Echo in retrospect and not really worried about a patented side guard.

They're all overpriced! I hated my Scott's mini and lost all trust in Scott's products.

The Echo has been solid. I changed the tires to flat free.

My Scotts Deluxe Edge Guard had been working fine until this summer when the axle rusted through and broke. Big disappointment as I was only half way through my lawn at the time and the hopper was more than half full. I always rinsed my spreader out when finished so was surprised that the axle rusted out.

For that matter, why haven’t they come up with one? That’s like a backpack and has a battery to automatically throw that fert all over while you simply walk your yard. To me that seems like much better option.

Why, in Sam Hill have they not made a hand crank one that’s automatic? It would just take a battery in an on off button so you don’t have to hold that thing and crank it? Just saying, for people like me who get pain in their hands.

RB60 is now $184.88 😲

I have great way. The only problem the setting with fine granules. Like insect control. When I set it too fine settling I wonder if the setting is. Cuz it is hard to see the graduals coming out the front of spreader

I purchased an Agrifab spreader a few weeks ago. It holds an advertised 130 lbs. pain to assemble and no edge guard but for me, it is great. I put down several hundred pounds of quick acting lime. I’m 6’2” and I like the height of the spreader. Made in the USA. By me I think 😂

I have the Earth way, I really like it, I am 6 foot six and have no problem using it. By far the better quality of all of them. Also, I enjoyed putting mine together, you do learn how it operates. And definitely two beers, lol

I've had two of the Scotts EdgeGuard spreaders (Mini and DLX) and they are both trash. They only seem to drop the fertilizer in a one foot strip leaving stripes in my lawn. I'm done with Scotts!

the problem with the hand spreader is the dust it creates is closer to your face and breathing.

Excellent video 📹!

The Scotts spreaders are terrible for the reasons he stated. The linkage always kinks and it will drop too much fertilizer and kill your lawn. Then you gotta go to the store and buy Scotts Sun and Shade, so I guess it's the perfect crime. Full disclosure though, I once asked Scotts for a refund bc I was disappointed with Summerguard, and they gave it to me.

I've got the "mini" and a larger yard...so, yea ☹️

I've owned two Scotts Elite spreaders and would not recommend it to anyone. The throw pattern is inconsistent and frustrating to deal with. The first one tore up when I used it for applying lime. The lime dust and moisture on the ground solidified and gummed up the rotor and gears. I gave this failure and pass and purchased another one based on reputation. For the cost, it simply doesn't do what it's supposed to do very well. So, I have bitten the bullet and bought a Lesco 50Lbs spreader which is supposed to arrive today. For the cost of this thing, and based on Lesco's reputation, my hopes are high. We'll see...

2 Beer experience, what no cigar?

WOW ARE THEY RIDICULOUSLY OVERPRICED!!!
From the construction to the materials used the Edgeguard DLX shouldn't be over $50-55.00 with no sales tax. CLEARANCE/End Of Season about $35-45.00 with no sales tax.

I grew up with drop spreaders. I can see the appeal of a broadcast spreaders faster application rate. But how do you manage accurate application for things like overseeding, irregular shaped lawns, and adjoining concrete and pavers?

Great video quickly and concisely explains, Thanks. Between the Echo and Earthway, which is easier to push? I have 17sq ft with hills ugh!

I bought a brand new Scott EdgeGuard spreader for $90.00 and it's no good at all. The differential disengages and doesn't drive the spinner. It must have too much play allowing the pinion to slip over the ring gear. I lost my sales slip and probably will not be able to return it. Do you have a fix...??? Loose tolerances is what I think.

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.

Excellent video, and very informative. I have wanted an earthy for some time and your review has been inciteful. Although, I use Scott products on my lawn and there are no instructions for Earthway settings. Do you have any advice for a DIY guy like me?

Overpriced? Look at Lesco, Spyker, Anderson. Yes, getting into commercial, stainless steel, etc., but definitely overpriced for what they are. $1000+ for a push spreader??

I am 6ft 10. Echo it is

Ive been using the scotts edgaurd mini for 3 or 4 years. Never had an issue. But, it is time to upgrade.

Echo is definitely better than a Scott’s. My Scotts flips over way to easily and clogs.

I have the Echo RB60! I find it’s the best middle of the road broadcast spreader for a DIY or a professional. Don’t forget to put air in the tires 👍

Wish i knew about this. Got a yardworks 85 lbs for 99.99 last year. Might have to pick one of those red one up.... i Lied not paying 180 for the red one lol.

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.

Was looking into the Earthway spreaders...they no longer come with a deflector...you have to buy it now as an accessory.

Great vid! I had the Scott’s DLX and it lasted 2 applications before the stupid plastic impeller agitator split up the middle and wouldn’t spin anymore. I tried a number of fixes, even messaged Scott’s for a new part. Eventually I gave up and trashed it. Waste of money and you’re correct, not cheap.

OK, so how would you disengage the drive to the spreader, these things need a neutral gear :)

Any opinion on the groundwork spreaders from tsc, they seem better than the scotts... idk about their calibration tho

I started with the Scotts Elite. Did the job but build quality wasnt great. Moved to the Echo and have been using it for a few years. Its great for the most part. My only complaint with the RB60 is the edge guard just redirects the fert and it will sometimes fall on its own.

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. 😊

I will never buy anything from scotts.

Hello. I’ve got a mini Scott’s spreader. I put fast acting lime in it and it gets clogged. Any suggestions either to get it to work or buy a different one?? Thanks

I am having an issue with my new echo rb60. Inconsistent spreading. Sometimes too much others too little. With flagship did 12k and still had half a bag in hopper. With prodiamine. Used half a bag on 5k. Not sure what to look for

Nicely done video. However, on the Earthway (I have the model 2150), I have several complaints. (1) to make an adjustment to the spreader opening requires tools. NOT GOOD. If you need to change the opening sizing, you gotta stop what you're doing, get some tools, and make the adjustment. Time consuming and a PIA. Plus, the method they use is a bolt with a spacer (cheap plastic POS - I had to go to Ace Hardware and get a brass bushing and bolt setup to rectify that issue. The plastic bushing they use ends up crushing and useless). For a spreader this expensive, that shouldn't happen. (2) It works pretty good if you have larger size 'pellets' with your fertilizer. However, if you have a finer material, like pesticides and such, it will not deliver evenly and continually. You have to constantly shake it and 'jook' the handle back and forth to make it work. (3) the openings at the bottom of hopper will not all be the same size. Horrible design. So, wrapping this up, I will probably give my spreader away and buy one that meets my needs. With my Earthway, it ends up taking twice as long as it should to do the job. Not what you would expect when paying this kind of money. They won't get any more of my money unless the redesign the thing. And one more thing, why don't these manufactures make the handle where you could adjust the height for tall and/or shorter people? Not a hard thing to do.

Nor sure I've seen it mentioned, but I recommend (always) rinsing out your spreader after any application. I use my leaf blower to help in the drying process.

I just bought the echo rb 60 spreader, and I'm looking forward to using it in the lawn.

Echo it is. Thank you sir.

I hvae an earthway now. But not before going through several ones with plastic wheels. I have about 18,000 sqft and the plastic wheels just don't cut it. The Earthway is fantastic. Like a Cadillac of the lawn.

The Fertilome spreader was the best used. Had baked on paint to metal with round tub, static setting, on off only. Now using Scott’sElite and I really like it for 15K Turf type fescue lawn. I agree, the Earthway round tub is the best! 👍 Great Review TOO!

I use my spreader to throw salt in the winter hahahahaha

Thanks for this vid Allyn! I've been using a Scott's mini for two seasons now (that i got for free so I've gotten my $ worth I guess) and my real issue with it (and now I know about A LOT more issues thanks to you sir) is size. I'm 6'7" inches tall and treat around 6K in lawn size. I have to stop and sit after each quadrant I treat because my back is killing me! I do not have any other back issues with anything else I do so I'm guessing it has to do with the angle my body needs to be at to push around this pile of crap! You talk briefly about the dowside to the Earthway for taller people but what spreader would you suggest for those of us "doorway challenged" folks 🙂? BTW... I've not seen a big and tall lawn maintenece brand. Hmm? Opportunity? 🙂

I have Scott's mini, thoughts? It did the job, but I'm not a professional.