Having a heck of a time choosing which spreader to buy.... I have approx. 16,500sqft of lawn completed as of last fall that is due for it's early spring feeding/crabgrass control. I have another 18,000sqft to install this spring. All in all I have a lot of use for a broadcast spreader now and for the rest of my days as I am one to keep a nice lawn. Up to this point I have been using a $40 Scott's unit that I think every man and his brother has tried at one point or another. After accidentally striping my part of my new lawn with fertilizer, I decided it's time for a "real" unit that is more predictable and able to hold more than 1/4 to a 1/3 back of product. Problem is with finding a new one is that there are many to choose from, they are not cheap (get what you pay for - I know), and there are many options sizes and styles to choose from. I definitely want a manual walk behind with pneumatic tires, precision adjustments, and ability to hold a reasonable amount of material without being overkill. I have used Lesco products in the past so I know their units are probably great but with the lowest model being almost $300, I wanted to explore other options before having to remortgage my house. The Earthway products seem comparable, especially being made in USA. Looking at model 2600A plus for $125, model 2050P for $130, and 2150 for $200 Anyone have any experience with these? Reviews online are good but I always like real world thoughts. Any other notable spreaders you would recommend me looking at? Thanks!!
You are sniffing in the right direction. Earth way is the most affordable spreader that is a quality built. Any cheaper and you get homeowner stuff. My other recommendation is the lesco. It's worth the 250$ imo. My lesco outlasted my earth way during ice melt applications.
Most important is to make sure it is thoroughly cleaned after each use otherwise the few metal pieces will dissolve away.
I've had a Lesco spreader since about 1995. Stainless frame so it'll likely last forever since I only use it a few times a year. Know anyone that works at a golf course? Many superintendents will replace them every few years just to be safe with calibrations.