Agri-Fab 45-0463 130 lb. Tow-Behind Lawn & Garden Broadcast Spreader for Seed,Fertilizer,Salt,Ice Melt; Easy to use Flow Control from Seat of Riding Lawn Mower

I've owned this lawn spreader for over a decade now, and it has served me well despite some signs of wear and tear like cracking tires. I appreciate the plastic parts, as they withstand the corrosiveness of lime and fertilizer much better than metal. Maintaining it by washing, drying, and coating metal parts with WD40 after each use has helped prolong its lifespan. The slimed tires have been a bonus since day one. I have a beautiful landscape with varying terrains, from grassy meadows to wooded areas. While the spreader handles most areas well, some aggressive spots require adjustments in material distribution for better traction and stability. Occasionally, items getting caught can hinder the spinner's function, especially on challenging terrain. The aging unit shows signs of paint flaking, and I've had to reapply slime this year, signaling a need for refurbishment.Despite minor issues like paint wear and occasional blockages, this spreader has been a cost-effective investment at just $15 per year. I plan to enhance it with an edge guard and explore seat activation for the next unit to improve functionality. Remember not to over-tighten the plastic components to prevent cracking.

So, guess what? I got this broadcast spreader, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer! Assembly was a breeze, only took me about 45 minutes. The directions were super clear, which is always a plus. Pro tip: don't tighten everything until you've put it all together – makes life way easier when aligning the parts. I decided to go all out and loaded it with a whopping 100lbs of granular fertilizer in one go. And you know what? It handled it like a champ! I played it safe by keeping the spread rate on the lighter side and went over everything twice, switching up directions for that perfect, even coverage. Now, here's the thing – just like all broadcast spreaders, it tends to favor one side a bit due to how the product hits the spreader wheel. But honestly, that's just a minor detail considering the stellar performance. I covered around 2 1/2 acres without a single hiccup.And get this – none of those issues that other folks mentioned in their reviews? Nope, didn't face any of them. No skidding, no tipping, no missing parts, no tricky assembly – none of that drama. I was seriously blown away by how well this spreader worked. If you're in the market for one, I'd say go for it without a second thought! Highly recommend this bad boy.

Overall, I’m very satisfied with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone in the market for a quality residential tow-behind spreader.The spreader arrived in decent condition, but I do think the manufacturer should use a heavier gauge cardboard box for shipping to better protect the product. Assembly was straightforward, and I was pleased to see all bolts are grade-5 with zinc-plated nylon insert nuts—much better than regular nuts and lock washers.I’m pulling this behind an Ariens Ikon-X-42 Zero-turn mower and had to fabricate an extension handle to operate it from the seat. (Took about an hour and some welding.) This should really be offered as an optional accessory by the manufacturer—it makes a big difference in usability. I made it so I can remove the stainless-steel rod handle if I loan it to the neighbor to use with his garden tractor.Pro tip: After assembly, I highly recommend spraying the metal parts with several coats of high-quality clear enamel. I did this with a Spyker lawn spreader over 30 years ago, and it’s still in great shape with minimal rust. Also, be sure to rinse the spreader off immediately after each use to ensure long life. The only downside was Agri-Fabs product registration website, no doubt the worst one I have ever encountered.BONUS POINTS FOR BEING MADE IN SULLIVAN, IL “USA!”

Have had this unit for over a decade, to the point tires are cracking. Use to maintain 4 acre lawn. While many complain about plastic parts, I enjoy as many as possible, because both lime and fertilizer are very corrosive to metal. After every use I wash, dry and coat metal components with WD40. Tires were slimed since day one. Have a wonderful landscape with grassy meadows meandering through wooded terrain. Most areas are lawn friendly, a few are significantly more aggressive. In these areas less material is placed in hte hopper to improve traction, and reduce tip-over. On normal terrain it performs well. Have encountered a few problems with items getting caught that restricted spinner from working using wheel traction driven mechanism. Paint is flaking, unit is old, had to reapply slim, this year and I think it due for a refresh. Buggers are reaching for handle to turn u it on/off. For a decade of use that works out to about $15 a year. With the next unit will implement edge guard and see if I can rig it up to be seat activated. With plastic components be sure not to over-tighten components to reduce the potential for cracks.Because of the maze I navigate, I tend to run a bit slower and make 2-3 passes.I definitely recommend this unit (or at least the unit I bought a decade ago)

So, guess what? I finally got my hands on this broadcast spreader, used it yesterday, and it's a game-changer, seriously! Assembly was a breeze, like 45 minutes tops, and the instructions were super clear. Pro tip: don't tighten everything until it's all put together – makes life easier, trust me. I went all in and loaded it up with 100lbs of fertilizer, no sweat. Kept the spread rate chill, covered my whole area twice in different directions for that perfect even spread. Just a heads up, like any broadcast spreader, it kinda leans to one side with the product hitting the wheel, but nothing major.Covered around 2 1/2 acres without a hitch. None of those nightmare issues some folks mentioned in their reviews – no skidding, tipping, missing parts, nada. This bad boy performed like a champ! I'm seriously impressed and totally recommend this bad boy to anyone looking for a reliable spreader. Get it, you won't regret it!