Chapin 84700A 25-Pound Professional Handheld Bag Seed spreader with Waterproof Bag, Enclosed Gears, Rear Baffle, Adjustable Shoulder Strap and Multiple Spread Options, Red, 1.0 Count

quality item - a little messy but does a good job. Seems to hold up well and good value for the money.

Works well. Broadcasts nicely. No clogs. Easy to use. Baffle does little to stuff out of pockets, but better than nothing.

Great Product. Easy to use!

HISTORY: I have used this type of Chapin spreader for fertilizing and seeding my lawn for the past 20 years. What originally got me interested in this type of spreader was the cheap plastic hand held spreaders that are sold to consumers, which include plastic gears that end up stripping, I found myself purchasing a new spreader each year. I purchased my first Chapin bag spreader 20 years ago, it lasted me 15 years, built out of metal components, it was a great spreader. I bought my second Chapin bag spreader 5 years ago, had 50/50 metal to plastic parts, all metal parts started rusting to the point that it negatively affected the use of the spreader. Time to get a new spreader. This spreader has always been somewhat awkward to use, but easy to get the hang of. Past two spreaders (older models) have had an ease of use score of 7 out of 10.TODAY: I received this spreader promptly, upon opening the box I noticed that the only metal parts are the handle and strap clips. I had to install a “baffle” on the underside of the spreader. I filled the spreader with fertilizer and within 5 minutes the baffle fell off. I had to go find a new screw to get the baffle to stay on. Chapin needs to address the baffle situation, no way a cheap screw is going to hold onto soft plastic in this sort of application. The reviews that talk about the awkwardness of this spreader are for real. Easy of use is a 1 out of 10. There really isn’t a comfortable way to use this spreader. The spread adjustment is not viewable while using the spreader. This is important because you really need to get the awkwardness of this spreader situated prior to cranking the handle, otherwise you risk “dumping” too much fertilizer or seed in one spot of your lawn while trying to fiddle with the spread adjustment that you cannot see. This spreader is marketed as a 25lb capacity but the documentation clearly says not to fill it much more than halfway. While using the spreader the crank handle got stuck twice resulting in interrupted product flow through the spreader and then over application once the handle started moving freely again. Once I was done with my first bag I noticed that I was covered in fertilizer from the waste down….While looking down at the spreader while filling the bag, I noticed light coming through the seam between the inside plastic tray and bag material. This space allows the spreader to creat a mess, the last thing you want is seed or fertilizer dumping on your person through this space while using….for me, this is a health exposure concern when spreading fertilizer. This item is marketed as a “professional” product, the one I purchased 20 years ago seemed like a professional grade product. With all the issues if feel this one is far from professional grade. I wonder how many professional lawn care employees love using this spreader?Today I am promptly returning this spreader. I feel that Chapin missed the mark in redesign over the years. It amazes me that the folks at Chapin let this spreader get put on store shelves. It simply is not a practical design for effective, consistent and safe spreading of material. I would be surprised if you could find a Chapin employee that feels this spreader is a charm to use.My statements in this review are my own personal feelings and views. In the past I have really enjoyed the quality of Chapin products, I was just so disappointed with my experience with the newer version of the spreader I have used for years. I would not recommend purchasing this spreader.

I believe it is not an efficient machine, however it was missing a piece- but that missing part was only a defectorI will look for better designs for similar style spreaders

Great spreader

Works great, would never hold 25 pounds but who would want to haul around that much seed.

Easy to use and to me easier than pushing a spreader since I am 6 ft tall no bending over.