Thanks for this. I had been planning to upgrade my Scotts Edgeguard with the Elite, but have decided on the RB-60. Solid walkthrough of the important features. I do love that RB-80, but I think the price jump is too much since I'm only covering 2k sq feet.
Excellent video, I settled on the RB-60. The Scott's mini I started with got caked up with the weed and feed and now the right wheel drags after 4 uses and it doesn't spread well. I need to open it and clean. When it did work well, it would leave streaks. One thing I learned to look at is look at the height of the agitator/thrower platform relative to the wheels. Many are even or even below the wheels and will cause tracks in your lawn by catching whatever you're spreading and it falls down. Thanks!
My favorite by far is the Scott's elite ,but they only last me 2 or 3 uses. I have had 5 of them and they are perfect size, smooth operating, great tires, accurate adjustment, but they WILL break after 2 or 3 uses.
So this is what my life has come to huh. Newer home owner dead set on getting my lawn in good shape. I bought the elite in hopes of getting a better consistency of spread to both sides after having tiger stripes last spring.
The lock works to lock the chutes open ... You just squeeze the lever to open the chute and lock it open so you don't have to hold the lever all the time.. I never use it though
It looks the manuals were not read before the reviews, yard star does have an edge guard, it is just that leaver that close the spreader left side. Edge guard without reducing the opening like the RB 60 or the mini, are not good since it can cause burn mark dumping the same amount of fertilizer in a smaller area. Mini, with the impeller between the wells will have a poor spread pattern causing burn marks with excess fertilizer in that area. Also the manual wasn’t read to talk about the elite lock feature. Just press the leaver, lock, and you can release the leaver. That is great if you have a big yard. Also in the maximum settings I am sure the yard Star will spread a ridiculous amount of fertilizer, please do your math on lbs per 1000 sqft and adapt the settings. I am sure 1 out 30 available settings will fit, do not use maximum as done on several of the spreaders tested.
I have the Earthway 2150, which I think is the exact same spreader as the round hopper Andersons. You can buy a cable that lets you turn the side guard on and off from up by the handle. It’s a quality spreader. My only complaint is that on lower settings (12 or lower) the material will clog a lot. You have to constantly shake it to keep it flowing.
I use an Ace Hardware spreader. It has a good size hopper and a spreader chart on the back like the Echo. What I don’t like is the spreader setting mechanism, It’s the same as the Yardstar. Thanks for the video 👍
I have the 80lb lesco. I'm also 5'6 and its way too big for me..lol. The handle is above my waist when lifting it to roll. It's an INCREDIBLY built spreader, I was blow away when I got it because all Ive ever had is a cheapo from lowes. Sadly there is no in between when it comes to spreaders...either you get a POS or the best.
I'm a landscaper for a living and own a few spreaders. Would love to get the Anderson model but the price shys me away for now. I use an earthway spreader for most applications, but I find for grass seed the Scotts spreaders with the side flap actually do very well for spreading seed.
I just bought the 85lb Yard Works spreader from Menards and it threw fert backwards at me like that round one you tested. I brought that thing right back and picked up the Scott's elite.
That Anderson Yard Star, looks like it has a similar operation design to the Earthway 2600a. ( I don't recommend the Earthway, the Anderson looks more robust) The "edge guard" works by closing off part of the holes and is set up in such a way, that when product hits the propeller it only gets thrown to the one side. There is a slight buffer zone, but its not bad The nice part is, it also releases less product, where as the ones with a flap still release the same amount of product but it deflects back. Edge passes end up getting a little bit extra unless you account for that in the setting.
It’s actually the 2150 the pro version of the 2600a. The side spear control is complete when you move it to the on position it closes off 2 of the 3 holes meaning it throws to the front and right.
I have a Yardworks brand similar to the rectangle Anderson's in your video. The hopper opener is spring-loaded in the open direction so you have to be really careful. If you close it at the end of a run, it can pop of the detent when you bounce off the lawn onto concrete and open up, and if you don't tighten the setting knob enough, the thing can go wide open. No big problem with milo, but a bigger problem with some 30-x-x or something with herbicide in it.
The Andersons is definitely for folks with large property and using the spreader on a weekly basis. The Scott's Edgeguard beginner spreader is good for new home owners starting off and on a tight budget.. I'd recommend stretching for an Elite from the start. Don't use it for salt, as it WILL corrode. Keep in mind that these spreaders do not change 'technology' over time. Their costs do increase each year though. When I got the little Scott's Edge Guard back in 2008, it was like $35-40...and a bigger rubber wheel spreader was like $80. Now that same basic Scott's spreader is $60-$70, and a good rubber wheel spreader ranges from $100 to $400.
I feel it's also noteworthy that settings on bags are recommendations and if you continue to read many want you to verify in some manor that the appropriate rate is being applied. It is very unlikely that any spreader will be dead on out of the box.
Yes the settings are a starting point. I may do more on using spreaders as I've had other questions but many are afraid to apply if they don't know the setting.
@@GrassDaddy true story even though it's not to complicated to just measure out product your applying. Still have to figure out the settings though so I guess that's why its scary.
@Moon Pie no doubt it's not an exact science but I've seen people targeting .5lb of N and end up as high as .75lb of N or as low as .25lb... the low really isnt going to hurt but in the dog days of August the high end could be a big issue on a cool season lawn. All I'm saying is it's a good idea when a product is intended to cover a certain size area that you probably want to make sure your fairly close. If you have a handful or two left over or you're a little short on the last pass you're probably going to be okay. You get half way done and you're out you have a problem and should adjust
@Moon Pie some people spoon feed cool season in the heat but I tend to focus more on K. I saw that range of difference between 4 different Scott's units. Maybe it's not as wide spread as that but a few of us were helping a friend out and all ran out at different places on the same setting filling them pretty evenly from small buckets. And another friend had similar experience between his and a neighbor he was helping. Probably not to much of an issue with a half way decent spreader and user experience goes a long way. Cheers
The round Anderson is just like the Brinly I picked up last year. It definitely spills out before you need it and I found I have fert burn because of it.
Thanks for this review, definitely scratched the Scotts Elite off my list now. Probably will go with a Chapin 8303C but keeping my eye out for a deal on The Andersons LCO-1000.
I'm a budget dad. I got the pro edge for 30 bucks but it literally broke on the first day. I also noticed it was dumping pretty heavy while I was pushing it so I have dark green lines where I pushed the spreader. Very frustrating
The Scotts spreaders are notorious for uneven spread. That's where you're getting the striping from. It's not really about the amount it lays down but rather the uneven pattern, dropping heavier on one side than the other.
The Scotts Edge and Deluxe spreaders are crap. It ruined my fert app because the wheels block the spray and you end up with a concentrated strip down the middle. I had for 1 year and threw it out. The Scotts Elite fixed this issue. I replaced with a drop spreader which I can guarantee even application but it takes longer to apply.
@@GrassDaddy on the edge look at the position of the propeller compared to the wheels. It is below the wheel. Compare to the other designs. There are some videos out there concerning this design defect.
I hated the Scott's mini however I did find it worked. Me being a little over 6 foot tall may have something to do with my dislike as it does spread products. I feel like the Scott's spreaders have rate issues that can sometimes even be seen at the stores. I debated for quite a long time between a commercial unit not listed here and the Echo RB-60. I ended up on the RB-60 as the air filled tires are much better as you mentioned but the Echo tires are still pretty hard even with nearly no air in them. I call them run flats because the sidewall is so hard. I find it spreads nicely. Settings are nice but they could make them more noticeable on the Echo. I feel like the Scott's could adjust itself in a bumpy yard although it's probably unlikely. The Echo supports my hight much better and feels pretty robust coming from the Scott's mini. I would buy it before I bought the Scott's Ultra any day.
I bought the Scott's Elite and I think it's okay. The only downfall about it is it doesn't have the same settings as their other Scott's broadcast spreaders. It's kind of a guessing game.
@@jonhawkins2374 it's different. It's not the same as their other broadcast spreaders settings. Like I said, it's a guessing game. And the bad part is nobody has the settings for that spreader on any of the fertilizer bags.
Download the scotts lawn application, it provides all of the Elite spreader settings. I personally love the Scotts Elite spreader, but yea try the app out. It also keeps track of rain in your area on a weekly basis, which is nice to know. Hopefully this helps!
@@x_Liquid_x I have their app. I don't think much about it. Only Spreader settings they give you are for their own product. It doesn't help you when you're using other products.
Excellent video as always my man. Btw, do you still you that Bay State fertilizer, the one that was I guess one could say a milorganite knockoff? How would you rate the By State vs Milorganite both on a 1 to 10?
I've had a the small Scott's for many years but I'm in need of a new spreader. My small Scott's didn't seem to spread the product evenly and caused streaking. I also didn't like that some of the granules would be thrown back onto my shins/legs and shoes; this was especially concerning when I was spreading insecticides. Your video did not address any of these issues. Will you please let me know how well these spreaders handle these issues? Thanks...
Still waiting for Home Depot to restock the Echo RB-60. Currently using Scott’s 3000 without edge guard. It does the job but defiantly long due for a upgrade.
Did he not understand that the Echo has the exact same numbers as the Scott's? That is pretty much all you need to know and then you never have to look at the sticker again.
Do you find that the RB60 model shoots fertilizer to the rear like the Anderson's bucket spreader did? I find it frustrating when I apply that I get product into my shoes.
I have the Scott's elite and it's ok, but pushing it around isn't great. Inflated wheels would probably be a lot better but those spreaders are so damn expensive.
That round Andersons is the exact same as the Earthway, Brinley, etc. Same exact spreader. And the edgeguard on it works by closing two of the drop holes. You don’t need an additional guard. I have the Earthway version. Works great.
I have a Scotts Deluxe Edgeguard and I can’t stand it. The shape of the bin causes the last 3-4 cups of material to not pull towards the spinner and I have to constantly jerk and bounce the spreader to get the material in front of the drophole so it can get kicked out.
Great comparison Tim! I could be wrong but isn't the RB-80 intended to be used for salting and not really fertilizer? I have the RB-60 and really like it!
I have a question. When I overlap the passes on the Scotts spreader, do I throw it back to the previous wheel track or keep it 5 feet apart so there is only a little overlap? I heard a lot if people saying to throw back to the previous wheel track but the Scotts spreader instruction said to keep it 5 feet apart.
Always go by the instructions if it specifies. You can do it many ways, you just have to calibrate it to your method. If the instructions say 5 feet then they have calibrated it for that distance.
Hi, thanks for the info. I have to spread greens grade fertilizer(small prill size) on my lawn. I have Scott’s mini broadcast spreader. I thought of adding some milorganite and spread it. Or may be try with handheld spreaders but it doesn’t go lower than the push spreader. So not sure if it helps. Do you know if there is a way other than buying expensive pro spreaders. Kindly advise. Thanks
Try a drop spreader instead. I have a putting green and I do use a granular slow release fertilizer a few times a year. The tiny prill size just doesn't work as well with a broadcast spreader. Too light. The drop spreader does take a bit longer to apply but it's easy to calibrate and is extremely accurate.
the round anderson spreader is just like the earthway 2150. I picked up the earthway and it is the worst spreader i have ever used! You are correct that it spews a terrible amount of product out, setting numbers are highly inaccurate, and that setting handle moves!! Total garbage
It will likely still be effective against some summer weeds. Question is do you plan on seeding/overseeding in fall? If so, you may want to forgoe the Prodiamine.
I wish you had discussed the spread patterns. If a spreader throws more fertilizer to one side that the other then the end results of your lawn is not good. I dont care how easy it was to roll the spreader if the end results looks like a green striped zebra.
I absolutely hate the Scott’s. Both of mine broke after 1 season, respectively. The first - the wheels would constantly break off. The second - the edge-guard broke and it would never seal. Such a mess and waste of money.
I bought this spreader last Fall. What a mistake that was! For the life of me, it is absolutely useless. Grit is constantly getting stuck between the spreader plates. Constantly. I can't do two rows without a complete misfire. And Echo customer service is worthless. I highly recommend users to look elsewhere for another model that doesn't use this design. Outrageous that this device can be manufactured and distributed with such a serious design flaw.
Echo Rb60...The biggest problem with this spreader is when you get to about 5lbs of material, it stops shooting it out...the actuator is set too high....you have to start "hopping" , shaking, and tilting the spreader in order it to fall through the hole....huge minus. The spreader is too big and too heavy to be "hopping" ect. Leads to uneven flow and distribution. 5lbs (maybe more) is still a lot to be doing that. You are gonna be hopping for a long time. I really want to like it but can't...I returned it.
Yes I wonder if that's why it's lco in the model number? It felt like my friends professional lesco (smoother but his is old so I don't know if his used to be as smooth)
Grass Daddy mine is older too. Around 03 I think. Professional series 80lb hopper. Just put a rebuild kit in it a month ago. Could of added it to your video. Lol
I don’t understand why constructing a spreader is a task that’s hard for a company to create. It’s just a wheel barrow on wheels and yet it seems that trying to perfect this is rather unusual and unsettling cause it definitely says something about the human race. We’re smart but we definitely have a ways to go. But then again we like to hold back on perfecting things so it leaves room for improvement. I would just sell the best and only the best product, no 3-4 tier systems.
Your video description mention you comparing the Echo rb80 with the others but I was wondering, did you not have time to get it back from your neighbor before filming? I am really disappointed because after your Very positive review of the Echo rb80 I went out and purchased one. I ask several time if you might make a calibration video about it but your health was not so good.....then some other maker gave you a spreader and that became your new favorite. Will this kind of thing ever stop?
I'm sure new products will continue to come out and as I use more variety I'll have more to say. I don't think the 80 is bad but the 60 was clearly a response from feedback on the 80. Although the 60 is a smaller spreader so for larger yards or bigger milo apps the 80 can fit more product.
Why are you upset you got the RB80? It’s the same maker. It’s going to be very similar to the RB60, but the 80 will be bigger. If you like it, who cares what a RU-vid video says?
Yeah he will stop trying anything new. No more video content... Awesome. At least I know he is using the same spreader as me. At least we are the same in that way. How can we ever be truly connected if you get something new after I copied you!? I never expected you to change.
@@mbuck393 I was naive when I first saw the channel and I didn't know that free stuff would get at least one use and a video saying it was very good. The RB80 is not popular because of the hopper adjustment sliders, three in total and not intuitive. The handle bar control opens the three holes an amount you set on the crescent scale. Each hole is also able to be modified or customized. I had hope the video creator would follow up but I later discovered he had no idea either.
Favorite !! WTF LOL - $580 bucks - I would rather just buy a new mower and run over a bag of fertilizer..PS how do you spend that money on your front yard grass - YIKES
As previous posters mentioned, you need to pull the dispenser handle and then lock it in place on the Scotts Elite spreader. Not understanding the product you’re reviewing and then demonstrating that for the world to see on the video YOU posted completely sabotages ANY credibility you might have been looking to establish.
