Learning To Use A Drop Spreader :: Scotts Classic Drop Settings 

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As someone who lives in the Chicagoland area, I always appreciate "Two, tree weeks" and the pronunciation of "classic." Love the channel and appreciate the expertise of Northern lawns. Some other channels talk about northern lawn care in a theoretical sense, but I'm glad to hear from someone who has *actually* worked with it!

I appreciate your frustration with this spreader. I've had similar challenges with mine. As in your video, the products I use sometimes have variable size pellets, so I set mine to allow the largest to pass through, as you did. To verify, I marked off and fertilized a 1,000 sq ft section of my driveway. The rate was close to the spreader setting. Yes, it is hard to see the wheel marks, so I made a pair of ski pole-style harpoons I use as a guide, moving each over one spreader width, with each pass; surprisingly accurate. My yard is not rectangular and there are many flower beds and trees in the lawn. I like the idea of a broadcast spreader, but with all the interference in my lawn I imagine broadcasting would be hard to place product evenly. BTW, I swept up and reused the driveway fertilizer, so there was no waste or risk of burning.

The Yard Works brand carried by Menards actually has a GREAT drop spreader with pneumatic wheels. The thing is built like a tank works like a charm!

I understand what you're saying...using the drop spreader on tall fescue works well for me. You can see the tire marks fairly easy and never get lawn stripes. But good looking out on the setting recommendation of 7. I have a whole bag of flagship and was reluctant to use it because of that reason. I needed that info. 👍

Saved the day! I about threw this thing away, I have a small yard so I’m going to stick with it this season. But a regular spreader sounds more convenient. Thanks man!

I like drop spreaders because it's less of a clean up and more control over where everything goes. Never had a problem after converting to using a drop spreader. There are many products with drop spreader settings on their website.

WOW!!! I just bought on and I'm going to return it ASAP!!! Thanks for the great guide video!!! R.S.

Funny video. I have used a scotts classic spreader for more than 12 years on a 4000 sq ft. St. Augustine lawn. I have applied Propeat ferts, Scotts ferts, Scotts herbicides, Scotts fungicides, Sunniland professional ferts, Bayer advanced herbicides, Milorganite and Yard mastery Biocharken,…. This drop spreader is more art than science. Since I have done a lot of trial and error to determine proper application rates, it’s relatively easy to use at this point and I dont get striping. Since I have used it so much I make application rate guesses based on prill sizes and compare to other products prills where I have figured out appropriate app rates. I’m glad you did this video because I have a 45 lb bag of Yard Mastery stress blend that I need to apply and I’m going to use your 7 setting as a starting point. I’m glad I dont have to figure out another application rate. My lawn is 4K sq ft, but it is choppy with small areas intersected by walkways, drive ways and patios so I never invested in a broadcast spreader. What is your thoughts about using a broadcast spreader on all these small segments of lawn compared to a drop spreader.

I have been using drop spreaders since they were metal. It was the 50s. The "Rotary Spreader" is dependent on walking speed. The faster you walk the wider and thinner the spread. The Drop Spreader drops more if you go fast and less if you go slow (that is me at 74). But it always puts down an even spread. I have no idea where that moniker came from.

One suggestion that you might want to use a drop spreader for is the trim pass around the perimeter and beds of your property. One pass ought to do it, but some people may want another pass on the inside of the initial pass. Use a rotary spreader for the rest of your property.

I just gave up drop spreaders this spring. The Scotts drop sucks, mine would never stay calibrated. The big problem is the cable used for open-close. I finally gave up on the drop droppers after almost 40 years! My first time with a broadcast was this spring. Scared at first, but settled down and figured them out. No problems after 4 times so far. Welcome to the flinging of the fert, lol!

The innuendo drops were priceless!!!!!!!

I burst out laughing with the "69 inverted position". Thanks for sharing Allyn. Good suggestions on possible uses for this drop-dropper. However, I will stick with my spreader. Thanks again (and Happy New Year too!!!).

Do a couple of 30 ft passes on your sidewalk. 20in drop x 60ft = 100 sq ft. Weigh how much is left in the hopper, adjust opening, repeat till you figure it out the proper setting. Sweep it up, put it in the hopper, apply to the lawn. You definitely don't need to apply the product trial and error at the wrong rate on your lawn.

Missed the LCN videos, happy to see Allyn back

You are wonderful! Thanks for the information and especially the laughs!

Weed and Feed. Always apply with drop spreader so you aren't killing your flowerbeds with the broadleaf weed killer spraying all over the place. The Scott's Turf Builder weed and feed states #6 setting.

CLASSIC Lawncare nut video lolo. I've had Scotts spreader an dumped it quick. Bought a Brinly broadcast spreader and LOVE IT. No micrometer either lololo just an accurate solid rod. Whats with that 6 inch off tire row setting??? I needed a good laugh today. THANKS for all your video's. Anthony

With all the recent LCN spreader talk, when is Yard Mastery coming out with the perfect broadcast spreader? You can take the positives of each spreader currently available and make the perfect budget spreader for around $120-150.

Nice idea on the bucket markings.

Drop Spreader, used a marker to write the setting I need on the hopper for the products I always use along with the size of granules. I use a real Micrometer to measure a product size. No lessons and Never burned a lawn, dominating the hood like I should.

I agree with 5stardave. I’ve used drop spreaders since I was a kid and done well with them. Frustrated by lack of info on other products giving no settings for the drop spreaders I gave in and threw down $174 for the RB60. Hope it doesn’t disappoint.

Allyn no matter what.....being on your lawn is always fun........WE NEED A FULL LAWN MOW WITH JUST MUSIC in the LCN's Lawn!!!!!! ENJOY THE MOW and then a chill beer & stogie after!

My yard is not flat, it’s bumpy, and has hills. My rotary spreader just isn’t consistent when dealing with those things. I am trying a drop spreader to see if it helps.

with a lesco spreader,,do you over lap the last wheel mark,,or do you just try and get to over lap where the chemical was last thrown?

I have a drop speader, but I only use it for my domination property line. 😆 Thank you for the video.

Real calibration requires that you know how much of a certain product gets dropped in 1000 sq ft. Last spring I did my back yard with my Accugreen 3000. I applied Scotts fertilizer using the recommended spreader setting and my 4,000 sq ft bag of fertilizer was gone before I finished my 2000 sq ft back yard! This year I weighed the product (Vigoro) using the recommended setting, 9.25, and instead of 4.8 ozs per 100 sq ft, I dropped 13.4 ozs per 100 sq ft, nearly 3x as much as needed! After some fine tuning, a setting of 7.5 dropped 5.02 ozs per 100 sq ft. I weighed out 2.8 lbs per 1000 sq ft, a total of 9.8 lbs for my 3482 sq ft yard, and when done I had just 12 ozs left over! So take the time and calibrate any spreader. You can't rely on what settings they recommend.

What does the speed of pushing a drop dropper have to do with the amount of fert or any product being dropped? Sure, the mechanism pushing the product out the little holes turns faster laying more product per unit of time, but the density (amount/quantity) of product remains the same per distance traveled regardless of the speed. I understand speed with a broadcast spreader because the faster you go the further. the product is pushed (flung/thrown) out away from the broadcast mechanism.

Back in the day when I first started fertilizer I had a drop spreader only problem I had with it was my grass would be to tall

Just purchased mine and had a raised eyebrow with the whole calibration effort. I was able to lay down limestone with 8 and it did well. I had to lol when you said you couldn't see anything. Same here. Super frustrating. It seemed to disappear into the lawn which made it that much more complicated. The most frustrating part of this (considering the price tag) was the fact that it spills all over the place in the stationary position or when moving without depressing the trigger. What the hell is that about? I had to load the material into the hopper while on the grass huffing my bag of limestone out to the front yard.

I do like drop droppers for outlining or “ cutting in” to use a painting term an area I’m seeding

As I Scotts dropper user, I had to check on your calculations regarding the "arrow on wheel track" meaning only 13 inches of spreader material. That's totally incorrect. From the "arrow" to center of wheel is 7 inches. From edge of drop to center of wheel is exactly 3 inches, and nothing drops there. When you finish your run and turn around, the "arrow" follows the previous wheel track and there is still 3 inches of nothing being dropped edge to center wheel. 3 plus 3 equals 6 inches of nothing and the 7 inches "arrow" to wheel center minus the 6 inches of nothing is 1 inch total meaning 1/2 inch overlap each side. You are getting 100% of the 21 inch drop spread using the "arrow" and having a 1/2 overlap each side. I'd give the folks at Scotts a little more credit than to design a spreader using only 13 inches ot the available 21 inch drop spread.

You are on fire Allyn.......Satisfaction!

I bought a Scott's drop spreader years ago. My lawn at the time was severely sloped where no part of it was flat. I think I used it once. It was a disaster. I couldn't get it to drop evenly when the spreader was tilted to the side. I also could not make a straight pass anywhere in that yard. (BTW, I hated that yard. ) The only thing I think a drop spreader would be good for is putting down pulverized/powdered lime. But, I use pelletized lime, so that's not an issue. I now have a much more square and flatter lawn and the Echo broadcast spreader. I can load that thing up with pelletized lime or Milorganite and throw 'er down!!! It's a much better experience.

The DOMINATION LINE!!!!!! Yep, I'm not giving it away now!!!😂😅

I have this one! Raised Pointer LMAO Thank you so much!

I exclusively use my drop dropper for seeding to hopefully get a uniform distribution and keep the seed in my yard and out of places it shouldn’t be.

I've only used drop spreader for seeding with great results. I think the only use for a drop is where you have small tight lawn area with obstacles.

Allyn, My ProVista has gone almost completely dormant in North Florida. Is this normal? My Floratam is still green.

Lol sometimes you say tree sometime you say three 😊 i love it!

My Scott’s Acugreen drop spreader does not have any type of marker for calculating the calibration of my spreader. The black bar on the bottom has no raised indicator line at all. It’s old but I need to calibrate it. Any ideas?

Loved it, you're a funny guy😅

What setting should be used for just overseeding???

Haha. Super spreader. My next door neighbor uses this…but he also just uses Scott’s products. I’ll stick with my Echo RB-60!

well there is something to say.. i saw few videos and you must cross your lines.. and every turf has his own settings because of the size.., i used to prepare setting with blanket where i walked 2m.. around 1m2 and than i put the turf on a weight and thats how i get the information abou how many g iam gonna need for 1m2. And if you have a bigger yard you have to spit it in to smaller ones. and then you wont be misscrossing your lines..

Is the stiff pointer the same as a raised pointer as a micro-meter? It's so confusing. Why da heck doesn't Scott's calibrate these in shop? I'm all in with a rotary. Drop spreader is only good for seeding around beds.

Anyone know which one is the Scott’s R8A? Can’t really find any pictures

i HAVE THAT EXACT SAME SPREADER. i HATE IT! I bought it because its what my dad used. His had chalk cups on both sides that you would drop some chalk...maybe it was lime...to let you know where your tire was. Ill have to watch your video on other types of spreaders, although im currently paying a company to fertilize it. Dont like them either, they seem to spray water because I see no difference after treatment.

Drop spreader great for seeding where you dont really care about extra seed been down, I wouldnt run fert in one I have the same dail setting on my broadcast spreader and it's one of those things just set it low and go over twice abit left pick it up and throw it around

My left wheel stop is this due to calibration

Yardmastery fertilizers have larger granules and do cause some jamming in the bottom of my drop spreader just like this one. All of the Scott's products have worked without jamming the mechanism up. Thanks for the tip on calibration!

Come on summer... although, ice fishing has been great this year in Utah.

Drop spreaders are almost required for WEED&Feed style fertilizers. Broadcast spreaders throw the weed killer powder too high for a consistent coverage UNLESS the wind is COMPLETELY calm. But that is rare. Even when the wind is calm you will still sometimes see the weed powder drift in the air slightly. So, for consistent weed coverage you need to use the Drop style spreader. I use drop for Weed&Feed fertilizer and Broadcast style for plain fertilizer.

I'm going to take a Dramamine tablet after watching that camera work.

how do you set your lesco spreader to a different setting?

The Raised Pointer... LOL 😂

How about wider big spot spreder. Have same problem?

Ewwwww I like that......PARKWAY!!!!!! Always wondered what you would call that small lawn strip.

The Scotts Triple Action fertilizer say to use a setting of 6 for the drop spreader.

I use a drop spreader because of odd angles in my yard. I like that I have more control over where the product goes. However, I too struggle with getting the right amount of product down. I run into the same problem as you do with coming up short despite being calibrated. When I use Flagship I'm actually at setting 4 on the old micrometer.

I use a drop spreader the owners of our previous house left for salting the driveway in winter!

Stiff pointer was my nickname in college 😂❤

Looking forward to which section of your yard winds up with stripes like a circus 🎪!!

I feel like seeding or thin parkways are the only place this has an advantage, but for my money, I’d just prefer to use a small hand-crank spreader that takes up less space in my shed and I don’t have to fiddle around with as much. Actually, this last season I found myself using the small hand spreader more often than my Lesco spreader. With only 4500 sq feet, it seems easier to use the small cheap one (especially around flower beds, the sidewalk, etc.)

I only use it for grass seed. Works well for me.

Super spreader 😄

Why would walking speed matter? The drop only occurs when the wheels move. It's not like the dropping is motorized at a constant speed. Because you push the spreader, the drop goes down only when you move it. Fast or slow, the drop is synchronized with your walking speed, no?

So, you're saying throw er down and hope for the best?

Guess I'm not investing in one of those next year 🤦🏽‍♂️

Does anyone actually make a premium/precision drop spreader where calibration is reliable?

I've used drop spreaders for 40 years. Never had an issue. The wheels are offset from the drop, that's why the arrow is that far inside.

Lol “super speader” 😂

Just picked up the drop spreader yesterday and already it doesn’t work. The right wheel doesn’t turn. I tried to follow the procedures and and one point my cable fell completely out. Piece of crap

I have a metal vintage Scott’s drop spreader. So much easier than this thing from 70s-80-s still works like new

Thank you for this video that drop spreader is a pain

The big problem with those is if you're going to use organic products they have a tendency of gumming up and clogging up if any product has any kind of moisture in it you might as well forget about. The spreaders seem to definitely be intended for synthetic products.

The 5 inches at the arrow covers the space between wheels and edge of the drop holes, you are not down to 13 inches. Counterintuitive, but you are losing very little to overlap.

I struggle with regular spreaders.... I ALWAYS leave stripes

Nice music 💯💪

Used Yard Mastery product today and had this exact same problem. I kept coming up short. It’s a terrible spreader.

6 Inches of overlap was my nickname in college

You just need a better quality drop spreader like the Anderson's. It is interesting that on the Anderson's website it only shows application to a golf green.

Allyn if you ever lose your business you could always make it as a super model! 😂 you really look like Clark Kent you’ve slimmed down so much!!

Stiffy……..pointer. 😎

It doesn't matter how fast or slow you walk, the wheels are going to make the same amount of revolutions either way. The reason that you were left with fertilizer in the hopper is because you had too much of an overlap.

I used a drop spreader for the first time when over seeding this year, and it gave me about 3 weeks of worrying if I killed my lawn/seed. Does a great job dropping seed, but I tried putting down Scott's starter with meso, and it severely over applied following the recommended settings. Never again

Thumbs up for the super spreader joke.

Hair is stylin'.

Drop spreaders are the devils work! Allyn you been losing some weight, looking good bruh

This drop spreader looks like a great idea for seeding, fertilizers I don’t think so..

Wow been a while

I always thought drop spreaders were meant more for seeding and not fertilizing. I’ve never seen someone actually use it for the latter personally

Hurray I'm first commenter and first liker. First time ever.

I bought a drop spreader from Menards a few years back, not the Scott's, but the Menard's brad. It was metal and heavy-duty feeling as opposed to the cheap-feeling Scott's. Well on my second use, something just snapped while I was walking, have no idea what, and it stopped spreading. What a piece of junk. Bought it for seeding only, but I get by now without one. Kind of a waste of space for not really a great product.

I got suckered into one of these spreaders. The calibration is absolute garbage. Since I have it, I use it only for seed and calibration is done with a screw holding the gate open. At least it's consistent. He's right. $90 POS.

I'm pretty sure the overlap is done because one pass with this won't cover enough. You're not putting down more product than you need to.

Wow, for nearly $100...I guess mine is going back

I can't use a drop spreader without ending up with a striped lawn

I can't speak for the next guy. But when I'm seeding, I want to spread my seed everywhere. Especially where it's not supposed to be.