Purchasing this product was the most disgusting purchasing experience of my life. Every one of these items in the store were filthy with bird poop, a thick layer of dust/soil, and stinking rainwater. I should have abandoned the effort, but I desperately needed one. I wasted too much time trying to find one that was the least filthy so that I wouldn't soil myself or my car. I had to take a break to go back to my car and clean my hands with an alcohol wipe. I complained to a store employee that they should all be cleaned. She told me that she knew all about it, but nothing was done to clean them. This store has an abundance of employees, but they are not well managed. Several times, I heard someone on the loudspeaker telling employees to stop goofing off and get back ... MorePurchasing this product was the most disgusting purchasing experience of my life. Every one of these items in the store were filthy with bird poop, a thick layer of dust/soil, and stinking rainwater. I should have abandoned the effort, but I desperately needed one. I wasted too much time trying to find one that was the least filthy so that I wouldn't soil myself or my car. I had to take a break to go back to my car and clean my hands with an alcohol wipe. I complained to a store employee that they should all be cleaned. She told me that she knew all about it, but nothing was done to clean them. This store has an abundance of employees, but they are not well managed. Several times, I heard someone on the loudspeaker telling employees to stop goofing off and get back to work.

Backplate to feeder assembly missing?

Jury still out. Purchased six months ago, but this morning was first use. Could not find recommendations for setting, or equivalent to other Scott product settings. Did see all the troubling reviews, the one that solved their problem with Duct Tape was invaluable. Before starting, I looked for the problem. Totally obvious, at the rear drop, there is no backstop to the feed. Used a strip of "masking tape to cover the 1-1/2' by 4" gap to serve as a backplate. Test drove down the street to check the spread pattern. Appeared uniform, no 3" tail down the middle as shown in the complained lawn photos. My guess is the manufacture didn't see that a small backplate is required for assembly. Yeah, spreader doesn't work correctly without the backplate. Design will be modified ... MoreJury still out. Purchased six months ago, but this morning was first use. Could not find recommendations for setting, or equivalent to other Scott product settings. Did see all the troubling reviews, the one that solved their problem with Duct Tape was invaluable. Before starting, I looked for the problem. Totally obvious, at the rear drop, there is no backstop to the feed. Used a strip of "masking tape to cover the 1-1/2' by 4" gap to serve as a backplate. Test drove down the street to check the spread pattern. Appeared uniform, no 3" tail down the middle as shown in the complained lawn photos. My guess is the manufacture didn't see that a small backplate is required for assembly. Yeah, spreader doesn't work correctly without the backplate. Design will be modified to use a small plastic strip screwed or pop-riveted to the base. Screw may be a better solution for removing plate for cleaning assembly.Spreader was modified and appeared to work on the lawn, will need to wait a week or so to validate the solution on the lawn.

Compact but very flawed

Just purchased this and is a great idea with poor execution. The item is light but wobbles and is a risk of tipping. I’m 6 foot 3 and this isn’t made for tall people. The agitator in the spreader doesn’t annotate as it’s too small to make any impact. As a result product falls at a very inconsistent rate. I’m worried I might burn my lawn in spots due to inconsistency and the occasional heavy drop. The hollow wheels make it prone to catch product and over concentrate. The opening which is triggered by a brake like Handel doesn’t always open to the same width. I feel I spent $50 on a $10 spreader and I’m regretting it already. Might have to toss this and buy something different.

Lack of post sale support

I own the earlier model of this, the Scotts Basic Broadcast Spreader. I'm giving Scotts 3-stars for making a product simple enough to disassemble, clean out and put back together. One wheel won’t come out until the axle is removed. Notes | 1. Remove the wheel that does come out. 2. Distinguish the axle end coming out of the wheel remaining. 3. Note the distinctive form orientation of the gear assembly relative to the remaining wheel, with R/L info, working on the unit. Putting it together won’t be too difficult with those notes. There should be a simple calibration procedure to accommodate the cable stretching with use and age. There was for my unit. Scotts didn’t think to keep it available on the web site, or any info…. I think it is wrong headed to deny users ... MoreI own the earlier model of this, the Scotts Basic Broadcast Spreader. I'm giving Scotts 3-stars for making a product simple enough to disassemble, clean out and put back together. One wheel won’t come out until the axle is removed. Notes | 1. Remove the wheel that does come out. 2. Distinguish the axle end coming out of the wheel remaining. 3. Note the distinctive form orientation of the gear assembly relative to the remaining wheel, with R/L info, working on the unit. Putting it together won’t be too difficult with those notes. There should be a simple calibration procedure to accommodate the cable stretching with use and age. There was for my unit. Scotts didn’t think to keep it available on the web site, or any info…. I think it is wrong headed to deny users basic support information as this. I’m docking 2-stars for not considering customer satisfaction long after the sale.Product dispersion depends on material density, particulate size, spreader revolution rate per wheel rev, and walk speed. Density requires weight and volume. Good luck on finding volume on a bag for lawn care. With weight on the bag, pounds per square feet of lawn, we’re left hoping the rotary rate on the bag, and Scotts Broadcast Spreaders changing so often, that some consistency exist between models. No basic calibration procedure left on web site. Full open equal dial at max, or half open equal half dial. Is the opening the same size between models of Scotts rotary broadcast spreaders?

Not a long term use product.

1) Axle rusted at wheel connection.2,) The orange part deteriorated (crumbling), but still fintions.I had the this and other Scotts' units for several years. Each one of them failed due to rust or poor materials.This model in particular rusted at the point where the wheels are attached to the axel. If there were replacement parts I could just replace the axel and be good to go.The wheel axle issue, IMO, is a unforgivable manufacturing flaw. The inner and outer axel "tube" could be coated as to be more chemical & rust resistant...particularly at the wheels since one cannot realistically clean or wash/rinse that area out.The orange plastics is just a poor choice of material. Again either a better raw plastic material and/or coating to protect it from the sun ... More1) Axle rusted at wheel connection.2,) The orange part deteriorated (crumbling), but still fintions.I had the this and other Scotts' units for several years. Each one of them failed due to rust or poor materials.This model in particular rusted at the point where the wheels are attached to the axel. If there were replacement parts I could just replace the axel and be good to go.The wheel axle issue, IMO, is a unforgivable manufacturing flaw. The inner and outer axel "tube" could be coated as to be more chemical & rust resistant...particularly at the wheels since one cannot realistically clean or wash/rinse that area out.The orange plastics is just a poor choice of material. Again either a better raw plastic material and/or coating to protect it from the sun and chemicals used in lawn careI just bought a new one of this model and the axel design appears to be the same. The orange and green parts changed slightly, but if would appear the 'new' orange part would work in the old unit.Over the years other Scotts' Spreader units failed similarly within a few years of use...even though I wash/rinsed the units after use.Besides being able to buy replacement part rather than replacing every few years...I wish there was a stainless steel and/or solid plastic/ axel & handle version.

Poorly engineered

After purchasing this spreader from Home Depot we were in a race to get home and get the insecticide spread on our lawn before it started raining since this insecticide requires watering after application. As we were using the spreader the hub cap kept falling off even after we ensured the three hub cap tangs were engaged.Since we were in a rush to spread the contents before it started raining I didn't thoroughly examine the quality of the Scott's spreader before using. After we finished spreading the contents, we went to spray off all the residue from the insecticide at which time I then saw how poorly this spreader is made and assembled. There are no plugs on the open tube ends, there are open holes in the tubing where there were some kind of plastic inserts ... MoreAfter purchasing this spreader from Home Depot we were in a race to get home and get the insecticide spread on our lawn before it started raining since this insecticide requires watering after application. As we were using the spreader the hub cap kept falling off even after we ensured the three hub cap tangs were engaged.Since we were in a rush to spread the contents before it started raining I didn't thoroughly examine the quality of the Scott's spreader before using. After we finished spreading the contents, we went to spray off all the residue from the insecticide at which time I then saw how poorly this spreader is made and assembled. There are no plugs on the open tube ends, there are open holes in the tubing where there were some kind of plastic inserts were installed that required removal before use, there are openings in the tubing were the preassembled bolts are used to secure the tub to the frame. All these various openings in the steel frame tubing is a pathway to the quick demise of the metal framing, due to corrosion from various lawn treatment chemicals, residues that will get down into the inside of the tubing, the chemicals and possibly wet chemicals such as fertilizers are extremely corrosive to metal and will eventually corrode from the inside out and you will have no idea this is going on until the steel tubing frame crumbles and renders your expensive spreader useless and becomes dumpster bound. The process of rinsing off the residues with the hose will allow the water chemical solution to seep down into the openings in the tubing which will further exacerbate and eccelerate the internal corrosion process.Bottom line, this spreader is poorly made and engineered, as far as the spreading mechanism and function it seems to work good ( at least for the first time use)

Scotts Drop Spreader is Terrible

I bought my Scotts drop spreader several months ago but used it for the first time yesterday. I purchased it on Scotts Website and got a great deal. However, I have the same issue as earlier statements from customers. The drive wheel (right wheel) will not turn when product is loaded into the hopper, even just enough product to cover the orange turning bar in the hopper....will not turn. I tried it with 2 different grass seeds (all Scotts) and also 2 of Scotts fertilizers....no change....wheel will not turn. However, wheel will turn when hopper is empty. I called customer service, they were GREAT. They did issue a refund check, although I just wanted a replacement instead, but refund was my only choice. I think there are issues and that is why they are not sending ... MoreI bought my Scotts drop spreader several months ago but used it for the first time yesterday. I purchased it on Scotts Website and got a great deal. However, I have the same issue as earlier statements from customers. The drive wheel (right wheel) will not turn when product is loaded into the hopper, even just enough product to cover the orange turning bar in the hopper....will not turn. I tried it with 2 different grass seeds (all Scotts) and also 2 of Scotts fertilizers....no change....wheel will not turn. However, wheel will turn when hopper is empty. I called customer service, they were GREAT. They did issue a refund check, although I just wanted a replacement instead, but refund was my only choice. I think there are issues and that is why they are not sending replacements. Love Scotts, just not this drop spreader. :-(

This product makes dark green lines on lawn

Longtime lawn care obsessive fanatic. I bought this Scotts Turf Builder Mini Edge Guard spreader on April 12, 2024 to replace an older one I had for many years that just broke suddenly while I was using it. I used the new spreader Memorial Day weekend for the 1st time on my lawn and on my sister’s lawn. Unfortunately, after the 30 day return window. I am very disappointed with how this spreader worked. Several days after the fertilizer application, there are extremely pronounced dark green strips in both of the lawns and around the perimeter. They are exactly where I walked right behind the spreader about 6 inches wide. In between the dark green lines, the grass is a lime green, doesn’t even look like it got fertilizer. I have never had this happen until using this ... MoreLongtime lawn care obsessive fanatic. I bought this Scotts Turf Builder Mini Edge Guard spreader on April 12, 2024 to replace an older one I had for many years that just broke suddenly while I was using it. I used the new spreader Memorial Day weekend for the 1st time on my lawn and on my sister’s lawn. Unfortunately, after the 30 day return window. I am very disappointed with how this spreader worked. Several days after the fertilizer application, there are extremely pronounced dark green strips in both of the lawns and around the perimeter. They are exactly where I walked right behind the spreader about 6 inches wide. In between the dark green lines, the grass is a lime green, doesn’t even look like it got fertilizer. I have never had this happen until using this new spreader. Now I wasted money on all the fertilizer and on this spreader and have lawn that looks horrible. Extremely unhappy.

Works well with design tweaks

I've been using this for a couple of years now and there are some tricks I would like to share.1. You can go a little heavy if you follow my suggestions.2. The wheels are hollow and will accumulate the product you are spreading if you apply while the grass is wet. You will get stripes and dead patches. To solve this, I covered the wheels with gorilla tape on both sides so the product I am spreading doesn't accumulate inside the wheels. Weed and Feed directs you to apply when the grass is wet.3. Rinse and dry the spreader periodically during and immediately after use. You will also want to lubricate the differential with a lock lube (not WD40, not grease or silicone) this will prevent premature seizing of the differential and keep the internals clean and free of ... MoreI've been using this for a couple of years now and there are some tricks I would like to share.1. You can go a little heavy if you follow my suggestions.2. The wheels are hollow and will accumulate the product you are spreading if you apply while the grass is wet. You will get stripes and dead patches. To solve this, I covered the wheels with gorilla tape on both sides so the product I am spreading doesn't accumulate inside the wheels. Weed and Feed directs you to apply when the grass is wet.3. Rinse and dry the spreader periodically during and immediately after use. You will also want to lubricate the differential with a lock lube (not WD40, not grease or silicone) this will prevent premature seizing of the differential and keep the internals clean and free of product and dust/dirt.Several people have to sign off on the design prior to production and sale. The open back wheels are a big design snafu. Great for dry applications, damaging for wet applications.Be careful out there!

[Rewarded Review] Great product and good price point

I had an Ortho broadcast spreader for about 20 years and it died about 2 years ago during the Covid virus outbreak..Went online to order this Mini spreader from Home Depot along with a bag of Scotts fertilizer as my yard is less than 5000 ft.².I ordered it as a pick up item. When employee was delivering it to my car, I realized they were delivering the larger DXL spreader. I told him I prefer the smaller one due to the fact that it would take up less storage space in my shed. Employee said they were out of the smaller ones or he had pulled this one by mistake and I was getting it for same price. This is a review of the DXL and Mini spreaders. but the results that you will see are primarily from my use of the larger spreader over the last few years.A Mini spreader ... MoreI had an Ortho broadcast spreader for about 20 years and it died about 2 years ago during the Covid virus outbreak..Went online to order this Mini spreader from Home Depot along with a bag of Scotts fertilizer as my yard is less than 5000 ft.².I ordered it as a pick up item. When employee was delivering it to my car, I realized they were delivering the larger DXL spreader. I told him I prefer the smaller one due to the fact that it would take up less storage space in my shed. Employee said they were out of the smaller ones or he had pulled this one by mistake and I was getting it for same price. This is a review of the DXL and Mini spreaders. but the results that you will see are primarily from my use of the larger spreader over the last few years.A Mini spreader recently came available to me and I took the opportunity to get it. I have only used it one time and have not had any problems or issues with it. I actually like it over the larger DXL spreader for my yard,The larger spreader is higher and to me has more of a tendency to want to turn over (forward) when I hit a root or the edge of my turf as I cross my sidewalks. I also do not need to put more than one small bag of fertilizer in the spreader at a time so the larger hopper capacity does me no good.The Mini also takes up a lot less storage space in the shed Which I think for most people is a good point.The major differences that I see are the hopper size and how you control the Edgeguard. On the DXL there is a lever on the handle and on the Mini you have to reach underneath the back of the spreader to engage or disengage the Edgeguard. This is NOT a problem as you engage the Edgeguard one time as you first make a counter clockwise spread around the outer perimeter. This gives you a clean and NO overspread of your product to the right side of spreader. Keeps all of your product on YOUR property and NOT your neighbors. (You will clearly see how effective it is in attached photos and video)I have included a couple of photos of each spreader in my review and I have had no problems with either one. I think it all depends on the size of your yard AND if you can bend over to engage the Edge Guard on the Mini.BTW, I also have a Scott's Drop spreader that I bought for when I was applying gypsum to my lawn years ago. It also has no issues except that you literally have to walk every square foot of your property and it will not spread under or behind shrubs or flower beds.The thing that I do want you to look at is the boundaries/property lines between mine and my neighbors' properties. They are extremely well defined by the controlled application of my fertilizer and weed control agents.Images taken in February. My turf looks like a thick carpet of brown straw with no green or barren areas in it as it is all THICK Saint Augustine and is dormant . There are no bare patches or green intrusion areas from weeds as you will so clearly see in neighbors' lawns.Now, look at my neighbors yards to both my left and right. They’re basically nothing but green weeds that I have to fight with all year to keep out of my turf areas and flowerbeds.I think from viewing the images and the video, it is very clear that the Scotts Broadcast Spreaders with the Edgeguard do exactly what they say they do and they do it at a very competitive price.I highly recommend either one of these spreaders. It just simply depends on the size of your property and the amount of product that you need to spread at one time.Both break down for easy storage and both are very easily cleaned with the garden hose.My backyard is the play area of my two large furr babies that we got from the City Animal Shelter.Kevin, our larger male that always "supervises" my activities on his playground, is shown inspecting the Scotts products as well. That said, THEY destroy my back yard every winter and just about the time I get it all filled back in again, winter hits and they destroy it again! Clearly visible in the photos!That said, they are worth this small aggravation!