One word..... Earthway

I just found the 2050P. I was looking for something w/ a upgraded gearbox. Looks like maybe that one is a winner?

Earthway

If you got $300+ to spend, you could get a Lesco rotary, PrizeLAWN BigFOOT or Scotts SR-2000.

Otherwise, Earthway is SUPERB. I got the 2170PRO. Be sure to get a hopper cover, edge guard, and calibrator bag. Then measure your lawn areas and read this:

Spreader Calibration

LSU has thorough articles on lawn spreaders:

Lawn Spreaders at LSU

I've generally been happy with my Earthway 2050, but the gearbox did get grit inside it somehow and now has a lot of resistance. I'm replacing it; parts are readily available from Earthway.

The Earthway C22HD might be my future pick. If you have any slopes or hills you don't necessarily want the bigger hopper; you'll not use it to full. If you spread chemical fertilizer or ice melt a stainless frame is nice, but not necessary for a homeowner. Lesco spreaders are well regarded. Spyker spreaders are less known, but well liked too.

I ordered a pretty standard Earthway spreader that was like $180. When it arrived I quickly put it together. I soon noticed it seemed heavier than the same model I looked at in a store and it also looked different. I check the owners manual and they sent me the wrong model. They sent me The $400 stainless steel commercial top of the line spreader instead. So I've been using this beast ever since. It is kind of heavy but solid as a rock. I like the controls on it where you can have it not spread on one side so you can go right up to flower beds etc. It is a very nice product and works like a champ.

Earthway

I'm going to try to do my own organic lawn care this year and I need to buy a spreader. The Earthway seems to be highly regarded, but when I checked it out, the weight is over 50 pounds. I'm concerned that it might be too heavy for me to maneuver easily. (I'm a 120 lb. female.) My backyard has a slight grade to it. I don't want to invest in an expensive spreader that I can't use easily. Any thoughts about this?

Lesco also offers a 50 pound hopper spreader that is not stainless steel and runs around $180. For the serious homeowner who doesn't want to buy the $380 stainless steel version, this is the way to go. Very little plastic and all the parts are easily replaceable. Would pick it over the earthway or spyker any day.

tootsie584 - these higher priced spreaders are very manageable and mine has the wheels that appear to be pneumatic, but they're solid and roll just like they have air in them...very easy to manipulate.

I think a lot of the brands mentioned above have these type tires now, but if they're just air tires they still roll much better than the hard plastic kind, which measn better control for you.