I like my RB-60. The only real issue I have is the agitator doesn't get the last little bit out of the hopper. I believe the Earthway is a much better piece of equipment so if you can get it for a similar price, I'd jump on it. I've honestly never used one though; I'm just going off of what I've heard.

 

Thx @Redtwin i knew you had the echo so was hoping you’d chime in. I may jump on it. It’s on sale right now at acme tools 25%off

 

I went through the same life journey of going from the Scott's Mini to something bigger and better. I ended up with the RB-60. It's "ok", and @Redtwin mentioned one of the annoyances that I have with it as well. I did see a hack done by a Youtuber to address the problem, but I've never gotten around to doing it. Another annoyance is the edge guard tends to drop on its own sometimes, so you need to be aware of that. Positives include the wide 8' spread, and the nice 60 lb. hopper. It's definitely a huge upgrade from the Scott's Mini.

I suppose you'll have to think about how many times per year you'd use a spreader to determine whether the RB-60 is worth the cost savings compared to the Earthway. If you don't already have a backpack sprayer, you may want to get the RB-60 and use the savings to buy one of those as well.

 

I also use an RB-60. I also HATE the hopper issue. It is a small, yet significant amount. To get most of your product out, you really have to bounce the spreader up and down when the hopper starts to get low, which can be exhausting in the summer heat while also walking at "spreader pace." When the hopper gets low, I just carefully pour it into a handheld spreader to finish it off.

I haven't experienced the edge guard dropping on its own, but I will be looking out for that.

I am going to look into the fix on youtube that Phids referred to.

I would NOT buy this spreader again. Maybe something a bit higher end.

 

Well, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Earthway from Acme after hearing what @Redtwin said.
About $160 all-in with taxes and shipping. I’ll try to add feedback as we use it. Just dropped fert and second app of prodiamine (better late than never). So, probably be a few weeks. Think it is supposed to be in here in about 2 weeks anyhow. Looking forward to the upgrade and hoping for no issues!

 

I've had the 2600a+ for over 4 years now (just got rid of it this spring). It was my first step up from the Scotts big-box spreaders and it was an eye-opener for me of what a spreader should/could be! It's been good to me overall, it's actually been my go-to spreader even over the Lesco 50# that I had picked up thinking it would replace it. I loved the size and weight of it, especially for my size yard. I maintain 7k sqft of TTTF and 5k sqft of Bermuda, on separate schedules, so only really fill it up with about 15-25# of product at a time. For that size yard and product it was a breeze to use, very maneuverable and nimble around my many obstacles, and super lightweight (esp compared to the beast of a Lesco!). As for spreading.. I had no issues until the last year. Something about the propeller and the angle of the gearbox was causing the fert to come off too early off the propeller, hitting the frame instead of shooting it forward like it was meant to to. There are posts on here about that issue and not sure if there was ever a resolution found. Outside of that the handle was not that heavy-duty and was bending at the top bend so be careful when you push that you don't put pressure on that weak point. Also keep it washed and clean as the fertilizer (and weather?) will really rust the frame after a couple years. I did not maintain mine as well as I should have, even stored it outside under a cover for periods of time. For $150 it's a great deal IMO.

EDIT: Btw, do yourself a favor and watch the assembly video before you start that process. It makes it super simple to understand the assembly details otherwise it can be a PITA. I tend to pick up instructions only AFTER I run into dead-ends! lol

 

I’ve read that about the video. Will do! Thx for the feedback

 

I have a Lesco 50LB and love it FWIW

 

I know that’s the common take but a guy who occasionally helps me with the lawn has had to replace impellers, tires etc multiple times and I’ve heard that a good bit. Plus, for my size lawn just can’t get over the price tag. Hopefully this earthway hits the sweet spot for $160!

 

For 0.28acres that EarthWay is going to be perfect. 👍

 

Saweeet!

 

I own an RB-60. The agitator thing is a true PITA. It sits way too high and doesn't have enough reach to actually agitate material down to the holes. IMO, that problem is exacerbated by the shape of the hopper. The rectangular shape and shallow wall angles don't lend themselves to the proper funneling of material toward the spreader holes on it's own. I always end up with material piled up on one or more sides or with a hole in the middle and nothing coming out. As someone else described it, it's "ok". It's certainly better than a big box store spreader, but there are better designs. The Earthway 2600A is definitely one of those IMO. The round bucket with rounded funneling towards the bottom, true edge guard feature (not just a side blocker), and pneumatic tires are all wins. My only hang up is the lever adjustment. I'm just not a fan of that style. I guess I'm too used to the Scott's spring lever style, which is what the RB-60 uses.

 

Ty for the great feedback!

 

Hey guys, so got the spreader delivery last week and finally started putting it together. All is going well except stuck on the cotter pin for the second wheel attachement. Any suggestions on how to get a grip on it to bend it? It’s such a small piece that extends out that they expect you to grip to gain leverage and bend it, I’m a bit stuck. Pic included for reference. It’s bent a little bc I thought I may be able to start some separation outside of the wheel hub area before inserting to make it easier but it’s less wiggle room than I thought in that hole.

 

Needle nose pliers would make quick work of that. Or really any pliers for that matter

 

Even if you could only get one side bent, it wouldn't come out.
You could put in a longer pin also.

 

I used a large flathead screw driver to spread them in order to get a good bite with a medium size pair of needlenose pliers.

 

Finally had a minute just to try a tiny screwdriver and was able to get enough separation for leverage. I’ll finish assembly here in next day or so been slammed and no need for application with all this dry and heat. Probably put down 1/2 app of AMS towards weekend. If no rain just go heavy on water back to back days, It’s about that time

 

I bought the 2600a, moving from a scotts. I have had no issues so far and am happy with the purchase.

 

Flathead-screwdriver forced in between the 2 pieces will also make light work of that if you can't get a grip with needle nose.

 

This is the way for sure. Got it assembled and plan to put it to use Thursday or Friday for light fertilizer application. Praying for rain that evening or next morning