You can get a deflector for the 50, but it's extra. The 80 comes with mostly stainless steel parts and will last a lifetime.

Plus the 80 allows you to get a Gregson Clark spreader mate... :thumbup:

 

+1 on the stainless steel. When looking for a used Lesco the 50lbs were nearly rusted in half, the 80lbs were still in great shape.

 

By the time you upgrade the 50# to the 80# features, you're looking at minimal cost increase to just get the 80# and the stainless steel frame. I use the deflector every time I throw granular material or seed out. Plus on 25k, you're looking at 1 reload for most materials instead of 2.

 

Get the 80 lb. It will be the last spreader you will need to buy. There is a reason most if not all lawn fertilization companies use one. Plus it fits a spreadermate as stated above. The perfect combo to take care of your lawn.

 

Buy once cry once! Get 80#....you won't regret it.

 

Thanks everyone for the advice. I am going to bite the bullet and go with the 80# lesco. Price wise, I have a siteone close to me that their advertised price is about 475$ plus tax. Does that seem about on par with other places?

 

Did you sign up on line for an account. I purchased mine in January for 439 plus tax.

 

By the time you upgrade the 50# to the 80# features, you're looking at minimal cost increase to just get the 80# and the stainless steel frame. I use the deflector every time I throw granular material or seed out. Plus on 25k, you're looking at 1 reload for most materials instead of 2.

What upgrade does the 50lbs model need? I'm trying to decide between the two. The cost difference is around $230.

 

By the time you upgrade the 50# to the 80# features, you're looking at minimal cost increase to just get the 80# and the stainless steel frame. I use the deflector every time I throw granular material or seed out. Plus on 25k, you're looking at 1 reload for most materials instead of 2.

What upgrade does the 50lbs model need? I'm trying to decide between the two. The cost difference is around $230.

At the time of my 50# purchase I only got the deflector. I just got the permagreen agitator to upgrade that component making those 2 items the only additions I've made to it. I keep mine in the garage and have had no issues. I caught enough grief from my wife for spending that much on a spreader so needed all the cost savings I could get when initially purchasing it, which steered me toward the 50# vs 80#.

 

By the time you upgrade the 50# to the 80# features, you're looking at minimal cost increase to just get the 80# and the stainless steel frame. I use the deflector every time I throw granular material or seed out. Plus on 25k, you're looking at 1 reload for most materials instead of 2.

At the time of my 50# purchase I only got the deflector. I just got the permagreen agitator to upgrade that component making those 2 items the only additions I've made to it. I keep mine in the garage and have had no issues. I caught enough grief from my wife for spending that much on a spreader so needed all the cost savings I could get when initially purchasing it, which steered me toward the 50# vs 80#.

How crucial is the deflector/agitator? Can I leave without it? Or it's something I'll have to add at some point?

What upgrade does the 50lbs model need? I'm trying to decide between the two. The cost difference is around $230.

 

By the time you upgrade the 50# to the 80# features, you're looking at minimal cost increase to just get the 80# and the stainless steel frame. I use the deflector every time I throw granular material or seed out. Plus on 25k, you're looking at 1 reload for most materials instead of 2.

What upgrade does the 50lbs model need? I'm trying to decide between the two. The cost difference is around $230.

Doesn't "need" any upgrades unless you need a deflector for areas your wish to not throw stuff into or on. That will run you 60-75 bucks I think?

Past that- the difference is in the construction, being the 80# is stainless, and large capacity.

If you think you'll want to have it be a sprayer system too, get the 80. If you don't, and the 50# is big enough then save the money. The only other "downside" is the 50# doesn't seem as popular, thus the resell won't get you back near the money that the 80 would.

 

By the time you upgrade the 50# to the 80# features, you're looking at minimal cost increase to just get the 80# and the stainless steel frame. I use the deflector every time I throw granular material or seed out. Plus on 25k, you're looking at 1 reload for most materials instead of 2.

What upgrade does the 50lbs model need? I'm trying to decide between the two. The cost difference is around $230.

Doesn't "need" any upgrades unless you need a deflector for areas your wish to not throw stuff into or on. That will run you 60-75 bucks I think?

Past that- the difference is in the construction, being the 80# is stainless, and large capacity.

If you think you'll want to have it be a sprayer system too, get the 80. If you don't, and the 50# is big enough then save the money. The only other "downside" is the 50# doesn't seem as popular, thus the resell won't get you back near the money that the 80 would.

I picked up the 80# yesterday. $450 for a spreader hurts but I feel it's money well spent in the long run.

 

What upgrade does the 50lbs model need? I'm trying to decide between the two. The cost difference is around $230.

Doesn't "need" any upgrades unless you need a deflector for areas your wish to not throw stuff into or on. That will run you 60-75 bucks I think?

Past that- the difference is in the construction, being the 80# is stainless, and large capacity.

If you think you'll want to have it be a sprayer system too, get the 80. If you don't, and the 50# is big enough then save the money. The only other "downside" is the 50# doesn't seem as popular, thus the resell won't get you back near the money that the 80 would.

I picked up the 80# yesterday. $450 for a spreader hurts but I feel it's money well spent in the long run.

10+ years from now when you have run far more then $450 worth of product through it you won't remember or care what the initial price tag was! :thumbup:

 

10+ years from now when you have run far more then $450 worth of product through it you won't remember or care what the initial price tag was! :thumbup:

This. :thumbup:

 

I went to SiteOne today in MD and bought the 80# with deflector and they took off $30 because I said I would assemble it myself. Not sure if they do this in other territories, but its something to inquire about.

 

I have a Site One about 40 miles from me. Thier web site says to log in to get your price. Are there any requirements or benefits to becoming a "member". Don't really have a use for them on a regular basis. I am going to buy an 80# spreader though. I found one on Ebay for $495 with free shipping.

 

I have a Site One about 40 miles from me. Thier web site says to log in to get your price. Are there any requirements or benefits to becoming a "member". Don't really have a use for them on a regular basis. I am going to buy an 80# spreader though. I found one on Ebay for $495 with free shipping.

No benefits that I have seen other than letting you see price and availability locally.

 

I became a member so i could see the prices. I get most of my stuff from the local co-op so i'm sure i'll never spend enough there in quantity to qualify for any types of discounts. I periodically pick stuff up, once or twice a season maybe. They're nice guys and have always been helpful at our local one anyway.

anyway, I bought the 80lb there last year, I called asked some questions because i was between 50 and 80lb and said i'd probably be by to pick one up later.

Walked in and they had it assembled and waiting. I walk almost 2 acres and this rolls and spreads so nicely and smoothly I look forward to going out and spreading stuff. I bought it mostly because if I can't get something for 60 bucks that will work, i'm spending what I need to and get stuff that's fun and comfortable to work with and is going to last for as long as I'll need it. It's stainless and well built, used one season and it's already worth it to me.

 

What are folks seeing for the price on the 80# these days? My Site One has it listed at $600, that's a hard pill to swallow vs. the +/- $450 talk from last year, even considering inflation.

 

What are folks seeing for the price on the 80# these days? My Site One has it listed at $600, that's a hard pill to swallow vs. the +/- $450 talk from last year, even considering inflation.

$536.50 at Rittenhouse with no sales tax or shipping expense . (cover not included)

 

Trying to convince the fiancé right now to pull the trigger on this deal

 

I put my Echo RB-80 spreader at the curb today with a free sign on it, biggest piece of junk! Load it up with 40lbs of granular and it would just grind the gear box and was hard as hell to push. Going to Site One tomorrow to buy a Lesco. I will probably buy the 80lb model.

 

Trying to convince the fiancé right now to pull the trigger on this deal

They probably won't get cheaper any time soon.

 

I love my SS 80#. Spreads evenly and rolls great. Pushing 80# up some gentle hills gets in a good cardio workout. I see no need for the agitator change. But I only apply Lessco which doesn't clump (for me), seed and Milorganite. Never had a feed problem. I got it last year through Site One with an account for $439 I believe. I haven't checked this year. Having an account only saved $30-$40. I do use my account for the Lessco fertilizer, seed, and herbicides and pesticides. 50# bags of fert. for $12-$16 is good around here.

 

Lowes has the #50 on sale for $179 right now. That's $200 cheaper than other places and $400 less than the #80