Chapin International 8301C 80-Pound Contractor Turf Broadcast Spreader, 1-Pack, Red

Just received this and am unable to verify the effectiveness of the spreader. What I will say is that the directions are minimal and not clear. If you have three mechanical engineers and two jack-legs, you can probably assemble it unless than 3 hours.

Received this on June 20, 2023 and immediately set to assembling it. To help prepare in advance, I watched the Chapin video on their web site for this exact model- the 8301C 80 pound turf spreader. I also downloaded the manual and read it several times due to all of the prior comments on assembly issues. The previous comments on assembly problems are spot-on. I have a fairly good background in mechanical design but still found this a bit tricky to pull off. It was readily apparent that someone at Chapin performed a cost analysis and determined they could save maybe 75 cents per unit by going with standard size fasteners and then getting the cheapest possible stuff available on the planet. The metal is so soft you can round-off the hex bolts and hex nuts with no effort at all. The threads also peel away-- my table was full of metal shavings after assembly. So the standard size fasteners means you have some extending an inch or more past the nut and that is simply not needed even during assembly to allow fitting the frame together. After following the video I had decided to wait until the end to snap on the rear deflector panel. Well, the design was changed since the video was produced and now, if you study the assembly instructions in extreme detail, you'll see the frame bolts actually pass through the deflector. That means I had to partially disassemble the spreader to get the part installed correctly. One other significant detail is that out of the box the auger shaft on the gear box was bent about 1/2 inch-- probably from shipping and mishandling. It bent at a weak spot where there is a threaded hole for the impeller. Rather than go through a combersome return or exchange, I carefully peened it back into shape, which was rather easy because the metal is so soft.The tires are decent and I've inflated them to the sidewall pressure of 20 psi. The handgrips are thin and likely to tear. The hopper filter screens are super heavy duty but too close to the top of the hopper. The rain cover is actually decent but I don't see myself using it other than for storage of the spreader. The solid gate control linkage is good and appears to function as intended (way better than a cable).Overall I really expected more at this level of turf spreader because the inferior materials and poor design made assembly no fun. That is likely to translate into a short service life. This is likely the one and only Chapin product I will ever purchase because the writing is on the wall that profit over product quality is their mission.It will get put to use in the next day or two and if I find other shortcomings I will come back and update this review.

This has worked great with spreading ice melt. Can't wait to use it on the lawn this spring.

A little aggravating to assemble, but well worth it. This thing is a beast !

It was easy to assemble and sturdy looking.I was expecting good spread control but it did not give much control. I blocked one hole for edge of my yard but it just spread everywhere with less amount. Spread control was one of the reason that I purchased this. Tires are good and I can spread things quickly, which is plus.

I don’t like how the spinning agitator is so high off the bottom and it’s pretty short

The level that controls the amount of fertilizer to be spread will no stay at the setting

A really nice spreader. Just works. Easy to assemble.

Great Product. Mine works well. Take some time to assemble.

Works great