Editorial Product Review:Item Description:EARTHWAY 2170T HD TOW BEHIND SPREADR
Amazon.com Review:EarthWay's 100-pound Ev-N-Spread is a broadcast spreader built to last from top to bottom. The spreader has a stainless-steel axle with twin brushing-bearings and fully enclosed gears. The included hopper screen effectively breaks up clumps in fertilizers and seed, and the spreader has an easy-access calibrated flow control handle. Depending on product size and towing speed, the broadcast range is 5 to 12 feet. Ev-N-Spread also offers jumbo 13-by-5-inch treaded pneumatic tires for sturdy, easy gliding. Although this model is not as rich in features as Ev-N-Spread's C25S commercial broadcast spreader (for example, the C25S has a stronger gear case), the price makes it more accessible for those who want a high-quality spreader but don't need the extra features. Assembly required. 90-day warranty.
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Buyer Reviews
Average Buyer Rating:
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Review of Earthway #2170T spreader
When searching the internet for a spreader you are quickly aware that the Earthway prices are very attractive. However, you will find that you earn a good discount when you ASSEMBLE IT YOURSELF.
There are MANY parts and they were all there in the right quantity. I suggest you lay out all the parts so you can easily see them.
The instructions for assembly on a scale of 1 to 10, are a 5. That's not good.
Go slow and if it doesn't look right, it's probably not... I had to redo the assembly of the tires to the axle. Some of the other framework assembly took some serious picture studying to get it right. Back up and correct mistakes, don't think it will probably be ok like it is.
Once done this is what I thought:
Nice tire size and plastic bucket size. Better to buy the bucket & tires oversize so it won't tip over on hillsides. Been there done that.
Bucket, rotating spreader, and, material shut-off parts are all plastic. Hardware inside the bucket is stainless steel. All good.
The control to open/close the spreader is a little far back to conveniently reach when in operation. That could be improved. You can improvise some sort of extension as I did.
The assembly instructions could be much better. I'd buy it again.
Customer Rating: 
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Sturdy, well constructed unit
This is my third spreader in 18 years. It replaces a Scotts tow-behind and this one is far superior. The hopper is thick plastic (polypropylene?), including the screen (nice touch), and all bolts that attach to it are stainless steel. That is a good thing because on my Scotts, they rusted even though the unit was taken care of. It assembles well in about 30 minutes but be sure to read all the instructions. Since the bolts are very similar in size, measure them to ensure you use the right ones in the right place. On a sad note, the unit arrived with one of the side handles missing but two emails later, Earthway sent me a new one (actually two), free of charge. Earthway's customer service was very helpful once a dialog was established. I should point out that this unit comes with a tow extension which I needed for my John Deere tractor. Another nice feature is the setting adjuster has a setpoint that can be tightened. This allows me to close the grates on the hopper (for instance when going over the driveway), and then return to the desired setting when I hit the lawn. The Earthway spreader is very sturdy and I believe I will get many years of use with it. The only suggestions I have for the designers is that the next model have a wider wheel width to reduce tipping - the unit is somewhat top heavy but the double plate hitch helps with that.
Customer Rating: -
Less Plastic, More Metal, Good Design
I tried an economy model Agrifab 85lb. tow-behind spreader for ONE DAY and the (all plastic parts) cable control mechanism functioned poorly and eventually broke. The Agrifab feed flow was inconsistent. I returned the Agrifab unit.
This Earthway (2170T) spreader is a huge improvement over the Agrifab in regard to design and material and well worth the extra cost.
The Earthway feed cable control device is all metal and can be adjusted to remain very precise and consistent.
The Earhway framing, axle, and wheel assemblies are a sturdy design.
The Earthway out flow has three holes of varing sizes where the Agrifab has only one so that the Earthway gives a more even and consitent feed.
The Earthway also has a "stirring" device that rotates and stirs the granular product right over the feed exit holes thus keepnig any clods from clogging the exit holes.
The Earthway also has a wide mesh screen that shields the bottom half of the hopper and this keeps any large debris from entering the exit hole and stirrer area.
I'm very pleased with this Earthway spreader, it may very likely outlast me if I keep it clean, oiled and out of the weather.
Customer Rating: -
The good and not so good
The EarthWay 2170T is the same as their 2170 walk behind model. They have eliminated the handle bars and added a tow hitch. Assembling the unit was a bit tedious but directions were through and complete. They do need to be followed very carefully. The unit itself seems to be sturdy and I like the enclosed gear box and the flow control mechanism. I think the unit is somewhat top heavy when loaded with 100+ lb. of fertilizer. Mine tipped over twice when one of the wheels went in a rut. A wider wheel base would function better on rough ground. The flow control handle winds up on the side of the upright away from the operator when being towed. This could have been set at a more convenient angle. I have not used it much yet but aside from the narrow wheel base it looks like a good unit.