Spreaders how does it work?

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the typical number on most spreaders is 23

Yes, you can safely use the spreader settings listed for the Edguard with your Edgeguard Mini.
Hilary @Scotts

I am sorry to hear about the problem with your spreader. Sometimes we have replacement parts for our spreaders. Please give Scotts a call at 1-800-543-8873 at your earliest convenience to check part availability. Hilary @Scotts

I am sorry that neither spreader performed as they should have. This is very concerning to us, and we would like to get more information about the spreaders, if you still have 1 the manufacture date would be most helpful to us. It sounds like you could possibly have an over-application of the product as well. If you could call us at 1-800-543-8873, we would be happy to discuss this with you. Stacey at Scotts.

I would think it is either it is stripped or loose gears or the roll pin which holds the impeller to the rod is missing. those things happen on the industrial spreaders I use at work.

add 10 - Scotts Turfbuilder spread at # 4 on a Scotts spreader should be on setting # 14 on an Earthway spreader.

It is always a good idea to calibrate your own spreader, even if the manufacturer provides guidelines for setting the spreader with different products. It's easy to calibrate and, if you make a note of your results, you only have to do it once for each product.

There are two common types of lawn spreader: drop or broadcast. The drop spreader is a familiar sight at garden centers and hardware stores. If you are a homeowner with less than 5,000 sq.ft. of lawn area, an inexpensive drop spreader may be all you need. Drop spreaders tend to be more manueverable in tight, awkward spaces and are relatively easy to use. Broadcast spreaders throw the material out in a wider swath, sometimes as wide as 8'. If you have a large area to cover, they can make short work of it. They are, however, a little trickier to use, since you need to keep up a steady walking speed (usually 3 mph) and you need to be moving when you activate the spreader. It's also harder to get a clean edge, although some broadcast spreaders come with side deflectors, which let you get close to side-walks, beds and driveways without spreading material on these adjacent areas. There are also small, hand-held broadcast spreaders suitable for smaller areas.

Follow the specific spreading instructions that come with your spreader. When working with spreaders, always load a spreader on a surface where an accidental spill can be cleaned up and won't matter (driveway, walkway, etc). Common practice is to first run the spreader around the periphery of the area you are treating; this ensures a consistent application around the edge of your lawn. Next, you run the spreader back and forth within the area bounded by your first perimeter run. Always allow on overlap to avoid missed streaks or "holidays". Ideally, apply your material at half the recommended rate and make two sets of runs, first back and forth in one direction, then again another set of runs at 90 degrees to the first set. This ensures a good consistent coverage and it compensates for any uneven patches.