Craftsman Tow Broadcast Spreader

Craftsman has long been a trusted name in the world of tools, but the Tow Broadcast Spreader (model CMXGZBF7124322) seems to have missed the mark. After spending a considerable amount of time with this spreader, I can safely say that it has its fair share of challenges. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty details of this product.

Assembly Woes

Right off the bat, assembling the Tow Broadcast Spreader was an ordeal. Despite being a seasoned DIY enthusiast, I found the process frustrating and unnecessarily complicated. The instructions, while visually decent, lacked clarity in the written steps. Some parts didn’t fit as they should, requiring additional filing and adjustments. The axle bushings, made of molded plastic, needed to be filed down to fit properly. This is not something you would expect from a product bearing the Craftsman name.

Moreover, the hardware was not plated with zinc or made of stainless steel, which is a significant oversight for an outdoor piece of equipment. The tires arrived uninflated, and the frame was scratched, likely due to poor packaging. All these issues combined made the assembly process a test of patience.

Build Quality and Durability

Once assembled, the build quality of the spreader left much to be desired. The frame felt flimsy, and the plastic components seemed cheap. The dispense flap didn’t close all the way, requiring me to rebend the rod to adjust it. The selector handle for the drop door also failed to close completely, necessitating a reassembly of the selector mechanism.

One of the most disappointing aspects was the axle. It broke after just a few uses, causing fertilizer to pile up on my lawn. The gear turning mechanism also failed, rendering the spreader unusable. These issues point to a lack of durability and poor quality control during manufacturing.

Performance

When it came to actual performance, the Tow Broadcast Spreader was a mixed bag. The spread pattern ranged from 4 ft. to 8 ft., which was sufficient for my needs. However, the rate setting was inconsistent and did not hold its position, making it difficult to achieve an even spread. The lack of a clear pointer for the rate setting added to the confusion.

The enclosed gearbox, touted for increased durability, did little to improve the overall performance. The drive wheel required excessive force to turn, even when the spreader was empty. After some lubrication and adjustments, it performed slightly better, but these are steps that should not be necessary for a new product.

Usability

The spreader is designed to fit all brands of riding lawn mowers, which is a plus. The at-your-reach flow control is a convenient feature, allowing for easy adjustments on the go. The 10-in x 4-in turf tread tires provided decent traction, but this was overshadowed by the other usability issues.

One major drawback was the hitch pin, which lacked a hole for the cotter pin, making it insecure. This oversight could lead to the spreader detaching from the mower during use, posing a safety risk.

Packaging and Shipping

The packaging of the Tow Broadcast Spreader was another area of concern. The box arrived damaged and poorly taped, with parts scattered inside. Some parts were missing, and others were broken upon arrival. This kind of packaging is unacceptable for any product, let alone one from a reputable brand like Craftsman.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Craftsman Tow Broadcast Spreader CMXGZBF7124322 is a product that falls short of expectations in many areas. The assembly process is cumbersome, the build quality is subpar, and the performance is inconsistent. While it has some redeeming features, such as the spread pattern and ease of attachment to various mowers, these are overshadowed by its numerous flaws.

Would I recommend this spreader? Unfortunately, no. The issues with assembly, durability, and performance make it difficult to justify its purchase. Craftsman has a reputation for quality, but this product does not live up to that standard. If you're in the market for a tow broadcast spreader, I would suggest looking at other options that offer better build quality and reliability.