Craftsman Tow Broadcast Spreader

As a long-time Craftsman enthusiast, I was eager to try out their Tow Broadcast Spreader, model CMXGZBF7124571. Craftsman has a storied history of providing reliable, high-quality tools, so I had high expectations. However, my experience with this spreader was a bit of a mixed bag, with more downs than ups.

First and foremost, the assembly process was a significant challenge. As someone who enjoys putting things together, I expected a straightforward process, but I was met with frustration. The assembly instructions, while visually decent, lacked clarity in the written steps. I found myself having to re-read certain sections multiple times and even resorting to online videos for additional guidance. Some of the parts did not fit together as they should have, which necessitated the use of files and additional tools to make them work. The plastic axle bushings, in particular, were a pain to get into place, requiring a considerable amount of filing to fit properly.

Once assembled, the spreader's build quality left much to be desired. The rustproof poly hopper and spreader plate are excellent features in theory, but the execution was subpar. The spreader's frame arrived with scratches, and the overall construction felt flimsy. The tires came uninflated and, despite being pneumatic, didn’t offer the smooth transport I had hoped for. They seemed to add to the instability of the spreader when it was in use.

Performance-wise, the Tow Broadcast Spreader had its moments. The 110 lb. hopper capacity is a definite plus, allowing for extended use without constant refilling. I managed to cover a significant area of my lawn in one go, which was convenient. However, the spread width of up to 10 feet was inconsistent. I noticed uneven distribution of materials, leading to patches of over-fertilized and under-fertilized areas on my lawn. This inconsistency is a major drawback, particularly when precision is crucial for lawn care.

The universal hitch feature is a commendable addition, making it easy to attach the spreader to various riding mowers. This versatility is something Craftsman is known for, and it did not disappoint in this regard. However, the hitch pin provided was another story. It was missing a hole for the cotter pin, making it less secure than it should have been. This oversight in manufacturing could lead to the spreader coming loose during operation, posing a safety risk.

One of the most concerning issues was the spreader’s durability. During my limited use, I encountered several problems. The dispense flap did not close completely, even after multiple adjustments. This resulted in a continuous trickle of materials when it should have been shut off. Additionally, the gear system felt unreliable, and I worried about its longevity. The steel gear is marketed as heavy-duty, but it didn’t inspire confidence during use.

In terms of user experience, the selector for the drop door was another weak point. It did not hold its setting well, meaning I had to constantly monitor and adjust it to ensure the correct distribution rate. This was both time-consuming and frustrating. The lack of a clear pointer on the selector also made it challenging to set the spread rate accurately. These issues detract from the overall ease of use, making what should be a simple task more complicated than necessary.

On a more positive note, when the spreader did work, it performed adequately for spreading ice melt on my driveway. The large hopper capacity and spread width were beneficial in covering the large area quickly. However, the inconsistent distribution and frequent adjustments reminded me that this spreader has significant room for improvement.

Craftsman has a reputation for durable, reliable products, but this Tow Broadcast Spreader does not live up to that standard. The numerous issues during assembly, poor manufacturing quality, and inconsistent performance overshadow the few positive aspects. For a piece of equipment designed to make lawn care easier, it ended up being more of a hassle than a help.

Given the challenges I faced, I cannot recommend the Craftsman Tow Broadcast Spreader. The combination of difficult assembly, poor build quality, and unreliable performance makes it a product that falls short of expectations. While the universal hitch and large hopper capacity are notable features, they do not compensate for the numerous drawbacks. For those in need of a reliable spreader, I would suggest looking into higher-quality alternatives that offer better durability and ease of use.