Yard Mastery 40 LB Residential Broadcast Spreader (Pre-Assembled)

The Yard Mastery 40 LB Broadcast Spreader is built on the same proven platform as the Earthway Estate Broadcast Spreader (Model 2600A-Plus) — with one major upgrade: it ships pre-assembled from the factory.

No hour-long build. Install the wheels with the included cotter pins, attach the handle with two knobs, calibrate in under 5 minutes, and you're spreading fertilizer. That $25 premium over the standard Earthway 2600A-Plus? Worth every penny.

As Allyn Hane (The Lawn Care Nut) puts it: "This spreader goes pretty hard in all-black like that."

• 40 lb rustproof poly hopper — holds enough product to cover most residential lawns in a single fill
• SideSpread-Control™ (Patent US 10,993,368) — eliminates left-side spreading at the source; no deflector stripes, no wasted fertilizer, no lawn damage
• EVEN-SPREAD® 3-Hole Drop Shut-Off System — precise, balanced spread pattern on every single pass
• High-Speed Gearbox — factory sealed and permanently lubricated; precision lever dials in your exact material release rate
• 9" pneumatic tires — roll smoothly over rough terrain, wet grass, and icy surfaces
• Spreads fertilizer, grass seed, salt, grain, and ice melt — a true 4-season tool

This is the closest a homeowner can get to a commercial broadcast spreader without the commercial price tag — and it arrives ready to work.

Product Resources:
Info Sheet: YM 40 LB Spreader Info Sheet
Package Includes: (1) Yard Mastery Branded Earthway Estate Broadcast Spreader Model #2600A-Plus-YM-LCN

Component Materials & Specifications

Component Materials & Specifications

Before You Begin — Important Notes

• Read all instructions before assembly.
• The spreader is calibrated for 3 mph (brisk walking speed). Walking slower increases application rate; faster decreases it.
• Do not use powdered materials — they will damage the gearbox.
• Wet fertilizer will change the spread pattern and flow rate.
• Do not open the gearbox — it is factory sealed and permanently lubricated. Opening it allows dirt to enter.
• The impeller must turn clockwise when pushing the spreader forward. If it does not spread evenly, verify "FRONT" on the gearbox is pointing toward the front of the spreader.

Assembly (What's in the Box)

• Upper Handle Assembly
• Frame and Hopper Assembly (pre-assembled)
• 9-inch Pneumatic Tires (2)

1. Install the drive wheel (right side): Slide the wheel onto the axle using the pin hole nearest to the lower handles. Insert the 2" cotter pin (part #36110) through the wheel and through the axle. Bend the pin with pliers to prevent it from falling out.
2. Install the coast wheel (left side): Slide the wheel onto the axle using the outside pin hole. Add the flat 1" OD washer (part #34103), then insert the 3/4" cotter pin (part #36111) through the axle only — not through the wheel. Bend the pin with pliers to prevent it from falling out.
3. Attach the upper handle assembly: Insert the two screws through the lower handles to connect the upper handle assembly.
4. Tighten the two knobs fully.
5. Connect the Control Rod: Loosen (do not remove) the small knob connecting the Control Rod to the Pivot Linkage. Take the bent end of the Control Rod and place it into the keyed shut-off plate under the hopper — into the first notch closest to the end of the plate. Secure with the bow-tie clip. Ensure the Control Rod sits above the lower handles.

Calibration (Required Before First Use)

1. Pull the Control Lever back to #30 on the Gauge and Lever Assembly.
2. Push the shut-off plate forward until the shut-off and drop holes are fully open.
3. Tighten the hex nut on the 1/2" carriage bolt on the Linkage Assembly.
4. Verify: close the Control Lever to #0, then reopen to #30. If all drop holes are fully closed at #0 and fully open at #30, the unit is calibrated correctly.

Spreader Rate Settings (from official label)

Always verify against your specific product's bag label. Settings vary by product density and granule size.

Operating

1. Set the stop bolt on the rate gauge assembly to the correct setting for your product.
2. Fill the hopper while standing on the lawn — never over concrete or pavement.
3. While pushing the spreader forward, pull the control lever back to the stop bolt to begin spreading.
4. To stop spreading, push the lever forward to close the flow holes before you stop moving.
5. Walk the perimeter first with SideSpread-Control engaged, then complete interior passes.

Using SideSpread-Control™

1. Locate the lever on the underside of the right side of the hopper.
2. Slide the control lever from front to back to engage.
3. Position the left wheel 6"–12" from the sidewalk, flowerbed, or driveway and spread as normal.
4. When finished with that pass, close the control lever to "0", then open the SideSpread-Control by sliding the lever from back to front to resume the full 180° spread pattern.

Cleanup & Storage

• Empty remaining product back into the original bag after each use.
• Rinse the spreader thoroughly after use. Apply a light coat of oil to all metal parts.
• Do not rinse or oil the gearbox — it is sealed at the factory.
• Store upright with the gate fully closed, indoors or in a covered area.

Is the Yard Mastery spreader the same as the Earthway 2600A-Plus?

Yes — built on the exact same platform. The differences are the all-black color, Yard Mastery branding, and one critical upgrade: it ships pre-assembled from the factory, saving you roughly an hour of build time right out of the box.

How long does assembly actually take?

Under 5 minutes. Click the wheels onto the axle, attach the handle to the hopper with two bolts, and you're done. No guessing at instructions, no missing hardware.

Why is this $25 more than the standard Earthway 2600A-Plus?

The $25 premium covers factory pre-assembly. The standard Earthway requires roughly one hour of assembly out of the box. Skipping that hour is worth every penny — and so does Allyn.

What spreader setting should I use for my product?

Always use the spreader settings printed on your specific product bag under "Earthway 2600A" or "broadcast spreader." Settings vary by product density and granule size. General ranges: granular fertilizer 15–20, granular pre-emergent 12–18, grass seed 10–22 depending on seed type.

What can I use this spreader for?

Granular fertilizer, grass seed, ice melt, rock salt, and grain. If it's a dry granular product that fits in the hopper, this spreader handles it. True 4-season use.

How large of a lawn can this cover?

The 40 lb hopper covers most residential lawns without stopping for a refill. Actual coverage depends on your product's application rate. At 3 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (a common granular fertilizer rate), a full hopper covers approximately 13,000 sq ft per fill.

What is the Side Spread Control?

A lever that instantly shuts off spreading on the left side of the spreader. Essential when walking alongside driveways, sidewalks, landscape beds, or fence lines — keeps product where you want it and conserves material.

Does this ship free?

Yes — shipping is included for most states in the continental U.S. Cannot ship to Alaska (AK), Hawaii (HI), or P.O. Boxes. Typical delivery is 4–7 business days.

Can I return it if I'm not satisfied?

All sales are final. Yard Mastery does not accept cancellations, returns, or exchanges. If you have questions before purchasing, reach out through the Yard Mastery Help Center.