Echo RB-60 Agitator Mod DIY

I finally got around to making a change to my Echo spreader. I love this unit but it had one small shortcoming, the agitator seemed to miss the prils from the bottom of the hopper trying on gravity to simply let them pour down. This can lead to an uneven product application so I gathered some tools and spare parts and made a pretty solid solution. Enjoy!

[@gordonchristensen8143]

I used some cheap tooth brush heads and super glued them to the bottom of agitator. Never have come apart after multiple usage and will never rust.🙂

[@davidlee2283]

Good explanation of your idea on fixing the echo spreader, I have one and I put zip ties on the plastic agitator without lifting it out. Now that I’ve seen you lift it out with no problem I’m going to go with the shelf brackets. Thank you

[@Neighborly_Content]

Just know I modified it a bit and only put one bracket on a single wing. Seems to do better as two was just spinning to fast and pushing it away still. But yeah it comes off easy.

[@davidlee2283]

@@Neighborly_Content Thank you for the update👍🏻

[@rogerbaron9514]

An easier way of modifying it is get some 3/4" PEX pipe and cut 2 pieces 1 3/4" length. Slip each one on each side of the ECHO'S agitator and spray some insulating foam into the pipe to bond it to the agitator and let it cure over night. You'll be good to go with a light weight strong fix. Works great for me.

[@Neighborly_Content]

I ended up removing one side of my “wings”. Made a bug difference in catching material vs spinning it away.

[@greenuplawnworks2407]

Great mod video bro.

[@rogerbaron9514]

I also had to glue in the plastic end caps on the bottom of the 2 stand legs. One fell off and it was lucky I found it. I pulled the other one off and used some adhesive so they wouldn't fall off again. All in all for $100 it's a good spreader for a house owner that doesn't use it everyday.

[@wayneessar7489]

Could you use one of the spinners provided for the rb- 80, it has the two level small one and a low metal bar?

[@Neighborly_Content]

Looking at the exploded view of the RB-80 it looks to be a completely different connection than the snap in of the 60. The 80 uses an auger with lock nut and the 60 is one piece that snaps over the stalk. Good thought though.

[@frankposterello1628]

How has this held up for you? I like the idea but that's a lot of a additional twisting load on that flimsy plastic agitator that started out as little winglets pushing through the material - now there's two little walls dragging through it.

[@hitsndc]

Great modification! I’m wondering will this make more fertilizer or product come out of the spreader than what it is designed for? Meaning on the correct spreader setting, will I be applying more than what is intended, because of the efficiency of the spinner modification?

[@Neighborly_Content]

Based on my usage the output doesn’t change because the auger is not spinning faster with the winglets. If it was moving faster and through a larger opening then yes. Again from my use the application is not dumping more product simply allowing you to start the shaking with so much left in the hopper. If you wanted as an alternative you could simply add plastic or metal panels inside to make a more funnel shaped bucket but sacrifice capacity to ensure steady flow. I went a different route with less modification.

[@hitsndc]

@@Neighborly_Content thanks! I'll keep this in mind when I get mines. I'll probably do the same thing. Thanks again

[@HandyGuy2016]

Just subscribed. Any results yet? I'm considering this modification for spreading fescue seed.

[@Neighborly_Content]

Results coming. I’ve been holding off on my fall “bombing” as it’s still quite warm during the day. Give me 1-2 weeks and I’ll have some good posts coming.

[@veinspect]

Does anyone know if this problem been addressed by Echo?

[@Neighborly_Content]

People have 3D printed larger sweeps that seems to do better. I’m actually looking to ditch mine as the wheels seem impossible to turn when loaded. I’ve greased and addressed the gears to no luck.

[@chrisdomenici9107]

How did your modification work?

[@Neighborly_Content]

Checkout my other vid for the result. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIHYdIJqbrSNocU

[@chrisdomenici9107]

Thanks, I just got it and did your mod. I’m new to spreading. How far apart do you do each pass?

[@Neighborly_Content]

This spreader has a wide throw. I’d say a good 7-8’ across. You can test that by going along your driveway or street edge and see where the best distance the stand is. Then space yourself appropriately from the lines of your spreader tires on the next pass. The other key is to overlap a bit, I go for about 1/4 to 1/2 overlap on each pass.

[@dgoode2846]

👍

[@ashzole]

all you had to do was superglue a strip of cardboard perpendicular to the plastic blades. The strip of cardboard could be rectangular, curved like a scoop , or any shape you want. All for free and modification time: 30 seconds.

[@Neighborly_Content]

Cardboard I don’t think would be supportive enough. It would bend from the weight and superglue most likely would not hold. Also my concern would be when you rinse and washout the tub it would become soggy and tear or weaken even further. There are definitely alternative ways but the one I did has worked pretty well.

[@KB-Unc]

Manbyou shouldnt have to do all that. The cheap Scotts doesnt have that problem

[@Neighborly_Content]

Cheap Scott’s has other issues. One major being the hollow wheels can catch fertilizer and end up dumping it off in clumps as you walk. Depending on the fert you use that can lead to uneven spreading and burning.

[@KB-Unc]

@DIY Guy Does the earthway 2600 have that same problem? That problem is very annoying. I'm willing to purchase another spreader that doesn't have that problem. However ibdont want to purchase another and it has the same problem