Customer Reviews for Cub Cadet Original Equipment FastAttach Electric Rear Spreader for XT1 and XT2 Lawn Mowers (2015 and After)

This is a great spreader. Takes a small bot to assemble yet worth it.

linkage is not good. it does not reach metal stop on full close. adjustment knob is poor. it will not stay where you set it. I added a rubber washer and a better bolt. locking bolts on flaps are flimsy. but overall the unit looks good.

We have 3 acres of land and up till now all we had was a hand held spreader, so my husband loves this spreader! It took approximately 2-2 1/2 hours to install. The directions were ok, but with the pictures and some self exploration he eventually figured it out. Once the spreader is fully assembled you can take off or put on a hitch in a minute! It is quick and easy to do, just pull the J-hooks out and turn so they lock on the back of the hitch frame. We chose to let the "on/off" button hang loose under the seat on the right side for easier reaching access.The suggested mount location seemed inconvenient and too far back. It also comes with a deflector attachment that we chose not to use. The spread comes with an extra engine, which is nice, not sure if this is the norm or not. Also an extra metal bar was provided that was not shown in the pictures or directions, not sure what it was for but it didn't seem to have a purpose. There is a handle that can close the bottom of the spreader completely or make it fully open with plenty of adjustments in between as needed. Overall this spreader is great for larger lawns! You have to play with the settings so you learn to gauge it better, but as soon as you set it, start driving so you don't waste any product. We spread fertilizer with it set between 1/4 and 1/2 and it spread evenly and fairly quickly so as a caution set it on the lower side to conserve the product you are spreading. After a few times you'll get a feel for how you want it set. Overall this is a great item to have!

The spreader has some good things and some bad things. What you get in this kit: All the parts and pieces to make one lawn tractor spreader: Hopper and hopper frame Electric motor, switch, wiring with 15 amp fuse and quick connector All bolts, washers and nuts Plastic hopper cover (for use in wet conditions) A fair set of general instructions, they should include an inventory of parts. And a mystery part, see below! Most of the assembly is straight forward and clear in the instructions until I came to the hopper adjustment handle and linkage. The directions are not clear as to what goes where so there is some trial and error here. The plastic wingnuts provided are very poor, the metal nut on the inside acts as a wedge and splits the plastic housing apart (see photos). The metal nuts can be removed and used without the plastic housing; this is what I ended up doing. The mounting brackets that attach to the tractor is a very heavy duty setup. Everything goes together very easy and quickly. Some of the hopper parts are very good and some are just so-so like the flap assembly for adjusting the spreading distance, its only held on with two small bolts and a very small metal strap. The adjusting handle that I received was flat and needed to have a small bend placed in it to clear the side of the hopper. Once everything is assembled it mounts to the tractor by dropping over two shoulder bolts in the back of the frame and the tow ball mounting hole (shoulder bolts for tractor mounting hardware were not provided). The wiring is attached to the tractors battery and you're ready to go. One small problem here is you have to twist and lean back to turn the spreader on and off. This is something that I just can't do any more. So I moved the switch next to the seat so I can just reach down and not take my eyes off where I am going. I tried this spreader on two other lawn tractors (different brands Sears 2000 and MTD lawn cheif) and found that the 13 1/2" between the spreaders attach points are the same. Attachment is possible with other tractors that have the same 13" to 13 1/2' rear sheet metal framework. I did end up with one extra round tube with pinched and cupped ends, about 18" long that’s not shown in the instructions. I tried it every place I could think of and no joy. Overall the kit is okay and it does fit the cub cadet tractor but the execution on parts of the spreader and the instructions could have been better.

Cub cadet fast attach electric spreader for xt series lawn tractors Fair warning to all of you THIS IS NOT UNIVERSAL SPREADER but it will fit most of the tractors with minimal modification on your tractor. The directions for this unit are generally clear, I was able to assemble it by looking only at the photographs, and I got one black tube that I can’t figure out where it is going and I left it unmounted, if you’re not confident make sure to read the text associated with it. Since there is no section in the directions showing how to mount the electrical components I will explain how I did it. There is only red and black leads to be connected to the positive and negative of your battery. Then, there is a switch wired into the harness and the connector for the motor end. The first thing you need to do is install the switch by sliding the harness through the black metal bracket and then press the switch into place, than mount the bracket to the tub. The second thing you need to do is place the included rubber grommet around the motor harness and put the harness connector through the opening in the back of the spreader use your fingers to work the rubber gasket until both sides are smooth with the tub walls ensuring that no rubber is kinked or pinched and that it creates an acceptable seal. This will be your first step as it is harder to do on the end. As for spreader guard please remember to install them whit the step when you decide to install tub to the brackets with the two bolts toward the back of the spreader this is also left out of assembling directions. Everything else is straight forward by directions from booklet. The operation of the unit is just as expected. This thing is very quiet, and so it may be difficult at times to tell if it's on. Also, the switch location is in OK position. The last thing is that the material feeding handle is too close to the tub of the unit, when you go to close the regulator holes with the control lever, it hits the tub and it does not close 100%. I found the fix to it I used same bolt and as spacers I use that tall plastic that originally come as a handle stopper to the maximum opening and install it as a spacer to the handle and that provide enough clearance between the level and the bracket so now it is not hitting the tub and it create the 100% closing. Now there's no issue. I wish this unit came as a front mounted unit so I can see what is happening at all time and as a universal fit for all tractors, but it does fit my old other brand tractor by adding bolts to my tractor back housing. Overall good spreader and I would purchase it again. I do not have to push around half the same amount of product in a push spreader on my bumpy lawn.

The directions for this unit are generally clear, I was able to assemble it by looking only at the photographs, however, if your not confident make sure to read the text associated. There is no section in the directions showing how the electrical components are to be connected, however, the process is numbingly straightforward. There is leads to connect to the positive and negative of your battery. Then, there is a switch wired into the harness and the connector for the motor. The first thing you need to do is install the switch by sliding the harness (all connectors first) through the mount and then press the switch into place. The second thing you need to do is place the included rubber grommet around the motor harness and put the harness connector through the opening in the back of the spreader. Use your fingers to work the rubber gasket until both sides are smooth ensuring that no rubber is folded over and that it creates a somewhat acceptable seal. You can put the grommet in the hole first if you prefer. Then, route your wires out of the way and zip tie up if you prefer. The operation of the unit is just as expected. This thing is very very quiet, and so it may be difficult at times to tell if it's on. Also, the switch location is OK, however, when I have some time I'm going to setup a more suitable location, like a foot switch, with an indicator light so I don't have to turn around for anything other than checking on the material. I wish this unit came with a screen, however, I will just fabricate one from another unit or some screening, shouldn't be that hard. I guess in reality, a spreader of this size doesn't really need one but it helps to identify clumps and sort out the material over bumps so when it gets to the regulator holes it doesn't modify the consistency of material feed. You want a nice even flow of material. The last thing is that the adjuster handle is too close to the tub of the unit, meaning, when you go to close the regulator holes with the control lever, it hits the tub. Basically, this is my personal issue with design integrity, but somewhat unacceptable. SO, to fix this I used some oversized bolts as spacers that provide enough clearance between the level and the tub. Now there's no issue. The quick release mechanism is a great addition. Although I wish that they had this for the leaf bagging system since now I have two and only one has the quick release. It would be nice if they sold additional quick-release mechanisms so I could upgrade my existing equipment. Also, I'm not exactly sure how the spreader guards are supposed to function. Those are designed poorly and once I figure out how they're supposed to be arranged/adjusted, I'll probably fabricate a better mount. Overall, Excellent spreader. I would purchase again. Saves me the hassle of pushing around half the same amount of product in a push spreader on my bumpy lawn. Make sure your tractors battery is charged.

Product arrived with a broken box. The drop spinner was also broken. I repaired it. A switch to turn the spreader on and off is a $100 plus extra. You’ll have to make your own or order the switch from Cub Cadet. The unit does work but is no way anything but a toy. Im going to use it on a large lawn because my Lesco electric spreader died and i need to do get pre-em down.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Don't know if you'll accept this , however, here goes....with all the problems with this item, has anyone been made satisfied since they contact Cub Cadet? Thank you

I used this product twice and can tell you with absolute certainty, this product is a gimmick and and absolute piece of junk. First, the instructions are for assembly are absolutely terrible. The wire to feed the motor blocks the product from even distributing. When I first used it, my mower started just fine. Went to reload product, and the battery was completely dead. Recharged the battery on a trickle charge thinking the battery was just dead. Turns out, I went to start the tractor (a cub cadet XT42) and the battery was dead again. Took the lead off the battery, recharged the battery and voila, without this spreader attached, the battery kept on going all season, thru the winter (I use my tractor in the winter as I have the poly hauler (which is great). Went to use it this season to spread pre emergent, hooked up the lead to the battery, and poof, dead battery. Absolute junk. Oh, and here's another thing, there is no direct correlation between the spreader settings and the setting they give you on the product you intend to spread. You just have to figure it out. Lastly, the bar to open and close the spreader gate rubs against the the basin. Just a failed attempt all the way around and ALOT of money I am out for a hunk of junk.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Easy to assemble, easy to operate, easy to attach and detach from the mower. Very satisfied overall!

Poor quality for the price. Doesn’t speed evenly. Flat bottom leave too much fertilizer in the hopper. Look elsewhere.

We bought this spreader 3 years ago. We have used it a total of 3 times. Each time, the spinner spins, but not seed/fertilizer comes out consistently, even fully open. I have to reach back and shake the spreader while driving the cub cadet. I expected SO much more from this company. Do NOT waste your money!

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I have had this for around a year or so, the good-distriubtes seed, fertilizer over a large area at once (we have 3/4 acre yard), wroks each and evey thime. The not quite so good- the bottom of the hopper is flat resulting a a decent amount of product not dropping through the opening when running low or going up/down inclines. A hopper with an angeld bottom directing everything to the opening without assistance would have been much better. Overall, make covering the yard extremly fast compared to walk behinds, just need some modifications.

Fantastic spreader. Easy to use.

This spreader motor is very weak and throws fertilizer on one side and not the or decides to dump heavily due to weak adjustment settings. Constantly have to reach behind to have all product fall to bottom of spreader due to poor design . Went back to dealer and was told no Adjustments could be made to fix spreading path or power to motor. REALLY wished I was able to try it out first before wasting the $$$$!!!

I received this yesterday and went to assemble it today. There were no assembly instructions. Where do I go to get these. I’ll have to return it if they are not available.

Need to put the hand on the chemical because the chemical doesn’t drop

Easy assembly, but missing a few nuts & screws. Used it this weekend and worked great!!!

i have been searching and can not find if this product will fit the older 2000 series cubs. i would like to get one but want to make sure it will work on what i have.

Granules only feed through one of the two holes at the bottom of the hopper, so only one side gets normal coverage while the other side barely any. Maybe because the motor wire is fed through the bottom of the hopper interfering with flow of the granules. The hopper does not sit level like pictured, sags down no matter how you adjust the bolts. Linkage is poor, you have to force it onto the fast attach bolts, and then force the blue latches to connect. Mine came with missing bolts and nuts and there is a look of returned-and-sold-as-new to it. Maybe the only value this brings is that it is direct-attached and doesn't have the tipping-over issues of a pull behind spreader. Just wish better design and quality assurance was done on it.

Easy instructions, simple assembly and installation. Takes some time understanding the amount of material you want to spread. Performs as expected and is easy to use. Great capacity for it's size. Looking forward to putting chains on the tractor and using the spreader to sand and salt the driveway this winter, although I will undoubtedly need to refill a number of times given the length of my driveway.

bought this a little over a year ago so this is the second season for it. no matter what I do or how i try to adjust i only get fertilizer out one side (right). huge waste of money. should have sent it back last year but i always had hope. I am an asthmatic and was hoping I wouldn't have to use my old push spreader. so disappointed in this product.

I had issues with it starting at the beginning and had to consult a representative at the store.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Would not recommend for fertilizer. It is difficult to select the proper opening size and maintain a consistent speed, which is hard to do on most riding lawn mowers with no speedometer. This is all after you do all the math to figure out the speed and slot opening and measure your throwing width of your fertilizer and how long it takes to run through a bag in your hopper. In the directions, you are expected to run through a bag in your hopper while the spreader is turned on and time it to add to your formula to determine your speed. You would need to figure something out so you aren't wasting your product for this test and then rebag the product and add back to the hopper to actually spread it on your lawn. A ton of work and math with too much chance for error resulting in burning your lawn with an overdose. It seemed to throw more fertilizer on the left side than right side.A lot of product gets stuck in the hopper at the end. You need to use your hand or brush to get it all out of the slots. Poor design by having a flat bottom of the hopper

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Great product I would recommend it to anyone who needs a spreader.

Very easy to assemble, very easy to attach, this saves me a lot of walking

substandard imported quality as expected. box broken open sometime during shipping and partially re-taped. bolt and nuts missing. plastic wing nuts easily break off during assembly. over priced for low quality.