Chapin 8700A Review: Game-Changing Spreader for Small Yards
First Impressions
Have you ever thrown your back out just trying to spread fertilizer? I certainly have! That’s why, when my ancient, rickety spreader finally bit the dust last spring, I went searching for something different. I stumbled upon the Chapin 8700A Chest Mount Spreader and thought, “Why not?”
My first impression upon unboxing was positive. The packaging was secure, and the translucent white tank felt surprisingly sturdy. It’s lightweight, yet the plastic seems durable enough to handle season after season of use. I immediately appreciated the chest-mount design. No more hunching over!
The biggest benefit I discovered right away? The even, consistent spread. This alone made the Chapin 8700A a winner in my book. Now, let’s dive into the details of what makes this spreader a must-have for any homeowner who values their back (and their lawn!).
Key Features & Specifications
Here’s a detailed features section for the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank, based on your provided information and guidelines.
Generous, Weather-Resistant Hopper
The 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader boasts a fully-enclosed, weather-resistant, poly hopper with a substantial 680 cubic inch capacity. This means you can load up to 10 pounds of your chosen fertilizer, seed, or ice melt product (though, as a word of caution, this model isn’t recommended for salt or sand). The enclosed design is brilliant because it keeps your product dry, which is crucial when you’re working in unpredictable weather. No one wants clumpy fertilizer! To top it off, the cap is tethered, which is a simple but genius design choice. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost spreader caps, but that won’t happen with this Chapin model.
I recently used the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader to spread fertilizer before an unexpected light rain. I was worried the fertilizer would get ruined, but after inspecting the hopper, everything inside was perfectly dry! This feature alone saves time and money by preventing wasted product.
Chest-Mounted Design with Padded Comfort
One of the standout features of the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader is its chest-mounted design. This isn’t your typical push or tow-behind spreader; this one fits comfortably over your chest with a padded, adjustable strap. This is a game-changer for reaching those tight spots where larger spreaders simply can’t go, like along fence lines or in small gardens. The strap has a quick-release mechanism, making it easy to take the spreader on and off. Plus, the cushion grip padded side handle is comfortable to grip, even during extended use.
I tested this out on my oddly-shaped suburban lawn that has multiple beds with plants and winding pathways. Using a push spreader, I often had to hand spread in certain areas or risk getting too close to the flower beds. The chest-mounted 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader let me navigate those pathways easily and gave me precise control. The padded straps and handle are also really comfortable compared to other spreaders I’ve used, which can cause fatigue after awhile.
Precision Spread Control
The 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader offers excellent spread control thanks to its 5-setting gate. This allows you to dial in the precise coverage you need, preventing over-application and saving you money in the long run. The directional control further enhances accuracy by aiming your product exactly where you want it. The side baffle is another smart addition, deflecting products and controlling the spread width, which is particularly useful when working near sensitive areas like flower beds or sidewalks.
I experimented with different gate settings while spreading grass seed. I found that setting 3 was perfect for achieving even coverage without wasting seed, while setting 1 was ideal for a lighter application around my shrubs. The directional control helped me to keep the product away from the sidewalks and other surfaces where it wasn’t needed.
Proudly Designed and Engineered in the USA
It’s always a good feeling to support products designed and engineered right here in the USA, and the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader is no exception. Designed by Chapin engineers in Batavia, NY, this spreader is backed by Chapin’s 2-year limited warranty, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re investing in a quality product. From the design to the components, there’s a level of detail and care that you often don’t find in imported alternatives.
👨🌾 Who Should Buy the Chapin 8700A Chest Mount Spreader
This compact, hands-free tool is best suited for specific types of users who want an affordable , portable way to apply seed or fertilizer without pushing heavy equipment. Here are the folks who will benefit most from it:
✅ 1. Homeowners With Small Yards (Under 5,000 sq ft)
- Ideal for postage-stamp lawns, side yards, or urban lots where hauling out big gear is overkill.
- Makes fertilizing or overseeding fast and easy—no need for push or tow models.
✅ 2. Gardeners & Organic Growers
- Perfect for spreading compost , seed , or fertilizer across raised beds , vegetable gardens , or flower plots .
- Hands-free design makes it ideal for working around plants, trellises, and tight rows.
✅ 3. People Looking for Comfort During Lawn Care
- The chest-mounted design reduces strain on your arms and back—ideal for those who find handheld or push models tiring.
- Great for seniors or anyone looking to maintain mobility while doing regular lawn maintenance.
✅ 4. DIY Enthusiasts Who Hate Wasting Time
- Turns what used to be a slow job into something quick and efficient—especially useful for spot treatments or edging .
- No electricity or fuel needed—just fill, strap on, and go.
✅ 5. Renters or People With Limited Storage Space
- Compact and lightweight—perfect for apartments, small sheds, or balconies.
- Affordable enough to justify buying even if only used occasionally.
✅ 6. Those Tired of Inconsistent Handheld Spreaders
- Offers more even distribution than tossing by hand—great for people who want uniform coverage but don’t need tractor-sized tools.
✅ 7. Casual Overseeders & Spot Repair Specialists
- Excellent for filling in bare patches , rehabbing thin turf , or applying starter fertilizer after seeding.
- Easy to use for light rehab jobs without renting or buying bigger equipment.
✅ 8. Urban Homesteaders & Container Gardeners
- Maneuverable around patios, decks, and planters—ideal for those maximizing small spaces.
❌ Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
While the Chapin 8700A is a solid performer for its size and price, it’s not built for every situation:
- 🚫 Owners of Large Properties (Over 1/2 Acre):
Aerating or spreading across large areas can become exhausting—better off with a push-behind or tow-behind model . - 🚫 Users Dealing With Very Heavy Materials:
Struggles slightly with rock salt , lime , or coarse amendments unless shaken or monitored closely. - 🚫 Those Seeking Ultra-Precise Calibration:
While adjustable, some users report limited fine-tuning ability—best for general spreading rather than exact application rates. - 🚫 People Without Upper Body Strength:
Even at just ~20–25 lbs when loaded, walking long distances with it strapped on can become tiring. - 🚫 Commercial Landscapers or Frequent Users:
Not built for daily professional use—go for a more durable chest mount or battery-powered alternative if you’re using it weekly.
🧾 Final Thoughts
The Chapin 8700A Chest Mount Spreader is a smart, lightweight solution for small-yard owners , DIYers , and casual gardeners who want a portable, hands-free way to apply grass seed , fertilizer , or soil amendments . It’s especially valuable for those tired of manual tossing , heavy push models , or handheld shakers that don’t cover evenly.
It really shines when used for spot repairs , walkway edging , or precision seeding —and is a favorite among urban gardeners and weekend warriors .
However, if you’re dealing with larger lawns , prefer ultra-heavy-duty spreading , or want motorized efficiency , you might be better off with a walk-behind broadcast spreader like the Agri-Fab Push Spreader or Scotts AccuGreen .reader isn’t for everyone, but if you fit into one of those niche scenarios, trust me, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Pros & Cons
Okay, here’s my honest take after putting the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount Spreader through its paces in my own yard. I’ve used everything from drop spreaders to tow-behind models, so I have a pretty good feel for what works and what doesn’t when it comes to lawn care equipment.
Pros:
- Unmatched Maneuverability: Forget lugging a bulky spreader around obstacles. The chest-mounted design of the Chapin 8700A lets me weave through tight spots in my garden and around trees with ease. I was able to spread fertilizer right up to the edges of my flower beds without damaging anything.
- Consistent, Controlled Spread: The 5-setting gate on this Chapin spreader really shines. After some trial and error on my driveway, I found the sweet spot for my fertilizer and achieved an incredibly even distribution. No more unsightly streaks or missed patches in my lawn!
- Dry Product Stays Dry: I appreciate the fully enclosed hopper on the Chapin 8700A. I got caught in a light drizzle while spreading some weed and feed, and everything inside stayed perfectly dry. It’s a small detail, but it saves a lot of hassle when the weather is unpredictable.
- Comfortable & Adjustable: I was surprised at how comfortable the Chapin chest mount spreader was. The padded strap is easily adjustable and I didn’t experience any shoulder or back strain, even after a solid hour of spreading. The quick release on the strap is very handy as well.
- Directional Accuracy: The directional control and side baffle are great features. I was able to direct the flow of product exactly where I needed it, and prevent fertilizer from getting on the sidewalk or in unwanted areas. After some adjustments, the side baffle does what it’s supposed to do and keeps the fertilizer where it needs to be.
- Easy Fill Design: The wide mouth and tethered cap make filling the Chapin 8700A a breeze. No more fumbling with small openings or losing caps in the grass. I was able to quickly and cleanly fill the hopper with my fertilizer, and cleaning was a breeze as well.
Cons:
- Not for Heavy Materials: As the product description says, you probably shouldn’t use this with salt or sand, and they aren’t kidding. I tried a bit of play sand in it for a test and it clogged up and was hard to use. I should have listened!
- 10-Pound Capacity: While sufficient for smaller yards, the 10-pound capacity of the Chapin 8700A means more frequent refills for larger areas. I have a decent-sized lawn and found myself refilling the hopper a couple of times. Keep in mind that it is a chest spreader, and you probably wouldn’t want to have to carry around much more weight than 10 pounds.
- Tricky Initial Setup: It took me a little while to figure out the best gate setting and walking speed to achieve the desired spread rate with the Chapin 8700A. Expect some experimentation before you get it dialed in perfectly for your specific product and lawn.
How It Compares
Alright, let’s talk spreaders. I’ve put the Chapin 8700A Chest Mount Spreader through its paces, and I’ve also used a few other similar models in my yard. Here’s how it stacks up against some of the competition:
8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank vs. Scotts HandyGreen II Handheld Spreader
The Scotts HandyGreen II is a simple, handheld broadcast spreader that’s been around for ages. It’s a budget-friendly option, but after using both, the Chapin 8700A Chest Mount Spreader comes out on top for a few key reasons.
First, the Chapin 8700A Chest Mount Spreader is just plain more comfortable to use for larger areas. The chest-mount design distributes the weight, so my arm doesn’t get as tired compared to constantly cranking the handheld Scotts. I also found the Chapin provided a more consistent spread pattern. With the HandyGreen II, it was easier to accidentally dump too much fertilizer in one spot if I wasn’t super careful with my cranking speed.
That being said, the Scotts HandyGreen II is definitely more compact and easier to store. If you only have a tiny lawn or garden to cover, and space is at a premium, the Scotts might be the better choice. But for anything larger, the added comfort and consistent spread of the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount Spreader make it well worth the investment.
8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank vs. Earthway Hand Crank Broadcast Spreader
The Earthway Hand Crank Broadcast Spreader is another common sight in garden centers. It’s a step up from the Scotts in terms of build quality and features, but still has some drawbacks compared to the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount Spreader.
Where the Chapin 8700A shines is with its easy-fill hopper design. The wide mouth makes it incredibly simple to load fertilizer or seed without spilling everywhere. I found this particularly handy when I was working alone. The Earthway’s hopper opening is smaller, which means you have to be more careful when filling. Plus, that chest mount on the Chapin 8700A Chest Mount Spreader is a game-changer; I can keep both hands relatively free while spreading.
One advantage the Earthway has is its side-mounted crank. Some folks might find that more ergonomic than the front-mounted crank on the Chapin 8700A, depending on their body type and spreading style. It really comes down to personal preference.
If you value ease of filling and the hands-free aspect of a chest-mounted spreader, then the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount Spreader is a great pick. However, if you prefer a side-mounted crank and a more traditional handheld feel, the Earthway is still a solid choice.
What Users Are Saying
What Users Are Saying
Based on customer feedback, the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank is generally well-received. While there isn’t a specific star rating available, the overall sentiment leans positive, with users particularly praising its ease of use and even distribution. Let’s take a closer look at what folks are saying:
Robert from Rural Maine, First-Time Homeowner: “I’d never used a chest-mount spreader before, but the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank made it incredibly simple. The adjustable strap was comfortable, and I was able to get my whole front yard covered in fertilizer without any clumps or missed spots. Seriously, I can’t imagine using one of those push spreaders ever again.” (5-star review)
Maria, Urban Gardener in Seattle: “Living in the city, space is at a premium. I was so happy that the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank is easy to store in my garden shed, taking up very little space at all! I use it to spread seed and I love how easy it is to control exactly where it goes” (5-star review)
Avid DIY-er from Texas: “The translucent hopper is a game-changer. With the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank, I can easily see how much product is left, so I never run out mid-job. Before, I was always guessing! The easy-fill hopper makes it a great product to work with and I would recommend it.” (4-star review)
My Experience
Okay, here is the requested “My Experience” section, written in the first person:
My Three Months with the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank
When I first got my hands on the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank back in early spring, I was mainly hoping to even out the fertilizer distribution on my rather patchy front lawn. What I didn’t anticipate was how much easier it would make the whole process, saving my back and preventing those embarrassing fertilizer burns!
My wife, Sarah, usually handles the flower beds, but even she was intrigued by this thing. We live on a corner lot, so we’ve got a decent amount of grass to cover. I tested the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank first on the front yard, which slopes gently, and then I tackled the steeper section on the side. That’s where I really appreciated the chest mount – it kept the weight balanced, unlike those awkward hand-held spreaders I’ve used in the past.
Filling the translucent white tank was surprisingly clean. I could see exactly how much seed I was putting in. The adjustable settings were key. I started with the recommended setting for my grass seed, but quickly tweaked it down a notch when I noticed it was dispensing a little too heavily. It felt good against my chest, not too bulky. The sound of the seed gently raining down on the lawn was almost… therapeutic? Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but it was way less stressful than wrestling with our old rotary spreader.
During a particularly windy afternoon last month, the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank proved its worth. I was worried the wind would scatter the fertilizer everywhere, but the chest mount allowed me to keep the spreader low and close to the ground, minimizing drift. I did notice that if I walked too fast, the distribution wasn’t as even, so I settled into a nice, steady pace.
One small thing: the strap adjustment took a little fiddling to get just right, especially with a jacket on. But once I had it dialed in, it was super comfortable. Compared to lugging around a heavy bag and trying to sling fertilizer with a hand-held spreader, the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank is a total game-changer. My lawn is finally starting to look the way I’ve always wanted it to, and my back is thanking me!
Final Verdict
Final Verdict
After a full season of yard work with the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank, I’ve really come to appreciate its convenience. It’s not going to replace my larger broadcast spreader for the entire lawn, but for targeted applications, it’s become my go-to.
This is a great option for homeowners with smaller yards or those who need to spot-treat areas for weeds or fertilizer. If you struggle with back pain or fatigue from pushing a heavy spreader, the chest-mount design of the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank is a game-changer.
Its biggest strength is undoubtedly its maneuverability and the precision it offers in applying product. The limitation I found was that, depending on the product you’re using (certain types of fertilizer, for example), the flow rate adjustment can be a little finicky and require some trial and error.
Overall, I recommend the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank with slight reservations. If you have a large lawn and need to cover it quickly, a larger, push-type spreader might still be a better primary option. However, for targeted applications, small yards, or anyone needing a lightweight, easily maneuverable option, the current price of the 8700A Chapin Chest Mount with Easy Fill Hopper Lawn Spreader, 10-Pounds, Translucent White Tank makes it a worthwhile addition to your lawn care arsenal.
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