Craftsman Push Spreader For Ice Melt 80 lb

Purchased this to replace a little 32lb spreader I was using and was awaiting this after reading the reviews on the manufacturer (Chapin) website of their "same" product. This product is simple to assemble with little mechanical experience. Once assembled, the unit feels solid for the price point and the included raincover is a very good quality with cinch. The problem with this spreader is the application of product. Being a new product I measured out my application for certain clients and when 10lbs was added to the spreader and used, I thought I didn't have the gate open. So I checked and opened it fully, still nothing. After some shaking and rocking product started coming out, but continuous agitation was needed. The next client called for 25 lbs, so I added the bucket and the spreader worked beautifully for the first two passes down to about 10-15 lbs left in the tub. The material does not flow to the opening and the auger is too high from the bottom to push it there. This product has wonderful features including a handy guide for application levels compared to Scott's settings right on the unit. But not being able to spread low amounts of material may be a deal breaker for most. Haven't used this on my big clients yet to test out higher levels of material but very disappointed in the performance after assembling the unit. Product used was a small granular ice melt (Calcium chloride, magnesium chloride blend)