As a 12+ year Eclolawn top dressing machine user of both the 150 and 250 models I knew for years that I was paying too much for big ticket parts. Parts went from the manufacturer up to Ecolawn in Canada, then back to the states to a distributor, and then finally to your local mower shop. Four different levels were marking up what you were buying. Well, I have solved this issue on two expensive parts.
Ecolawn Top Dresser Replacement Drive Axles
Here is the Ecolawn axle part number Ecolawn C-0004. You can pay about $400 for this from your local shop that sells Ecolawn parts or buy it from Plantscape Solutions for only $290 plus shipping. You are going to save at least $100! This is the exact same Peerless axle and not a clone or copy from an unknown source. This parts fits both the older 150 version and the newer 250. You can save over $100.
Top Picture- Ecolawn OEM Peerless C-0004 $400 axle
Bottom Picture- Plantscape Solutions Peerless axle for $290.
Ecolawn Top Dresser Replacement Conveyor Belts
The other expensive part is the conveyor belt which is about $350. Plantscape Solutions has contracted with a industrial conveyor belt company that makes belts used to move heavy rocks and gravel for the aggregates industry.
This is an Ecolawn belt (used picture) purchased from my local mower shop for close to $350.
This is equal or likely better quality conveyor belt (part number Ecolawn C-0003 and Ecolawn C-0002) that you can buy from Plantscape Solutiuons for only “$255 plus shipping (usually $20). You can save an easy $100. Now available the Earth & Turf conveyor belt part number 105014 for $625 versus the $769 dealer list price.
An Eclolawn user in Dallas at Earth Kind Services complained that the last OEM belt he bought was uneven on the edges and it quickly fell apart. That same user is running these custom made belts on multiple Ecolawn machines and swears they are better quality then the OEM conveyor belts.
Ecolawn Gearbox PGM 1000-026D
Ecolawn Top Dresser Replacement Conveyor Belt Wiper Blades
Another wear part that Plantscape Solutions has improved upon are the conveyor belt wipers (Ecolawn part U-0157). The OEM wipers are made from thin rubber and do not last very long. The wiper blades we contracted to have made are about twice as thick and slightly wider which better prevents material from getting under the conveyor belt and building up on the rollers. The Plantscape Solutions strip is also slightly longer and better contains material on the conveyor belt.
The top wiper is an OEM Ecolawn part U-0157
The bottom wiper is the improved Plantscape Solutions Conveyor Belt Wiper.
The thin top wiper is the OEM version. (Ecolawn part U-0157).
The bottom wiper is the 100% thicker Plantscape Solution Conveyor Belt Wiper Blade
The OEM wiper blades are about $30 a set. They wear out so fast you end up paying 2-3X more replacing them multiple times a year. Plus you have the much bigger hassle of wasting time replacing them frequently. They also tend to tear easily on the ends which renders then useless. The vastly improved Plantscape Solutiuons Wiper Blades are $50 a set plus shipping and will probably last you a few years.
Plantscape Solutions has multiple other tips we can share with end users that will save people time and money. The Ecolawn 250 has a problem with the front spinner assembly sagging but we can show you how to fix and prevent the problem. The rear conveyor belt roller also absolutely must have a scraper installed to prevent buildup that will stretch and ruin your conveyor belt. We built a scraper to test out from material we already had in our shop. Its not pretty but it is putting a stop to belt stretch. Anyone capable of maintaining an Ecolawn machine is also likely capable of cutting angle iron to fit and drilling some holes.
Ecolawn Top Dresser Replacement Roller Scraper
Here is a side shot of a roller scraper we mocked up and are currently testing with great results.
The scraper does not allow material to easily fall down below onto the belt feeding into the roller. Instead material tends to get pushed out to the sides and trickles out as it builds up and keeps the conveyor belt and roller cleaner.
Roller scraper close up
For question or orders email David at david@plantscapesolutions.net. Hopefully I can save you some money and my tips can make your job a lot easier and less frustrating. The Eclolawn is a great machine but it has some issues we can help you resolve.