diff --git a/backend/src/routes/equipment.js b/backend/src/routes/equipment.js
index c935f1b..ec8e6a9 100644
--- a/backend/src/routes/equipment.js
+++ b/backend/src/routes/equipment.js
@@ -193,11 +193,9 @@ router.get('/spreaders', async (req, res, next) => {
        FROM user_equipment ue
        LEFT JOIN equipment_categories ec ON ue.category_id = ec.id
        WHERE ue.user_id = $1 
-         AND ue.is_active = true 
-         AND (ec.name ILIKE '%spreader%' 
-              OR ue.spreader_type IS NOT NULL 
-              OR ue.custom_name ILIKE '%spreader%' 
-              OR ue.manufacturer ILIKE '%spreader%')
+         AND ue.is_active = true
+         -- Temporarily show all equipment so user can identify spreaders
+         -- TODO: Add proper spreader identification/categorization
        ORDER BY ue.custom_name, ue.manufacturer, ue.model`,
       [req.user.id]
     );
diff --git a/backend/src/utils/validation.js b/backend/src/utils/validation.js
index 27e7c9f..cfd811a 100644
--- a/backend/src/utils/validation.js
+++ b/backend/src/utils/validation.js
@@ -109,10 +109,10 @@ const userProductSchema = Joi.object({
         Joi.allow(null)
       ).optional()
     }).when('equipmentId', {
-      is: Joi.exist(),
-      then: Joi.object(), // When equipmentId exists, spreaderBrand is optional
+      is: Joi.number().positive(),
+      then: Joi.object(), // When equipmentId is a positive number, spreaderBrand is optional
       otherwise: Joi.object({
-        spreaderBrand: Joi.string().max(100).required() // When no equipmentId, require spreaderBrand
+        spreaderBrand: Joi.string().max(100).required() // When no valid equipmentId, require spreaderBrand
       })
     })
   ).optional()