Spreader Broadcast Spreader

[CDsdad]

I'm looking at a P400 Poly hopper broadcast spreader from Agri-Supply. Anybody got one or used one? The picture has Cosmos written on the hopper. What about Agri-Supply? I've never used them. Is there stuff OK?

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I'm looking at a P400 Poly hopper broadcast spreader from Agri-Supply. Anybody got one or used one? The picture has Cosmos written on the hopper. What about Agri-Supply? I've never used them. Is there stuff OK?

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Agri-Supply to anyone. I've done business with them for years. Good folks.

I had the same spreader only with a steel hopper and was reasonably pleased with it. Poly hopper should do well. You still need to stay after the steel parts like the agitator, spinner, ect. Fertilizers and salts will cause rapid corrosion if not kept clean and oiled after use. TSC's in this area sell COSMO spreaders.

I bought a much more expensive VICON spreader and no longer needed the COSMO.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I bought a much more expensive VICON spreader and no longer needed the COSMO.

And the tractor stays cleaner now too

 

[greg_g]

For the money, those Italian spreaders are ok for occasional use. But as suggested by FWJ, the metal parts are prone to corrosion during storage. Mine's all metal too, and rust isn't a problem in the hopper. So other than weight, I don't see much advantage to a poly hopper. It's the agitator, tray, vanes, etc that will rust up if you're not careful. When mine's between jobs, I store it in a shed, put empty (paper) lime bags inside the hopper - then cover the hopper opening with a big piece of cardboard. The dessicant action helps a lot to fight off rust. I think simply covering ANY spreader with a tarp would an open invitation to corrosion.

If I had to do it all over again - like FWJ - I'd have shelled out for a little better unit. I like Balti-Matic (from Denmark). Their very sturdy http://www.agequipmentusa.com/agequipmentusa/PDF_files/Baltic%20Model%2080%20Fertilizer%20Spreader%20&%20Seeder.pdf Model 80 uses stainless steel in the rust-prone places.

 

[CDsdad]

Thanks, everybody. I'll only use this thing in the spring and fall for a week or so each time. I wanted the poly hopper so it won't rust out like all the others I see around here and the last one we had. The price is pretty good, too. Thanks for the replies.

 

[mark.r]

Glad I searched before posting as this is exactly what I needed to ask. I (somehow) go the Agrisupply catelog catalog in the mail. Ironically I was about two week out on buying a broadcast spreader from TSC. CDsdad mentioned the poly hopper caught my eye and it is about 250.00 less than the TSC model. The catalog has it listed at 399.95 and the website has it listed at 466.95 including shipping . . . still not bad. So what I am hearing is that this Cosmo should be fairly decent for my couple times a year needs. I am only going to be overseeding, fertilizing and pellet liming my pastures.

FERTILIZER SPREADER W/POLY HOPPER 850LB CAPACITY - Agri Supply

 

[MFL]

Ditto on Agri-Supply. Top notch folks there. I have ordered from the catalog and spoken with them on the phone and couldn't have had a better experience.

I have a Sitrex all metal 500 lb unit that I bought locally and it has worked out great. I use it about 5-6 times a year, and keep it in the shop when not in use. As greg_g mentioned, it's not the cone you have to worry about, it's everything below the cone. When I'm finished I use the pressure washer for a good, long time and make sure there is NOTHING left on the spreader. After it drys, I give it a very light spray with a teflon lubricant I have (can't recall the name) on the tray and vanes. The thing looks as good as the day I bought it. On the other extreme, we have other re-plants (city folk) down the street from us who give their spreader a cursory squirt with the hose and leave it outside when done. It looks just like you think it looks!

 

[mark.r]

Ditto on Agri-Supply. Top notch folks there. I have ordered from the catalog and spoken with them on the phone and couldn't have had a better experience.

I have a Sitrex all metal 500 lb unit that I bought locally and it has worked out great. I use it about 5-6 times a year, and keep it in the shop when not in use. As greg_g mentioned, it's not the cone you have to worry about, it's everything below the cone. When I'm finished I use the pressure washer for a good, long time and make sure there is NOTHING left on the spreader. After it drys, I give it a very light spray with a teflon lubricant I have (can't recall the name) on the tray and vanes. The thing looks as good as the day I bought it. On the other extreme, we have other re-plants (city folk) down the street from us who give their spreader a cursory squirt with the hose and leave it outside when done. It looks just like you think it looks!

Thanks for the feedback. Your post makes me laugh because I can picture myself out there for 30 minutes powerwashing the spreader too . . . and then the tractor . . . and then the truck.

 

[mark.r]

Does anyone know off hand why the agitator (upper) is unessary with the Poly hopper spreader as opposed to the steel version?

FERTILIZER SPREADER W/POLY HOPPER 850LB CAPACITY - Agri Supply

 

[mark.r]

I have to say Agri-supply is QUICK!!!! I ordered my spreader on Monday morning and I just took it off the truck a few minutes ago. I won't get to use it for a couple of weeks but I will get it off the pallet once this crazy weather lightens up. From what I can tell it looks pretty good . . . at least for what my uses will be.