Thanks again for the info. I did some checking, and of course you are right, the Herd M-96 is smaller than the standard ag units. The spreaders I've seen all measure about 36" in height, but the M-96 is only 20" across the top compared to 36" for the Cosmo and similar brands. It weighs 84 lbs, the Cosmo weighs about 120 lbs I think. In terms of price, the list is $350 while the Cosmo goes for $239.I spoke to David Herd, and asked what he thinks the advantages of his unit is compared to the Cosmo. He said that it was designed to spread seeds well, and that it could distribute a very uniform small quantity (2lbs/acre). Also he said that they make a point of providing replacement parts very quickly.