Combination fertilizer/seed spreader

[bcarwell]

I have about 20 acres and a compact (23hp) tractor. I'm trying to establish some better forage this year, specifically Bermuda grass by seeding (not sprigs). Do they make some sort of attachment that you can use for spreading fertilizer and also for broadcasting hay seeds ? If they make such a thing, what are they called, who makes them, what makes/models should I be looking for, and how much $ are they ? (I've heard you can maybe rent something like that where you buy your seed/fertilizer, but if they're not too costly I'd like to own it just for the convenience). And what features do you look for ? Obviously with such a small spread I'm not looking for a Cadillac and am interested in doing it myself as it would be too expensive to have somebody keep coming out to do this (assuming I could even find anyone who would on such a small job). Thanks for any information and suggestions.

Bob

 

[bcarwell]

BTW I've seen complaints that the rotary cone shaped PTO driven spreader like at Tractor Supply don't distribute seed very well or uniformly and there is a lot of waste especially at low desired rates. Sounds like they're more for higher volumes of fertilizer, and if so, I'm back to my original question- what would work best for Bermuda seen AND fertilizer on 10-20 acres ?

 

[ZDB]

We broadcast spread grass seed with the cone style spreader.
My observations:
Its uses quite a bit more seed than a grain drill to get equal yields.
You need to do some experimentation to get the feed rates to meet your needs.
The graph on the machine isn't 100% accurate.
Tractor ground speed can be alot higher than you feel comfortable to get your seed rates right.

We are doing between 5 and 20 acres every year, eventually I'll get a drill but for now this works okay, doesn't require much maintenance and once its dialed in is easy to use.

 

[sweettractors]

We use something called a E-Z Flow drop spreader for those applications. Ken Sweet

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

We use something called a E-Z Flow drop spreader for those applications

That's what I use too.

It works great, and wastes a lot less than a broadcast spreader.

You'll have to mix the seed with something due to the small size

 

[flusher]

I have about 20 acres and a compact (23hp) tractor. I'm trying to establish some better forage this year, specifically Bermuda grass by seeding (not sprigs). Do they make some sort of attachment that you can use for spreading fertilizer and also for broadcasting hay seeds ? If they make such a thing, what are they called, who makes them, what makes/models should I be looking for, and how much $ are they ? (I've heard you can maybe rent something like that where you buy your seed/fertilizer, but if they're not too costly I'd like to own it just for the convenience). And what features do you look for ? Obviously with such a small spread I'm not looking for a Cadillac and am interested in doing it myself as it would be too expensive to have somebody keep coming out to do this (assuming I could even find anyone who would on such a small job). Thanks for any information and suggestions.

Bob

You need a drop seeder, probably at least 10-ft wide to handle 30 acres. Ken Sweet's E-Z Flow unit is typical. These things show up regularly on eBay and go for $250-600.
Other brands: Grandy, Garber.

The cadillac of seeders is Brillion--very pricy.

Some guys are able to rent Brillion seeders from local cooperatives or tool rental places. Check around--maybe you can solve your problem like that.

 

[sweettractors]

I have ours priced at $695 + cheap shipping. Ken Sweet