PTO spreader rpm's

[Headhog]

I have a new Kubota L3240. Am trying to figure out the best way to spread lime, ferterlizer, seed, etc. for some deer plots and some narrower lanes. My question is: Just how narrow a pass can I create with a PTO driven spreader with the pto running at it's slowest speed. Seems like every chart uses the max 540 rpms for spreading info. I'm trying to determine if the pto spreader will work for some of the narrower lanes or do I need something smaller. Thanks for the help. Bill

[SPYDERLK]

Seems like mine will do about 15 to 40 feet depending on rpm [1000-2000 eng]. You can also hold the spreader at a low height to minimize throw. On mine you can also set the throw scoops at different angles, but Iv never tried that.
larry

[jenkinsph]

Honestly not knowing any details about the spreader limits the replies. The best way to determine this is use some lime on a clear area that you can see and play with the adjustments and speeds. For the very narrow spaces I use a drop seeder or a small hand crank seeder with good results, Scotts make a small hand crank for about 10 to 15 bucks good enough for this. This is for the seed and fertilizer. My larger 3PH Turbospin spreader throws a pattern for Ironite about 50' wide.

For the lime which is cheap and much higher quantity per acre I think I would broadcast it with the lower rpm once you know the spread and go for it. I don't have to spread lime since I moved from the south to southwest but I use a small drop seeder behind my mower for application near walkway areas. This is cheap enough you may consider one for your uses. Also a cheap ground driven tow behind spin spreader will spread about 10 to 15' swath depending on towing speed. IIRC the drop seeder/aerator is about $375 and the spin spreader is about $250. If you have a large area to cover you might consider a larger drop seeder for this.

Here are some pics of the small stuff.

[greg_g]

I take it you haven't purchased this PTO spreader yet. Because they usually come with instructions describing how to vary the coverage, plus a quick reference chart (decal) is often stuck right to the spreader. I recommend you read same on the spreaders you're considering. If that's not possible, many manufacturers make the operating instructions available online in PDF form.

FYI, all the info they provide is based upon 540 rpm operation. Any slower, you risk clogging up the works and/or damaging some moving parts. You basically control the spread by various combinations of (a) spreader aperture, (b) vane direction (c) ground speed

//greg//

[Headhog]

Thanks for everyone's input. Good info.

Greg, you are absolutely right. I have not purchased the spreader yet. Just trying to do my homework first. I am somewhat confused by your response. From a mechanical point of view, I do not understand your comment about running the PTO to slow for fear of "tearing something up". Don't see how that could happen. Please give me some more details as to just why this might happen and if there is something special I should be on the look out for. I agree that not enough rpms might cause some of the materials to not spread properly. My pto will run about 185 rpms at idol. Seems like there are a lot of possibilities between there and 540. As you stated, all of the spreader info I have seen on specific spreaders shows the result at 540.
Thanks, Bill

[SPYDERLK]

I take it you haven't purchased this PTO spreader yet. Because they usually come with instructions describing how to vary the coverage, plus a quick reference chart (decal) is often stuck right to the spreader. I recommend you read same on the spreaders you're considering. If that's not possible, many manufacturers make the operating instructions available online in PDF form.

FYI, all the info they provide is based upon 540 rpm operation. Any slower, you risk clogging up the works and/or damaging some moving parts. You basically control the spread by various combinations of (a) spreader aperture, (b) vane direction (c) ground speed

//greg//

Thanks for everyone's input. Good info.

Greg, you are absolutely right. I have not purchased the spreader yet. Just trying to do my homework first. I am somewhat confused by your response. From a mechanical point of view, I do not understand your comment about running the PTO to slow for fear of "tearing something up". Don't see how that could happen. Please give me some more details as to just why this might happen and if there is something special I should be on the look out for. I agree that not enough rpms might cause some of the materials to not spread properly. My pto will run about 185 rpms at idol. Seems like there are a lot of possibilities between there and 540. As you stated, all of the spreader info I have seen on specific spreaders shows the result at 540.
Thanks, Bill

Greg must not have a broadcast spreader. Otherwise he would recognize that rpm is not critical since all functions are proportional to it. Damage from lo rpm is extremely rare on any implement. They may not work optimally but they dont suffer damage.
larry

[greg_g]

Greg must not have a broadcast spreader. Otherwise he would recognize that rpm is not critical since all functions are proportional to it. Damage from lo rpm is extremely rare on any implement. They may not work optimally but they dont suffer damage.
larry

Matter of fact, I do. The advice I offered was basically paraphrased from the operator's manual. Run your PTO at "lo rpm" when using the agitator extension in a hopper loaded with 900# of fertilizer pellets some day. You may enjoy living in a world of "lo rpm" trial and error, but I like accuracy and consistency. At 540 rpm, I could count on the hopper chart to give me reliable spread patterns and dispersal rates.

//greg//

[EverythingAttachments]

We offer a spreading control kit that attaches to our Agrex fertilizer spreaders that will limit the broadcast distance. We also have several models of spreaders with your choice of metal or poly hoppers in stock and ready to ship. You will find that kit along with a video about it here. I hope that helps.

[Headhog]

Ted, I really appreciate your chimeing in. I have been on a crash course on how to operate this new tractor and have probably watched most of your videos. Thanks for doing them. They have provided me with a tremendous amount of basic knowledge to get started. I have looked at your spreaders, but was not aware of the "limiting" attachment. I'm still curious about just how much the lowering of pto rpms will effect the spreading distance. I think I am interested in a smaller one in the 300# range. Thanks for your help, Bill

[greg_g]

I do not understand your comment about running the PTO to slow for fear of "tearing something up".

I didn't realize that you were shopping for a baby spreader. I'm only accustomed to using full sized models. I'm talking 1000# of pelletized lime in a 6 bushel spreader. More if I use powdered lime. I don't think you'd want that little 4" agitator spinning at less than full speed under half a ton of material. Heavier if it's damp. And damp means clumps. The little agitator can't deal with those, so the agitator extension is required. It's just a metal bar with cross pieces that is almost as tall as the hopper. It is connected to the bottom agitator, and beats the clumps to death BEFORE they can clog the bottom aperture.

Ok. You install the extension, stand it up, then fill the hopper. So far, so good. But it's not spinning yet. Imagine the forces required to spin that extension in the midst of up to half a ton of fertilizer or lime, possibly encountering wet clumps at every revolution. And I'm talking about the pelletized stuff. The powdered stuff presents MUCH more resistance. Do you think that's something you want to do at "lo rpm"?? At best, you'll bend something. At worst, you'll break something.

//greg//