Spreader “Herd” 3 Pt Hitch Spreaders

[BillBee]

Hi... I’m in the market for a Cat 1, PTO powered, 3 point hitch broadcast spreader capable of spreading sand during winter conditions. I’m familiar with the clogging problems that occur with frozen sand and fine dry sand is preferred when using a broadcast spreader. My tractor is stored in a heated garage and the spreader will be topped off prior to garaging, awaiting the next storm.

I recently came across the Herd Spreaders’ web site http://www.herdseeder.com and they offer what I like. They claim that “Herd can spread WET sand OUTSIDE and sand mixed with salt or calcium chloride.”

I was looking for some feed back from folks that have used Herd Spreaders in the fields or better yet, sanding operations during winter conditions.

(FYI, my 4wd 41HP tractor is equipped all around with V-BAR Duo-Grip tire chains and tires are loaded.)

Thank you in advance for any input, opinions or advice you can provide me.

 

[Henro]

Hi,

I was thinking about a spreader and decided if I were to buy one it would likely be a Herd...

That being said...

<font color="blue"> They claim that “Herd can spread WET sand OUTSIDE and sand mixed with salt or calcium chloride.” </font>

I can't help but wonder where one finds "wet sand" at the time he wishes to spread sand on his frozen driveway... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I do think they make a good, cost effective product...and my guess is that it is best for spreading seed and/or DRY sand and other products that will not freeze during use...

 

[thcri]

I have a Herd M96 spreader that I use for fertilizer and grass seed. I have not ever used it for sand. I am not sure of what model you are looking at but as far as quality it has been pretty good. I have had it now for three years with no problems. I use it at least 6 times a year and I have two neighbors that use it about 4 times each per year.

murph

 

[Deerlope]

If road salt is mixed with sand, it is the salt that draw the moisture and keeps the sand wet. In the winter plain sand will freeze and can not be shoveled but with the salt it does not freeze. I looked into Herd's sanders but did not want to tie up the 3PH so I made a drop sander that hangs on the tailgate of the RTV900. It hold enough sand to do both wheel tracks of my 800ft driveway. Wash it out with the hose and remove it until the next time.

 

[sweettractors]

They have spreaders that are designed for sand/salt only. I think it is 550, 1200 and 2000 lb capacity models that are available. (550 shown in picture) The M96 wont do sand or salt--Ken Sweet

 

[sailnseagulls]

I have the Hurd 550 on the 3 pt on my BX23. I've used it several times this winter to sand the dirt road where I live. I've used a salt/sand mix I have under a tarp which does stay wet even in freezing weather. The Hurd has an auger which turns inside the hopper and keeps the mix flowing pretty well. I bought the liner directly from Hurd which sits inside so the auger doesn't beat up the hopper. They were excellant to deal with. It also comes with a smaller auger for spreading other seeds, etc. The one downfall is how fast the hopper empties as the company suggests keeping the gate wide open when sanding. All in all it is well built and has worked well for me.

 

[thcri]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( They have spreaders that are designed for sand/salt only. I think it is 550, 1200 and 2000 lb capacity models that are available. (550 shown in picture) The M96 wont do sand or salt--Ken Sweet

)</font>


Ken,

You are right, the M96 would not do sand or salt. I basically wanted to through my 2 cents in for quality.

murph

 

[zipp669]

Herd is a great product.
I personally have talked to the owner David Herd at the Power Farming Show held in DSM Iowa 4 if the last 6 years and the reason I did not was he was not there.
He will help you figure out what you need to make it work.
One problem I encountered just running rock salt through mine, WHICH BY THE WAY IS A 750, is that it needs to be basically chunk free.
The chunks still seem to make it through the darn grate.
I run alot of fertilizer through mine & bagged ice melt, but have never ran sand/ salt mix through. If I want to do that I get a cheap on from a tractor supply store to ruin at $400 instead of the $1300 Herd.
But I also have 1 Herd to about 5 of the cheap ones as I seed alot of ground.
I think if you kept your sand on a CONCRETE slab free from getting rocks in it etc I think it will work fine.
good luck
I

 

[BillBee]

Thanks for the responses. Because of the length and steepness of the driveway, and being located high in the mountains of Vermont, the spreader/sander I’m looking for must be a quality well built spreader, capable of carrying large capacities. Due to the frequency of use, tire chains, power angle snow blade and spreader will be mounted for the duration of each winter. The Herd spreader of my interest is the 750s, 12 cubic feet/1200 lb capacity and operates off the PTO.

There are a couple of other spreaders that look interesting and I don’t know if they have the capability of mounting on the three-point hitch. They are the Sno-Way and Thomas Spreaders, which both operate off of the hydraulics. I’m not familiar with three-point hitch equipment operating off the hydraulics. The Thomas Spreader is self-loading when mounted on the quick attach.

I received two price quotes for the Herd Spreader/Sander - $1500. and $1635. I am lead to believe Sno-Way and Thomas may be higher. Are there any better prices out there for the Herd 750s Spreader? What about Sno-Way and Thomas?

I guess my other questions are; does anyone have any experience with the Sno-Way and Thomas Spreaders? Are they three-point hitch adaptable? What about operating a spreader off of the hydraulics, for my need am I better off with the PTO?

Thank you for any input, ideas or suggestions you can provide me.

http://www.maine-equipment.com/attachment.html
http://www.snoway.com/sand-and-salt-spreaders.cfm

 

[rambler]

The Thomas unit is designed to be used on a skid steer, could work with a loader with quick-tach as well. The hyd run spinner would be fine, just a hyd orbit motor. I don't imagine they make a 3pt version, as they sell the skid steers, this is an attachment for their skid steer.

The Sno-way appears to also be a skid steer mount, it would again attach to a quick-tach loader. Not the 3pt. You would mount these instead of a bucket. Not really what you are looking for, I believe?

--->Paul