3 Pt. Fertilizer Spreader

[Stickbo]

I'm looking at 3 point fertilizer spreaders for taking care of food plots. Mostly fairly small areas anywhere from 1/4 - 3 acres in size. Any recommendations on what to look for? Brands to avoid? Poly versus steel hopper? etc.?
Thanks - getting anxious for some seat time soon!

 

[smstonypoint]

I am going to be interested in the responses.

I saw a Kubota VS spreader the last time I visited my Kubota dealer (Spreaders | Pendulum Spreaders | VS Series | Kubota Tractor Corporation). I didn't inquire as to its price, but it appeared to be well made.

Steve

 

[idaho2]

Here's what I have found,
1. Get one with a cover, the fertilizer slides out over the bucket when traveling on slopes other than flat. Fertilizer is slippery and flows to maintain level! Gravity works...
2. Check all Nuts and bolts before usage - may need a set of MM wrenches.
3. Flow rates should be on the bucket - use accordingly.
4. DO NOT let the unit get wet INSIDE or the lower mechanism that spreads the fertilizer.
5. A spray can of PAM. :thumbsup:

Our manual said to wash the interior with spray hose. Lay on its side to clean. But knowing that fertilizer is caustic to metal worse when moisture is added the slightest amount. I knew rust would start very, very, quickly. Fertilizer likes to cake up on the lower interior agitator- had to use a small hard rubber mallet to break loose while washing out the unit. So to stop rust from forming I hand wiped the moisture as much as I could and then sprayed PAM all over the interior tub walls, agitator and the spreading mechanism. Turned the unit upside down on a pallet (which I had installed wheels to) and have it stored in the shop. The spreader looks like new and will last many years with how I take the time to maintain it.
I also use PAM on my IH 5000 12' sickle bar while running it prior to winter storage - no rust. "PAM is good for cast iron fry pans to season" and it sure works to stop rust on my equipment.

Good luck finding what you need.

Idaho2

 

[aarolar]

Yea Pam, that's kinda what I use too.

 

[sixdogs]

The Kubota is made by Vicon and Vicon is now a Kubota company. Vicon is, without much of an argument the best spreader around. New, it costs around $3,000 and up. They can sometimes be found used for around half the price of new or maybe a little more. These spreaders are accurate, easy to clean, virtually rustproof and easy to set up. Yes, I have one.

A metal Italian cone spreader is OK for a lawn but you need to wash, dry and oil almost before you're done using it or it rusts to dust before you know it.

 

[smstonypoint]

The Kubota is made by Vicon and Vicon is now a Kubota company. Vicon is, without much of an argument the best spreader around. New, it costs around $3,000 and up.

Wow!! Even for the smallest capacity spreader? I guess I will have to settle for less than the best.

Steve

 

[sixdogs]

Wow!! Even for the smallest capacity spreader? I guess I will have to settle for less than the best.

Steve

Wait...I looked at the pricing thing on the "Build Your Own" Kubota link provided and it came out at the low $2,000 point. Let me say that's cheap because of what you get. Plus, their resale price is excellent and you won't have to buy several when the others rot out. You can't argue with the theory of value.

 

[mdpilot]

I just bought a Garber 48" pull behind spreader but am probably going to get the 3 point kit for it. Don't know if it is the style you are looking for but I got the "Pro" version with powder coated hopper and stainless bottom which is supposed to help with corrosion. It is pretty solid and has a nice cover. Retail was about $900 and I got it for $750.

They make as small as 36" and go 48", 60", and 72".

 

[DJ54]

Dad bought a lower end model marketed as International, not IH, probably 35 years ago. It was sold on a lot of independent equipment jockey lots. Cost back then was probably less than $300.00. I still use it to this day, and is in really good shape. The main thing is to clean it well when you are done. I wash it thoroughly with a good stream of water. I let it dry well for a couple of hours, then spray it down well with WD-40. The slides and controls with Fluid Film.

Back years ago, diesel fuel was applied to kill the fertilizer. WD-40 seems to do the same thing, and hopefully a little more friendly to the environment.

Like everything else, it's all in how you take care of it.