I saved some money when I found a like new Cosmo 500 on Craigslist for $300. The guy used it for 1 project then wanted to sell it. The Cosmo is made in Italy and it has a uniform spread pattern. Just give it a good wash after each use.
The type of spreader you are looking at is fine for fert. and granular or pelletized lime but should not be used for powdered lime which is the cheapest to buy ,the powdered lime does not broadcast well in that type of spreader and can plug.
Dont buy the landpride! Im a big fan of landpride equipment, with this one exception. Their spreader is of poor design and rots away very fast! I was shocked at the short life span of their spreader!
kubota L 3540 hsdc,B 2320 hsdc & lots of other stuff!
I was spreading fertilizer and lime for the most part. The landpride spreaders are much harder to calibrate due to the design of the drop doors. They are in the side of the unit not the bottom. The paint is a disgrace, no primer or anti rust. The unit rots so fast its amazing.
kubota L 3540 hsdc,B 2320 hsdc & lots of other stuff!
The sitrex is very easy, as are most rotary spreaders with a bottom drop door design. Union farm equipment in union maine usually have some used sitrex units in stock. Im sure they could ship one to your door. www. union farm equipment.com great people to do business with.
Adjusting the Cosmo/King Kutter Spreader is done with a couple levers. Here is link to the King Kutter seeder/spreader Operators manual. File size is 11.25MB
I agree with dieselsmoke. I have a Lely spreader that's over 25 years old and still going strong. The key to long life with these spreaders is good maintenance. I always wash mine off after every use and touch up the rusty spots with some fresh paint. There isn't a spreader out there that will last more than a few years without good maintenance. Storing it in a dry spot doesn't hurt either.
I agree that keeping a spreader clean and dry makes a big difference in how long it will last. Touching up the paint regularly is also important. I use two spreaders depending on the job at hand, a smaller 175# pull type behind a riding mower and a larger TurboSpin 450 3pt for larger areas.