Spreader Broadcast Spreaders

zuiko · Dec 27, 2003

I need a spreader, around 6 bushel. Anything I should look for or avoid in one? I'd be using it for seed, fertilizer, and salt.

beenthere · Dec 27, 2003

If you get a wheeled one, make sure the wheels are spaced out far enough to keep the spreader upright when on a bank. I have one (small) and the wheels are too narrow, making traversing a bank a bit precarious sometimes. Not well engineered, but storage is easier. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

On/off and spread-rate controls that can be reached from the seat are desireable, in my book. Changing on the go is often needed.

PineRidge · Dec 27, 2003

We use a 3-point Worksaver brand broadcast seeder/spreader that is PTO driven. It will hold 600 pounds of material safely and does a good job of spreading fertilizer, grass seed, buckwheat, oats, and the like. An optional agitator is available for this unit although I have never needed it. There is an adjustment to spread your material in a half arch or quarter arc left or right should you need to use that feature. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

It is easy to attach to the tractor, works well, and all adjustments are easily performed. The gate can be opened and closed from the tractor seat. I would highly recommend rinsing out the hopper anytime that you spread anything caustic such as fertilizer as I have seen implements eaten away because that advice was not followed. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I have never had any luck with wheeled models for the big jobs so I would recommend avoiding them unless you have a very small job to do.

BWa · Dec 27, 2003

I bought a cone shape type spreader , I now wish I had looked in to it more and gotten a wheeled tpye spreader . Cone type will not do lime very wel unless you like to eat the stuff , a drop type wheel spreader would do this job and the others well if not better ..JMHO.
Bill G,

PineRidge · Dec 27, 2003

<font color="blue"> I bought a cone shape type spreader , I now wish I had looked in to it more and gotten a wheeled tpye spreader . Cone type will not do lime very wel unless you like to eat the stuff , a drop type wheel spreader would do this job and the others well if not better </font>

I agree with you on that one. I used my 3-point spreader once for lime. It goes everywhere but where you intended for it to go. There is also a lot of waste as the wind blows it around.

SimS · Dec 27, 2003

I tried spreading lime in my cone spreader too. Mucho in the air and very little on the ground. My supplier recommended pelletized lime and it works super. Little to no dust and it spreads great. On the downside, I don't think it is absorbed as quickly as the powder. My two cents.

SS

Junkman · Dec 27, 2003

I have heard, but with no certainty as to the accuracy, that lime that is applied takes about 12 months to get the full effect of it. Around CT if you have a lot of area to lime, there is a company that will come in and spray the fields with lime at the rate of X tons per acre as you specify. A neighbor had the fields limed and went overboard and could taste it in the well for a few months afterward. I use pelleted lime in my cone tow behind spreader. Works well for me, except for the problem of disposal of the paper bags. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

HayDR · Dec 28, 2003

Hydrated lime needs to be spread with an EZ-Flow type spreader but the pelletized lime can be spread with a spin spreader.

<font color="blue">CCM Net Special $ 235 </font>

zuiko · Dec 29, 2003

Interesting... hadn't even thought about a tow behind one. I haven't seen a tow behind that size. About what do they run? I assume they cost more than the 3ph variety.

I'm not too worried about spreading lime because I would probably hire that out anyway.

Thanks.