Just picked up a 3PL fertilizer spreader, one of those with the hopper and a pto driven spinner. I'm wondering how or if anybody calibrates these so you know what rate your spreading at? I have seen some of these that come with a label on them showing spreading rates, but this one doesnt.
Spreader Calibrating fertilizer spreader
- Thread starter SmallAcre
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oosik
Epic Contributor
You may be able to find an OP manual on the internet - if you know the brand. Otherwise you will just have to make short trial runs and do some calculations.
Here is another thought - the bag of fertilizer may have recommended settings for your type of spreader that can give a starting point.
Here is another thought - the bag of fertilizer may have recommended settings for your type of spreader that can give a starting point.
Yeah I was afraid it would be a case of trial runs - was hoping there might be some special trick someone had worked out, guess not!
Not sure of the brand, its a well used one, I'll have to take a closer look. I think my fertilizer guy custom mixes it, I'm sure I'll get an application rate but am not sure how to translate that to the spreader.
Not sure of the brand, its a well used one, I'll have to take a closer look. I think my fertilizer guy custom mixes it, I'm sure I'll get an application rate but am not sure how to translate that to the spreader.
Lineman North Florida
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Watch how it puts out when you test it out, most that I have ever seen put out better to 1 side than they do the other, I always set mine a little light then double back and split the middles, that method has always given me good coverage.
Here is how you calibrate a small spreader. I guess you could do the same method with a 3PH spreader.
http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-017/430-017_pdf.pdf
http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/430/430-017/430-017_pdf.pdf
I Stand Alone
Member
I have calibrated spreaders for years. The label, which you are missing is only a wild guess. It is best to do a real world calibration. Fill the spreader with fertilizer and with it at the RPM you will use in the field check the width of the pattern in an open area where you can see the fertilizer on the ground. You can do this standing still not moving the tractor. Now check the output. Wrap the spreader in plastic or a tarp to collect all the fertilizer into a pan or on a surface that you can sweep up. Time exactly how long it takes to go through 50 lbs. Now you need one more number that is the speed you will be traveling.
We always spread covering 50% of our track. in other words when you make your passes the edge of the spread pattern goes to the middle of the prior path. This helps to prevent stripping by missing a strip. It takes longer but the overall results are better. So each pass only puts down 50% of what you want. Use the calculations in the link posted above. Now it is time for the calculator
We always spread covering 50% of our track. in other words when you make your passes the edge of the spread pattern goes to the middle of the prior path. This helps to prevent stripping by missing a strip. It takes longer but the overall results are better. So each pass only puts down 50% of what you want. Use the calculations in the link posted above. Now it is time for the calculator
It basically says what I Stand Alone posted.
The link works for me. Try going here. Lawns - Home - Virginia Cooperative Extension Look a for the article titled "Calibrating Your Lawn Spreader."
Thanks guys - I did manage to stumble across this document which explains it well:
http://www.gnb.ca/0173/30/CalibrationFertilizer.pdf
Basically exactly as I Stand Alone stated. Makes perfect sense now. Cheers
http://www.gnb.ca/0173/30/CalibrationFertilizer.pdf
Basically exactly as I Stand Alone stated. Makes perfect sense now. Cheers
