Spreader Cosmo Spreader....

[Robert_in_NY]

Vicon is the best when it comes to 3pt spreaders but unless you are going to use it alot it is hard to justify the $3k+ price tag.

The Cosmo and other little metal spreaders like it are ok but I have found you spend as much if not more time cleaning and oiling and doing everything possible to keep it from rusting then you do actually using the thing. I think Sitrex (sp?) makes one with Stainless steel plates and a poly tank. Cosmo might as well. If so try to get one with the stainless plates as it is worth it.

 

[hobbyfarm]

Anyone have any idea how much these are?:

<font color="blue">Herd M96</font>
Are they comparably priced? They are made in the USA! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif That ought to be worth a little extra.

 

[sweettractors]

<font color="blue">Anyone have any idea how much these are?: </font>

We sell the M-96 Herd for $399 + UPS shipping--Ken Sweet

Email sweet@scrtc.com

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I can't argue with the fact that Vicon spreaders are the best. I've seen several used on golf courses, sod farms, and truck farms around here. Problem is that price. How good of a spreader does one need? I've done well with a Cosmo spreader and renting a bigger fertilizer "buggy" from the local farm bereau co-op.

There comes a point where the quality of the equipment available exceeds the quality of my ability to USE it.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Around here there are a lot of Vicons sold. My friend has been using two of them in his vineyards for over 20 years and just traded them in this spring (needed to spend some money).

If you are going to use a 3pt spreader any amount each year then it is worth it to buy a good one. If you only need it once every few years then a cheap one will work fine.

Another thing not talked about is the fact the Vicon will give a much more even spread pattern then a Cosmo or other rotary type of spreader. If spreading fertilizer, you will not have to worry about cleaning fertilizer off the tractor because the Vicon spreads behind it. I disliked using the cheap spreader when it still worked, it was a pain to clean up and it got fertilizer and seed all over the tractor. But it all comes down to how much you will use one of these machines and the fact they will last forever (unless someone is very careless).

 

[Junkman]

I would have loved to have gotten a used unit. From the comments that I have read on them, they are worth the money if you have the use. Used would have cost less and would have been a great buy for me too. I know what people mean about cleaning and trying to keep the rust from eating them apart. My Sirex pull behind is 4 years old and the rust has formed under all the attachment points under the powder coat. I believe that if it were paint, there wouldn't be as much rust. Powder coat isn't for everything.... some things are better with paint. I think that spreaders are one of them.

 

[nomad]

My suggestion for those who have old spreaders with the rust; Just clean them with the acid and take it or its components to an electroplating company or to a galvanising (hot dip coating) company. The latter is preferable as its coating thickness is much more than electroplate coating. Its cost there should not be so high, an extra $50-60?

 

[jeffinsgf]

I'm in a similar situation, Junkman. I have a garden tractor ground driven spreader that is a royal pain in the patootie when using it from a CUT. I have been contemplating a 3pt unit. I looked at a Cosmo today, and wasn't terribly impressed. I know the kids at my local farm store aren't the greatest at assembling stuff, but it wouldn't even come close to closing.

Ken, how about telling us a little more about the Herd? Their web site is a little on the sparse side. Is that a galvanized hopper on the M96? Have you been selling them for a while? History? How is it delivered? Is the assembly pretty straight forward? Do you have them in stock, or are they drop shipped? Looks like a single opening compared to the Cosmo's two. Advantages or disadvantages? Will it spread sand that is a little damp, or does the material have to be bone dry?

 

[kingoflawns]

We apply over 100,000 lbs. of fertilizer and control products each season, The sitrex spreader is a fine machine, four seasons on this one, i think she has at least 2 more before i scrap it. That's a lot of service from a $400. machine. Not to mention the ice melt and hailite that i spresd in the winter!