Help with broadcast spreader

[tracdoc]

I am planning to use my PT to pull along a broadcast spreader from TSC. It is the TBS6000RC commercial spreader made by Precision Products in Lincoln, IL {HERE} and {HERE} I will be fertilizing an area of approximately 3 acres, minimal trees, some elevation changes, and one "hill" of about 20-24 degrees. Problem for me is that the spreader has its controls just forward of the hopper. When connected to the rear of the PT, the hopper controls are inaccessible to the operator unless you stop, dismount and walk back to the controls.

Do any of my fellow PT’ers have suggestions as to how I could get some controls to the cab? Alternatively, is there a good pattern to follow so that I won’t have to stop, back up or make slow tight turns which could result in dumping too much fertilizer in the turn?

I suppose I could ask the lovely Mrs to walk along (yeah, right....), but if I want to get any more tractor related paraphernalia anytime soon, that's an option not to be exercised /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif.

Thanks for your input...

 

[Spiffy]

Probably not exactly a cheap option, but I think it's screaming for small hydraulic cylinder! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[KentT]

You could likely just get a MUCH longer control cable, and move the control up to be with you...

 

[mlhunter]

I've also been looking as using a spreader with my PT425 and have come to the conclusion that purchasing an ATV spreader that could be mounted on the front of the machine would be more controllable than a pull behind. I plan on mounting mine on a 4n1 bucket with a simple platform arrangement. It could also mount on a 2" receiver mount using the towing adapter. The main drawback to this arrangement is the battery required to operate the spreader. It would seem simple enough to bolt a battery box somewhere on the mount and run wires to the operator to control starting and stopping the spreader motor.

My $0.02 worth!

 

[RegL]

The PT fert and salt spreader is a grand. How much will you save to buy an off brand and modify it?

 

[tracdoc]

Spiffy-
If only I had the background to execute that hydraulic option. I love it!

Kent-
Me thinks that your suggestion is very practical to consider right now. First, I'll have to hunt around to see if I can find a long sheathed control cable, and then see how I can move the hardware forward.

mlhunter-
Great idea to mount a spreader forward. If I didn't have the trail behind, I would favor the direction you're going. You only have to be concerned with one articulation, and not two, and it may be easier to get cab control of the spreader functions. Let us know what you finally decide to do.

Thanks all for your input...

 

[mlhunter]

<font color="red"> The PT fert and salt spreader is a grand. How much will you save to buy an off brand and modify it? </font>

There are lots of ATV spreaders that are designed to be mounted on the relatively flat surface such as the rear rack. Many of them are also now available with a 2" receiver mount becuase of the increased propularity of the UTVs such as the Kawasaki Mule which usually have a rear receiver hitch. I don't think any modifications would be necessary to the unit itself to mount on the front. There might be an increase in the wiring length to control the electric motor but that's a simple mod.

The cost of these units run from $160 (Bumper Buddy at Cabela's that I plan to adapt to my 4n1 bucket) up to around $600.00 for heavy duty 150# models. Seedland would be one place to get an idea of what could be adapted to the front.

 

[BobRip]

I heard some negative comments on this spreader earlier. How do you like the flow rate adjustment? Is it easy to do from the seat?

Bob Rip

 

[mlhunter]

I'm not too concerned about the flow rate adjustement as once its set for a specific spreading, there is usually no need to adjust it again. I don't see where it would be much different than a pull behind as they generally don't have flow adjustments that are adjustable from the driver's seat either.

 

[tracdoc]

A little follow-up on a work in progress.

I called the manufacturer, Precision Products in Lincoln, IL. In a wonderfully midwestern helpful demeanor, they connected me to the company that manufactures the control cables which they use. They, too were most gracious, and explained that they could most likely fab what I need. I just sent them a pic of the PT w/ spreader attached and measurements of needed cable length to bring the control box up to the ROPS.

FIngers crossed, we'll see what they come up with...