Seeders Herd Seeders? M96? 160? 5.5?

[Bob_Skurka]

Last year I was looking for a seeder/spreader and was frustrated by the fact that for such a simple device it was hard to find an American made unit. I was also frustrated by the quality I saw, I was simply looking for something better made. It seems that there is nothing that fit my original desires, but I did find Herd seeders and Thompson seeders, both seem to be the same company (same address) and appear to be made in Indiana?

The seeder/spreaders I like the best seem to have been discontinued! The Herd 5.5 is an awesome looking small seeder, the next step down would likely be the 160 but I can't find any specs on the capacity of the 160. I'd like something that will hold about 300# or possibly more. They have a model 96 that has a 200# capacity that is reasonably priced but I'd prefer one step up in size.

Thompson (again I think it is the same company as Herd) has an intersting seeder with a flexible PTO shaft, but it seems to be about the equivalent of the M96 in terms of capacity. The Herd 96 and 160 both have modified cone shaped hoppers, the Thompson has a box shaped hopper.

Anyone know about these brands in the smaller sizes? Features & benifits?

 

[kensfarm]

I've found the old grain drills w/ grass seed box to cover a wide range of planting & fertilizer needs. I've planted turnups(tiny round seeds) using the grass seed box.. you can also overseed & fert at the same time. The old drills are not no-till.. but by adjusting the down pressure springs.. they will cut through sod.. plus the flow rates are very adjustable for per lb/acre settings. I have an old Oliver Superior 76.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I hadn't thought of that! So here is my follow up question. Can you get those in fairly small sizes? I've seen them roughly 12' wide but I would be looking for something smaller. I'm looking to fertilize the lawn and to fertilize the garden area (about an acre). Seeding would actually be a bonus because I could use it for some actual planting.

Can you post a picture or two of yours???

 

[Indydirtfarmer]

Hook up with Ken Sweet (Sweet Farm Equipment) and ask him about a Ferguson YardMaker. (Drop seeder/aerifier all in one) Great for fertilizing/seeding/liming, and you aerify/roll all at the same time. They're available in 4',5', 6', 7', and 8' sizes (3-point or drawn) AND THEY"RE AMERICAN MADE! I've got a 7'er on order now. (You can get an optional de-thatcher attachment with them too) VERY inexpensive compared to most seeders on the market.

 

[sweettractors]

We are a dealer for the Herd seeders (I have the M96 and F160 in stock today) and the Ferguson Yardmaker seeder has a lot of features for the $. We currently have the 6 ft in stock and the 4-5 and 7 are due in soon. 5 ft shown--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Used Plows, Cultipackers and Sickle Bar mowers*

 

[Bowhunter]

Ken, how much do the seed/fertilizer boxes on the Ferguson hold? They look small in the picture.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

What is the capacity of the Herd 160?

Can the throw be adjusted for direction (left, right, full spread) on the 96 and/or the 160?

And the flow rate be varied for different materials for the Herd 96 & 160?

The Herd/Thompson website leaves a lot to the imagination and is pretty short on details. Is the 160 a discontinued model since the Herd website no longer lists it on their products page?

 

[thcri]

Bob,

I have the M96 and like it a lot. It is a lightweight/durable unit and have had no trouble with it. I thought about buying the extended option for handling more but for me to just fill twice each time I spread it wasn't a big thing. Again it is light weight but I use it for fertilizer and have used it many times for seeding. I would just spreed the seed and then go back over with a drag. It was worked great for me. I think you can buy a kit so you can spread in the direction that you want. Otherwise it will ten to spread heavy to one side but I just know it does it and work it out.

murph

 

[kensfarm]

Small sizes? I've seen sales on 10 footers.. not sure how much smaller they go.

 

[sweettractors]

The hopper on the 4 ft holds 1.5 cubic ft--5ft holds 1.75--6ft holds 2.8 and the 7 ft holds 3.2--These are designed for "yard" as in "Yardmaker seeders" and may, also be used effective in foodplots or small estate situations--Ken Sweet


Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Several good used Pasture Renovators in stock today*