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*

 

[sweettractors]

M96 holds 3 bu--F160 holds 5 bu and both are considered precision seeders that can be calibrated down to 1-2 lb per acre of sweet clover. Of course they will scatter pelleted lime, ferterlize or wheat at 2-3 bu per acre just fine. They do not have a left right and center throw pattern as the spread pattern is not very wide to start with (depending on material)--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Used Vegatable Transplanters in stock*

 

[Bob_Skurka]

<font color="blue">
I have the M96 and like it a lot. It is a lightweight/durable unit and have had no trouble with it. </font>


Murph, thanks for the endorsement. I just got a couple emails back from David Herd. He also recommended the M96. They apparently also make the Thompson S3B which seems interesting but completely different. David recommended the M96 over the Thompson because of a stir type agitator and a wider spread pattern.

I really just wanted to buy an AMERICAN made product if I could and it seems like many of the spreaders are not made here. The Herd was a few dollars more expensive (not many more) and I don't have to pay for shipping because it turns out my local Kubota/Cub/Case dealer is a Herd dealer. He has an M96 in stock.

 

[kully]

I look into the herd this past winter and found out that they do not make the 160 anymore only the 96 the 5.5 is a sand spreader and fertilizer spreader but it will not throw the fertilizer to far maybe I think they told me at herd about 15 feet . you can call herd and speak to dave the owner very nice person will help you out with questions .

 

[NY_Yankees_Fan]

Bob,

I have a M96 and it works fine for me. I did get the extention and have only used it one time. I am short 5'7" ,and with the extention on I can not reach the bottom of the unit to clean and gease. I have to take the extention off and found it more trouble then just going back and filling up more often.

 

[thcri]

Bob,

If you put the Herd M96 on your TC24D you may end up having to cut the PTO shaft a bit. I think I had to take off about 3" for it to work on my TC21D. Not sure so don't use my measurement.

Oh and by the way, I have a pre-cut shaft since I upgraded to my 29 and had to go back and buy a new longer one. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

murph

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I did end up buying the M96.

I've not tried it on the TC24 yet, but since I have Pat's Easy Change and since that extends the lower links out a few extra inches, I may be able to get by without cutting the PTO shaft?

Attached is a photo of the Herd spreader for anyone interested.

As they are the only American made spreaders I found, I really am pretty happy I got it. I don't mind buying foreign, but if I can I like to actually support our own economy!

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Here is a rear view of the Herd seeder.

 

[Henro]

Bob, that looks real good.

I think I may buy the same one. Looks like a well made unit and after doing a couple searches I don't think I found anyone who did not like theirs...

Look forward to hearing a report of how well it actually works for you. Should be pretty good I am sure.

Thanks for the pictures... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[thcri]

Bob,

Your PTO shaft if like mine has a double hex screw on it at the spreeder end. Mine came loose and I kept tightning the outside one and not being able to tighten it enough. Then I figured out there was another one under the one I was trying to tighten. Duh now it works fine. You may want to check that out before you start scratching your head trying to figure it out.

murph

 

[BeeFarmer]

Bob I really ejoy mine! I've used it with lime, fert, and seed and so far so good for the last 3 years or so.