Lawn Care on a Larger Scale

ronjhall · Oct 4, 2001

DaRube
Here is a site with a pull behind spreader. I hope it's not too large./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif I have seen smaller ones at TSC.

jima1 · Oct 4, 2001

DaRube, check your local tractor shop for rental possibilities: spreader, core aerator etc. then you can see what works best for your needs before purchasing. Jim

radman · Oct 4, 2001

In our area, you can get from the local CO-OP or grain elevator, a pull behind fertilizer spreader that is pto driven. These can spread fertilizer up to 40'-50' and can easily cover 10 acres in a sort time. These are mainly used by farmers for application of dry fertilizers. They can also add lime and dry herbicide chemicals for weed control. The spreader use is free if they sell you the fertilizer. The spreader is pulled home by your pickup with fertilizer already loader, then attach to your tractor. Fertilizer sold in bulk is much cheaper than bags and the fertilizer is slow release type so will last longer.
Unfortunately, the B7500 is probably a little to small for the spreaders I have seen. A 25+ hp tractor would probably be ok if the spreader is not filled full. These spreaders are typically designed for 40 acres at a time and can hold a couple tons of fertilizer. I does't require much hp for the pto aspect but the weight of spreader and fertilizer would be too much for a small compact tractor especially on hilly ground.

Alan L. · Oct 4, 2001

I just bought a spreader at Tractor Supply last Saturday for $349. It works great and will hold 200 to 250 pounds of ryegrass seed. I spread 500 pounds of it over about 3 or 4 acres in 90 minutes or so. It runs off the PTO shaft and hooks to the 3-point.

Alan L., TX

TerryinMD · Oct 5, 2001

DaRube,

In our area you have a few TSC type stores.

There is one in Hagerstown and Frederick, MD, Martinsburg and maybe Charletown, WV. For VA, there is one on RT 7 just outside of Winchester.

Hope this helps.

Terry

DaRube · Oct 5, 2001

Thanks, guys.

Terry, actually, there is a TSC in Leesburg which is not far off my commute to work. I intend to stop in there sometime in the next few days to take a look at that unit. Charles Town, Winchester, and Frederick are pretty convenient, too.

MReeter · Oct 6, 2001

I borrow the same type spreader from a friend every fall to spread lime and fertilizer.I get our fertilizer from the local dealer in bulk form,have them mix the blend I want and they dump it in the back of the pick up.This is a much cheaper way to buy your fertilizer,plus you can have them mix any kind of blend that you want.I also spray 2-4-D in the Fall for broadleaves, after most flowers and plants are done,best time to control those weeds is now.The 2-4-D in a 2-1/2 gallon quantity is a much cheaper herbicide than most everything else out there.Neighbor and I went together and bought a 55 gal. 3-point mounted sprayer with a 10' boom that works great.You will see one at TSC,very handy to have around.

Boondox · Oct 8, 2001

DaRube -- I read your post then walked out to look at my 7 acre "lawn" (presently under 2 inches of wet snow). The grass grows with annoying rapidity, forcing me to mow twice a month in the growing season. I just can't imagine trying to make it grow faster! It's not that mowing is a pain; it's just there are so many other chores competing for my time.

Just my $0.02. Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

jwstewar · Oct 8, 2001

Wow!! wish I only had to mow twice a month during growing season. Here in Ohio you usually have to mow at least once a week and usually by the time Saturday rolls around it looks like I almost need to use a bush hog on it. Of course that is because of all those lovely little fuzzy things that can grow 15' in a week.