Spreader More spreader questions

[WHMOBX]

I recently purchased a 3pt spreader form Agri Supply, I believe it is the same as a Cosmo. Anyway to make a long story short, I purchased TSC fertilizer and per the bag set the opening a #3 and the tractor speed at 5 mph. At least one bag of the first 3 that I put in the hopper had a little moisture in it. Not enough, I felt to cause a problem, especially since the spreader has that big agitator in it. Since I have never used a 3pt spreader before, I wasn't sure if what I was seeing being spread was adequate or not. I soon realized it wasn't as the consumption rate was low. I was supposed to be using almost 4 bag per acreas and went over the whole 5 not even using up 4 bags. I got off the tractor an openned up the gates, they were both clogged shut with what looked like black chaulk and there was a large hard "funnel" mass around the agitator. The guy at TSC said that the moisture in the bag should not have caused the problem , that the opennings are probably too small. On #3 both opennings are about 3/8" in the center. All I wanted to do is spread a little fertizer and the whole experience is making me feel a little stupid. Whats going on. I looked a buddies larger Cosmo unit that has the same gates and when open looked about the same. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Bill

 

[WHMOBX]

Okay, so this ddn't get any replies. How about this. Is there is anybody out there that has a Cosmo or Agri Supply spreader? If so, could you measure the opeening of your spreader gates set on #3? Again, thanks to anyone who could help me out. Bill

 

[Freds]

My Agri-Fab spreader isn't a 3ph, but the fertilizer I bought at TSC last week said to set the number at 5 and the ground speed should be 3mph... just the opposite of what you wrote. The directions didn't say which Agri-fab spreader this applied to.
When I used a 3ph spreader a couple years ago the openings, which I believe was a series a 5 circles, were about 2/5 open. Sorry I can't be more help, but these numbers are only a guide remember.

 

[HayDR]

Since we have assembled thousands of spreaders it sounds as if the spreader was assembled incorrectly. Cosmo has both a side gate and a bottom plates delivery, Which unit do you have? Landpride sells Cosmo spreaders and their manual is on line that may help you.

 

[WHMOBX]

My spreader has two gates or openings and they are on the sides. Thanks for your responces. Bill

 

[WHMOBX]

Freds, I double checked my numbers and they were right. The TSC guy told me I needed to apply 160 lbs per acre and my spreader chart says 5 mph x gate setting 3=156 pds per acre. ??? Bill.

 

[Freds]

OK, just checking.
I'm hoping to get to play with the 175 lb tow behind spreader I just bought next week. Supposed to snow again this weekend. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Got 500 lbs of fertilizer setting in my FEL just waiting.
I did get to mow the lawn though, today. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif First I've really been on the lawn tractor all year.

 

[WHMOBX]

Yea, I would love to get all the fertilizer down that I have. Enough for 10 acres. Rainy and cold all day here. No snow though. I did get to cut my property last weekend. First time on my new tractor and with the new 6ft mower. More fun than I have had in a while. Can't wait to cut some more!
If you get a chance, could you get me a "visual" measurement of your gates when they are open, either on 3 or 5. Thanks again. Bill