Need advice on broadcast spreader

orangebluegreen · Apr 11, 2006

Ok, you’ve got the other type drive gear. The agitator shaft on mine goes through plastic so there has never been a corrosion problem there. I did hit it once and broke that area so took another piece of plastic sheet and riveted it to the bottom of the hopper as support for the shaft, has worked fine.

CarlGlas · Apr 11, 2006

I recently purchased Agri-Fab's 125 Lb. Tow Behind Spreader and it seemed to pull okay behind my Sears DGT 6000.
I guess only time will tell how long it will last, but with a lot of my stuff, if I see rust, I brush and paint.

easyrider · Apr 11, 2006

Tiller,

I sent you a PM.

Matt

Bob_Skurka · Apr 11, 2006

I think I had the SAME Agri-fab spreader you had. I set it out by the curb and someone took it away. I don't know who, but I wish them better luck with it than I had.

I looked at a lot of brands and ended up with a 3pt spreader made by Herd. It has a galvenized hopper and a very thick cast bottom plate that, even if neglected, would take years to rust through. The impeller blades are also have cast as opposed to bent sheet metal blades. All parts are replaceable should they need to be replaced. Best of all it was reasonably priced at roughly $420 and is MADE IN AMERICA too. The model is a Herd M-96. They make larger units. I'm very impressed with them.

TillerofdaEarth · Apr 12, 2006

( I recently purchased Agri-Fab's 125 Lb. Tow Behind Spreader and it seemed to pull okay behind my Sears DGT 6000. )

That looks like mine Carl. Just pay particular attention to cleaning and oiling where the shaft goes through the hopper and maybe you'll have better luck than I did.

TillerofdaEarth · Apr 12, 2006

( I looked at a lot of brands and ended up with a 3pt spreader made by Herd. )

Bob, do they make anything smaller? I just need something to pull behind my Murray Lawn mower. That unit you have sounds like a real bargain for a 3pt spreader.

oliver28472 · Apr 13, 2006

I have the Agri-Fab made Craftstman. It's about 10 years old and it likes attention. I usually roll the drive wheel now and then cause mine locked up one time too. I spread about 150 lbs of hard red fescue at the church a few weeks ago over some ill prepared ground. The fescue did not feed out well due to the tiny agitator so I had to run wide open in high gear on my 15 hp Mitsu to keep
the hopper bouncing. Got a good stand but I'm sure our dry weather will kill it.

RSKY · Apr 14, 2006

Have not had any trouble with mine..... but. If I ever get another spreader it will be one that I can turn on and off without getting out of the seat and one that holds the most material.

nysdotinspector · Apr 16, 2006

I just purchased an earthway walk behind broadcast spreader, after looking at all the other junk from Home Depot and Lowes. I was impressed buy the quality. The heavy gear box and the 10 inch air tires. I know that they make pull behind models. I purchased mine at a local Agway Dealer. Good luck.

TillerofdaEarth · Apr 19, 2006

So far I am leaning towards the Earthway spreader. I still need to check out the Beefco unit before making final decision.

( If I ever get another spreader it will be one that I can turn on and off without getting out of the seat and one that holds the most material.
 )

RSKY, I have seen some models that shut off as soon as you stop moving. Could be a nice feature to have.