Need advice on broadcast spreader

[TillerofdaEarth]

I have approx 1 acre that gets fertilized, de-bugged, and other various applications of goodies 2 to 3 times a year.

I currently have a pull type Agri-Fab, 100lb capacity, broadcast spreader. This one has given me problems since year one, with corrosion freezing up the agitator shaft, rendering the spreader useless until lubeing, tinkering and cussing to get it working again. The frame is also about rusted away, so it is going to get thrown away!

I am looking for a more durable and better built broadcast spreader. I found Earthway on the web, and they have a similar sized "professional" unit with the frame and components made of stainless steel. Any one with any experience owning one of these?

Any tips or suggestions on other brands would be appreciated.

 

[Garrabo]

do you wash the spreader out thoroughly after use?

 

[TillerofdaEarth]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( <font color="blue"> do you wash the spreader out thoroughly after use? </font> )</font>

Yes, washed, dried with compressed air, and oiled after each use. Stored in the shop when not in use. I know that fertilizer is very corrosive, and took the necessary precautions to prevent it.

 

[bontai_Joe]

Earthway makes quality spreaders out of stainless steel which drastically reduces the corrosion problem. You still need to clean and oil as before because salt, fertilizer and some other lawn chemicals are VERY corrosive, but the frame and hopper will last a lot longer:

http://www.earthway.com/
You can also serch for Gemplers and Ebay for discount's off list price.

 

[orangebluegreen]

If you haven't absolutely given up on it......

Mine was built by Precision Products but it may be the same as yours. If yours has the completely sealed black plastic gear housing like mine does I know what you mean, I’ve struggled with mine since it was a year old. They replaced the gear for me once free, I didn’t even ask, they just said we’ll send you a new one. But it didn’t last long either. The weight and friction inside the hopper stops the spreader gear from turning. I was ready to throw mine out last year also but since it was in relatively good shape otherwise I decided to look inside the gear box. I found not much holds the plastic gear to the axle shaft, the gear was spinning on the shaft. After drilling a small hole through the gear and axle shaft and threading in a small hex head machine screw, it now works fine. Years ago I also added two extra support rods to stiffen a bending frame. The spreaders with metal drive gears must be much better.

 

[TillerofdaEarth]

orange, I have given up on this spreader. Mine has an open gear drive which has never been a problem. The problem is where the steel agitator drive shaft passes through the bottom of the hopper. Something in there freezes up big time and is hard to get loose. The spreader paddle is cracked also and about ready to depart the drive shaft.

I am looking at the earthway spreaders <font color="blue"> bontai Joe </font> mentioned. Look like quality units. Lowes and Home Depot also sell what appears to be identical spreaders but Lowes is branded "John Deer" and is cheaper. May go with one of these as they are a bit less expensive than the Earthway units.

 

[ToadHill]

If you have a LESCO near you they make spreaders for professional landscapers. They are all stainless steel with a heavy plastic hopper. I've used mine in my business for over 5 years and it is as good as new.

 

[easyrider]

In case you haven't checked, we make a pull behind spreader which might fit your needs. The 103-130 holds 226lbs. It is a quality unit that will last for years.

http://www.befco.com/products/hop/babyhop.html

 

[TillerofdaEarth]

I have 3 Lesco dealers near me, but none of the web sites showed a "Pull Behind" model. Do they make one?

 

[TillerofdaEarth]

<font color="blue"> BEFCO </font> , can you post or PM me a price on the 103-130. I really like the cone shaped hopper on that unit.