Spreader Plastic Hopper?

[jed1894]

I'm about to buy a PTO spreader and noticed that now make spreaders with plastic hoppers, which are about half the weight. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using a plastic hopper. I understand that salt may rust, but I will wash either after use.

Also thinking about the pull-behind type as well but they are a couple hundred more.....any thoughts on those? Someone told me they will bounce a lot.

I will be spreading fertilizer, salt, some seed (may broadcast plant some this year).

thanks, jed

 

[Soundguy]

Here are my thoughts and observations.

the pull type that utilize the ground drive, IE.. the wheels turn and that spins the disc.. they don't work as good in loose soil or wet conditionswhere they can slip.. like snow/ice! Now if it is a trailered unit with a pto shaft.. go for it. I prefer the 3pt kind as I can change lift height.

I also prefer conical metal hoppers as opposed to plastic and pyrymidal shaped ones.

keep the metal painted and fertalizer and salt won't hurt it.. after each use, wash out, and look for scratches.. if ya got a scratch, hit it with a rattle can and you are good to go. make sure you wash out the bottom of the hopper where the feed chute is.. if it rusts up or corodes, it's a bear to free up.. I like to lubricate it with a white spray grease, and then wipe it down the beginning of the next season before use. silicone sprays work ok too.

soundguy

 

[Happyman]

I use a plastic 3-pt pto powered spreader. Not a problem in 3 years....except I forgot to clean it out and lubricate the bottom part of the shaft one year. The gate froze to the spinner and I busted a clip ring when I tried to engage the pto. ALWAYS clean the spreader and use WD-40 or spray lithium grease on the moving parts. It was stored in a barn and still rusted.
Great piece of equipment. I spread mostly seed, lime and fertilizer. I like the plastic hopper because it's light enough for me to move around and hook to the 3-pt without any help. No touch-up required if it get's a scratch :thumbsup:

 

[jed1894]

Thanks guys...

 

[wushaw]

The pull behind also requires tires to be maintained, when mine gives up someday I will have a 3pt spreader.

 

[Builder]

I have a Herd galvanized metal hopper spreader. Holds up well to rust. If you don't need a really big spreader, you should check it out. Great little spreader. However, I need a bigger poly hopper for salt spreading.

 

[kebo]

We have a 3pt spreader at the hunt club that was donated by the USFS. They didn't care for it properly after each use and the agitator had frozen to the shaft, and the large round steel plate that the four blades bolt to was very corroded and eat up with rust. It wouldn't come apart so they gave up on it and were just going to toss it out.

A guy in my club worked there so he rescued it from the dump. I took it and had to cut the shaft between the spreader plate and the adjustable seed gate to get it apart. I rebuilt the plate with a new 3/16" thick round plate made of high strength aluminum. The two metal plates that open the gate for the seed to drop through were froze together too but I got them apart and cleaned the rust off and painted them. When I put it back together, I welded a coupler with a set screw onto the lower half of the shaft so it would hold the upper part of the shaft in place. I also replace the bearing in the bottom of the sleeve that the shaft goes through. We bought a new PTO shaft and it was all set to go. Sorry, don't have any pictures to show but can get some next time I'm up there.

I have made it very clear to everyone at the club that whenever they use it, be sure to rinse it out thouroughly, and then rub it down with a rag soaked in diesel fuel. After three or four years of use, it hasn't froze up again.

 

[Nuru]

I have not used my spreader in 2 years, Hmmm, I guess I better go out and have a look at it. I kept it in my shed, and last tme I peaked it was okay, but I only looked at it:ashamed:. I hope it is okay, as now i have my aerator, I plan to use it again.

 

[Soundguy]

If I were you, I'd hit the bottom cutoff plate and linkage with some penetrating oil and let her set, then work at it gently to see if it is froze up or not.

soundguy