Poly vs steel spreader...

[arsenix2001]

Imay be crazy, but i swear the weight of the landpride 1000 poly vs the befco 209 steel was only about 10lbs different. (similar sized unit, i think the 1000 is alittle bigger) Its not really the weight that makes it hard to handle as much as the awkwardness and worry of bending some
Thing setting it over. I have mine on a shipping pallet strapped down to move it, it makes it an easy hook up too.

 

[Grandad4]

Several years ago we bought one of the steel spreaders from Tractor Supply. In spite of our best effort to keep it clean, it rusted completely in a short time and went for scrap. We replaced it with a good quality poly unit that has stainless steel agitator and metering mechanisms. But I think the largest single thing is storing the unit - whichever type you have - in dry conditions. The old steel unit was kept in a shed that had a constant high level of humidity; no matter how clean it was or how often we oiled it, once the rust began, it couldn't be stopped.

 

[LHS Inc]

Hi,
I'm jumping in here with LHS.....it amazing, I am in the exact same quandry in Virginia. The poly ones are a little more expensive and most have NO AGITATOR. The metal ones are a little heavier and can rust but have agitators...... is this a consideration? And how much heavier are the large ones.....I'll have to man-handle it by myself.:confused2:
I've never used one at all........I appreciate your input too. Thanks, Rob

As far as having/needing an agitator it depends on the type of materials you'll be spreading. Most materials should be dry so they should flow down thru a smooth poly hopper easily. Grass seed could bridge sometimes. Maybe if you were spreading salt in the winter I could see where there would be some bridging and the agitator on the FSP would be great. I just saw it as a plus in case I needed to have it.
I didn't check the weight vs a metal one I just assumed it was much lighter. With the poly all the weight is at the bottom and it seemed easy to move around IMO. We all know what fertilize does to metal so I never gave a metal one a thought. On the FSP 1000 its staninless on the spinner plate, fins, gates, and bottom of hopper. The frame is metal painted black. When I first saw it thats what I wanted and I'm satisfied with it.

 

[Soundguy]

just my .02$ get steel.. keep it painted.. will last forever / can be repaired.

poly will eventually dry rot and be gone..

soundguy

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have had a steel one for 10 yrs and use it for seed, fertilizer, and salt. It is plenty light, plenty durable, and has been easy to keep. Just wash it down after fert or salt and touch up the bottom inside of cone with a spray can ... any color.
larry

 

[LHS Inc]

I have had a steel one for 10 yrs and use it for seed, fertilizer, and salt. It is plenty light, plenty durable, and has been easy to keep. Just wash it down after fert or salt and touch up the bottom inside of cone with a spray can ... any color.
larry

Having grown up and worked the family dairy farm I've seen my share of rotted metal from manure and fertilize. Whenever we could switch out metal for poly we did and that piece of equipment lasted a lot longer and performed better. Thats my experience and the reason I went with the poly.

 

[Soundguy]

paint doesn't rust.... if you keep her painted.. the metal will outlast the poly by decades upon decades... key is good maintenance habits...

soundguy

 

[LHS Inc]

paint doesn't rust.... if you keep her painted.. the metal will outlast the poly by decades upon decades... key is good maintenance habits...

soundguy

This is my first one so time will tell. At least there are two kinds to choose from so that should cover anyone's preference.

For future reference Soundguy and you might have stated it already but what make and model do you own?

 

[SPYDERLK]

Having grown up and worked the family dairy farm I've seen my share of rotted metal from manure and fertilize. Whenever we could switch out metal for poly we did and that piece of equipment lasted a lot longer and performed better. Thats my experience and the reason I went with the poly.

Manure spreaders are different ... no way to conveniently maintain against corrosion, and plastic can be backed for stiffness where needed and no potential for hi speed rubbing. Plastic broadcast spreaders can be destroyed by the agitator too quickly to perceive and react.
larry

 

[Soundguy]

would have to look at the names don't recll off the top of my head. one is a cone spreader the other is a pyrmidal type. both metal.

while I do make effort to list all my tractors in my profile, the implements are too numerous to name, other than generic reference...

soundguy