Seeder/spreader cleanup

Briarwood · Aug 27, 2004

Just used my new pto seeder/spreader to broadcast fertilizer and pelletized lime for a food plot. How corrosive is the powder residue from these chemicals? Should I hose (water) off the spreader or just store it as is? Hope this isn't a dumb question.

KiotiJohn · Aug 27, 2004

Well, I'd say it was a dumb question, except that when you don't know it's not because you're dumb, it's because you don't know the answer, therefore, it's not a dumb question.
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Fertilizer can be VERY corrosive, Clean after use.
As a matter-of-course, it will always be good to completely clean out your spreader making sure it's fairly dry if being placed where it can't easily dry off. Also, it doesn't hurt to wipe it lightly with a cloth with some light oil on it either, but you would need to have a very light coat, and wipe it all off when you're ready to use it again. Cleaning though is the most important part. John

greg_g · Aug 28, 2004

Once rinsed clean, I throw a couple of the empty (paper) lime bags into the hopper, then cover it with a tarp. The lime and paper have sort of a dessicant effect, absorbing any moisture/condensation that may otherwise sit on the metal surfaces.

//greg//

OkieG · Aug 28, 2004

If my pressure washer happens to be working, I will use it to clean the spreader. Fertilizer residue is very corrosive. My advice is don't let it sit.

OkieG

KiotiJohn · Aug 29, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I throw a couple of the empty (paper) lime bags into the hopper, then cover it with a tarp. )</font>
Cool idea Greg, thanks. John

Briarwood · Aug 30, 2004

Thank you for your quick responses to such a newby question. I hosed off the spreader the next morning and the fertilizer's corosiveness was already evident on the few bare metal surfaces. I am sure glad I asked the question and you all were out there to help. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Thanx
Briarwood

Bowhunter · Aug 30, 2004

After thoroughly cleaning my seeder I give it a good coat of WD40 to prevent rust.

Glenn9643 · Aug 30, 2004

Back when there were smaller farms in this area most had an "Ezy-Flow" type fertilize distributor that dropped the fertilize rather than broadcasting. It was a common practice to clean it well after using and wipe down with used motor oil to prevent corrosion.

oliver28472 · Aug 30, 2004

I wash with warm soapy water, rinse and let it dry real good in the sun. Oil at all the rotating points. Mine has a knob on the hitch to adjust the slide. I would take that off after drying, put some never-seize on the threads and put it back on. These spreaders will rust up quick if you don't stay on top of it.