Spreader Spreaders "walk behind" vs 3 point hitch

Kiotimike · Oct 4, 2002

Re: Spreaders

I have a spreader I bought from TSC a few years ago(don't know the brand).My question is how do you spread without getting stripes.The material seems to flow out the right side pretty heavy but not the left(fertilizer).I like the 3pt spreader it holds 500lbs.but I haven't mastered how to spread evenly. Any suggestions?

Mike

kevincook · Oct 4, 2002

Re: Spreaders

Hazmat, by adjusting the speed of the PTO you can vary the spreading width quite a bit. I think I could run down to 10-15 feet without too much trouble but I haven't tried that yet. You can also set it to only spread to the right or left or to both sides simultaneously.

Kiotimike, yours is similar to the one I have, are you sure it is set up to spread to both sides and not just the right side. Also, I make sure I go over the lawn twice at a90° angle to each other to have as uniform a distribution as possible. I haven't had any trouble with stripes.

Good Luck!

IllMarty · Oct 4, 2002

Re: Spreaders \"walk behind\" vs 3 point hitch

MReeter,
Thanks for the info. I will probably break down and spend the $ on a Herd 160. It will work with my damp lime pile. It is either that or more $ for pellitized lime. I wish the coop could do it but some of my property is inaccesible to their trucks or trailers. Even then it will be lots of trips of lime as some of my soil needs 3 1/2 tons per acre. Marty

TresCrows · Oct 4, 2002

Re: Spreaders

Tom, my M-96 was one of the first "tractor" accesories I purchased, now three years ago. I don't remember what it cost exactly. I remember thinking-- dang--that is expensive. Whatever it was I am glad I got it. All this "farm" stuff is overpriced.
The M-96 is a good size with my B2410 as well. I could use a larger unit but the M-96 is just about right. Those units at the Tractor stores are just to big and not exactly what I wanted. The M-96 is not perfect but it works well and throws a fairly consistant swath. Mine throws pretty much centered. It can be adjusted. There is an optional extension to the hopper that increases capacity and also a lid for the unit to allow working in the rain. The Herd M-96 only works with pellatized material. Small granules etc do not flow well. Some of the other Herd units can throw such things. Everything I have needed has been available in plellet form.
It has grease zerks, bronze type gears and runs off the PTO. The shaft will have to be cut to length on a 2410 or BX type machine. The hopper is galvanized steel and the frame is welded mild steel angle and rod. After use I wash it out, lube it and spray the hopper down with something like WD40, mine looks like new after "MUCH" use. J

MReeter · Oct 4, 2002

Re: Spreaders

Mike,you might also look at the Vanes on the spreader wheel.Ours has four adjustment locations to choose from.

You can spread extreme right,extreme left,and two positions in between...

TresCrows · Oct 4, 2002

Re: Spreaders

If by tow behind you mean those things that look likea plasctic waste basket with cheapo plastic wheels on them I see in suburbia being pulled by Murrays and sold at places like Home Depot--don't bother comapring them to a 3-point spreader. There is no comparison--no more so than comparing the Murray lawnmower to your TC. Yes spreading with can be varied by PTO RPM. Direction is controlled by the vanes and drop chute if my terminology is correct. You got a real tractor so get a real tractor tool!!. There are some tow behind drop spreaders that are made out of steel and are up to 6 or so feet wide, fairly expensive and rare, Earthway I think has one. J

Dob · Oct 4, 2002

Re: Spreaders \"walk behind\" vs 3 point hitch

This has been a most informative thread! I had all but discounted a spreader because of cost issues. Now I'm back in the game!

TresCrows · Oct 5, 2002

Re: Spreaders

My spelling when I type fast is horrible, yes spreading width --WIDTH---can be varied by increasing or decreasing RPM.
I am missing feeling in my left hand and middle finger form an old injury and then this past Monday I took about 1500 AMPs into my right hand with some burns and complete with an exit wound on the other hand. It would have killed a normal person--I ain't normal. The current left my hand and blew a hole through a piece of aluminum approximately quarter size and yes, I have burns on my right hand. Someone did not follow safety protocols and turned power on thus nearly electrocuting me. /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif I might have to change my name to 4crows. J