Spreader Spreaders

[RET]

Getting ready to search the web for fertilizer spreaders....the kind for small property owners (mine is 3 acres).
Any recommendations?
BX2200.
Immediate need:
Need to spread ~2000 lb aluminum sulfate (or equivelent) to bring down pH for starters. Don't know exact amount. No soil test yet.

What can I get for small investment since this will never be a high-use implement? Suggested web-sites, brands, etc?

thx
roger

 

[SageBrush]

I have a tru-flow. The comos brand, looks just like mine. I have a feeling that these things are all built in Italy by the same company. The CO OP is running a special for $319 on a wallace spreader, never laid eyes on one though. If you look at the "cheap" brands you may want to make sure the hopper or cone is welded as one piece. They hold up better than the pop rivet or crimped types.

 

[Phred]

I have the cosmo. Mine is a 500 you may need the smaller unit to fit your tractor.

If it were me I would rent a bobcat or small tractor with loader. Maybe a friend with a second tractor & loader? Use one to load the ~2000 lbs of material into the spreader on your tractor, in 300-500lbs loads. Half a days work to spread the whole 2000 lbs.
All this assumes you buy the 2000 lbs in bulk and not in bags. The bulk is so much cheaper.

Fred

 

[RET]

Shamus, Fred,
Thanks for the advice.
While I'm begging....
Did you happen to buy via internet?
Any website recommendations? Just got back in from doing some rotor-tilling in my 2 acre front yard that I am re-building....thus the questions...just getting started web searching...so far, no luck.
Any recommendations on where to find your spreaders?
thanks,
roger

 

[KiotiJohn]

Tractor Supply Company sells a fair spreader. Check them out at www.tractorsupply.com John

 

[dakota1]

Before going out and buying something off the internet that you have not seen, why dont you look around in your area?
This way, you know what you are getting and have someone local for support.
Check out www.hillsequipment.com
I go to LSU and work there part time. We are local to you. Only about 30 minutes from Baton Rouge. We have a couple types of spreaders that we offer. I hope no one minds me posting this here.

 

[HayDR]

THe Cosmo Spreader cones are spun out of one piece of metal.

The gear box is stamped sheet metal housing, 2 pinion gears, sealed bearings and using a grease gun zerk as the lubrication point of entree.

 

[Bowhunter]

CCI, does the Cosmo have an agitator to break up clods? What can one expect to pay?

Thanks.

 

[HayDR]

The Agitator is available.

 

[KiotiJohn]

CCI, is that $235.00 spreader you have on special a Cosmo or other brand? Seems like a good price. Tell us about it. Thanks, John
KiotiSpring

 

[buzst]

I just bought a small cosmo including PTO shaft and agitator from agri-supply for about $260.

 

[Bowhunter]

Thanks CCI and buzst.

 

[MarshallTractor]

Can these spreaders handle pelletized lime as well? Thanks.

 

[BeeFarmer]

I really have found my Heard Seeder to work well.

 

[RET]

Thanks for the tips.
I am following up on some of them.

Hillsequip - check your PM.
CCI - get me some detail info.

Now I have another problem....what do you look for in a basic spreader other than quality of construction (I told you I was stupid!)? I don't even know what questions to ask. Any advice?

thx again!
roger

 

[Phred]

I bought the cosmo 500 from the local farmers coop. I think it was ~$300 with the agitator.
They were cheaper than the local tractor supply.
Atwoods would also have this spreader.
You probably want the 250 instead.

Fred

 

[Phred]

Yes. Pellet lime should work well.

I have spread normal ag lime with it that I buy in bulk (a tri-axial dump trucks worth at a time).
You need to keep the ag lime dry and even then it sticks to the sides a bit. But its works.

The pelletized lime should be much easier to feed through the spreader.

Fred

 

[sweettractors]

Here is a listing of a nice seeder/spreader with lots of pictures and information, that we recently sold on Ebay
--We normally sell that unit for $299---Ken Sweet
Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Refurbished 2 bottom plows and Cultipackers*