N1ST
Silver Member
I saw a pull non-pto driven spreader at TSC. Sold for about $65. Mostly plastic. Anyone try one of these? It doesn't look too durable but could be worth the price.
Spreader TSC Pull behind non-pto driven Spreader
- Thread starter N1ST
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DonT-B7500
Bronze Member
If this is the one you are looking at I don't like mine, actually bought it about 10yrs ago, still looks the same. After about 3 uses the gear sprocket started binding up continually, just poor workmanship, unless they fixed it in later models.
Agri-Fab Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader
TSC # 2118095
175 lb. Hopper Capacity Great for ATVs Removable Axle Tin for Size Transport
Agri-Fab Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader
TSC # 2118095
175 lb. Hopper Capacity Great for ATVs Removable Axle Tin for Size Transport
MFL
Gold Member
I've had my Agri-Fab spreader for almost three years and its worked fine for my application. Mine is a tow-behind 125 lb. model. I only use it to spread pelleted lime and lawn fert. 3 times a year. No problem with binding gears. I also have a 600 lb. Sitrex for the back of the tractor that is PTO driven and is used to put pelleted fert on the pastures. I looked at the $675.00 pull-behind from TSC but, for me, it didn't make sense. Here's the three things that pushed me toward the PTO driven unit:
Price. I paid $299 for my Sitrex, new. The pull-behind would have been twice the cost. More moving parts, more cash moving out.
With a ground driven unit, you're only spreading when you're moving. This means that if you need to get into a tight spot, or can't move very fast, you're not going to effectively throw whatever you're spreading. With a PTO unit, I can spread even if the tractor isn't moving. On the pull-behind, part of this is also weight. The less sfuff you have in the spreader, the lighter it is, and the lower the grip between the wheel and ground. Basically, it works less efficiently as the contents are emptied.
With a PTO unit, I can adjust the height and pitch of the spreader to help extend or restrict the distance of the throw. Can't do that easily with a pull-behind.
For me, the Agri-Fab works well for it's use, but if you go larger, get a 3pt. PTO driven unit if you have the tractor to mount it on.
MFL
Price. I paid $299 for my Sitrex, new. The pull-behind would have been twice the cost. More moving parts, more cash moving out.
With a ground driven unit, you're only spreading when you're moving. This means that if you need to get into a tight spot, or can't move very fast, you're not going to effectively throw whatever you're spreading. With a PTO unit, I can spread even if the tractor isn't moving. On the pull-behind, part of this is also weight. The less sfuff you have in the spreader, the lighter it is, and the lower the grip between the wheel and ground. Basically, it works less efficiently as the contents are emptied.
With a PTO unit, I can adjust the height and pitch of the spreader to help extend or restrict the distance of the throw. Can't do that easily with a pull-behind.
For me, the Agri-Fab works well for it's use, but if you go larger, get a 3pt. PTO driven unit if you have the tractor to mount it on.
MFL
SkunkWerX
Platinum Member
I've got the 175# pull behind, this one:
175# pull behind spreader
I like the greater capacity, less refilling.
For spreading on a driveway, the issue is going to be the spread pattern width. They all are going to sling wider than your driveway. You could end up with half of your material on each side, and only half landing on the driveway. You may be able to go super-slow, to keep more on the drive, but if you are like me, I don' enjoy going less than 1 mph, especially when it's 25 degrees outside.
So you may need to make some baffle-plates to keep more material on the driveway. Sand wouldn't be so bad if it gets on the lawn, but if you use any ice melter it could affect plants and lawn if too much slings out beyond the driveway.
175# pull behind spreader
I like the greater capacity, less refilling.
For spreading on a driveway, the issue is going to be the spread pattern width. They all are going to sling wider than your driveway. You could end up with half of your material on each side, and only half landing on the driveway. You may be able to go super-slow, to keep more on the drive, but if you are like me, I don' enjoy going less than 1 mph, especially when it's 25 degrees outside.
So you may need to make some baffle-plates to keep more material on the driveway. Sand wouldn't be so bad if it gets on the lawn, but if you use any ice melter it could affect plants and lawn if too much slings out beyond the driveway.
bx23barry
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2006
- Messages
- 500
- Tractor
- Kubota BX23
I got a little brinly tow behind spreader 10+ years ago a monkey/wards bargain store. It sure isn't heavy duty but works fine for seed and pellet fertilizer. I tow it behind the riding mower as fast as I can go. Don't have any use for sand/salt around here. 
gsganzer
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2003
- Messages
- 3,183
- Location
- Denton, TX
- Tractor
- L3800 w/FEL and BH77, BX 2200 w/FEL and MMM
I got tired of dealing with stripped gears and flat tires that seem to have afficted every pull behind I've ever owned.
I finally splurged and bought a herd seeder that is PTO driven. I wish I did it years ago and I would have saved a bunch of money and frustration from dealing with ruined pull behinds.
I finally splurged and bought a herd seeder that is PTO driven. I wish I did it years ago and I would have saved a bunch of money and frustration from dealing with ruined pull behinds.
OP
N1ST
Silver Member
The one I saw is: Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader $59.99 TSC # 2118100
I suppose it wouldn't be any more durable that the more expensive one that Don mentioned.
This one: MINI SPREADER SEEDER $456.25 TSC # 2120123 looks built to last and has all the features MFL points out. 5 bushel capacity. Anyone have experience it?
There is also:
SPREADER TSC # 2118427 Price: $429.99
POLY HOPPER SPREADER TSC # 2120068 Price: $498.62
I suppose it wouldn't be any more durable that the more expensive one that Don mentioned.
This one: MINI SPREADER SEEDER $456.25 TSC # 2120123 looks built to last and has all the features MFL points out. 5 bushel capacity. Anyone have experience it?
There is also:
SPREADER TSC # 2118427 Price: $429.99
POLY HOPPER SPREADER TSC # 2120068 Price: $498.62
andrewj
Platinum Member
interesting. i bought the 3 point hitch PTO driven sitrex spreader, and have devoted quite a few brain cells to figuring out how to convert it to a pull behind using a golf cart tires, axle, and gearbox.
