Spreader Who makes a H.D. poly PTO spreader w/ S.S. gears?

[JackIL]

Bob,

Are you sure you want a PTO driven spreader? Why? Many of the new high quality salt and fertilizer spreaders are driven by a 12 volt electric motor. They have poly hoppers and spinners and stainless steel frames. Capacities range from about 120 pounds to 300 pounds of material. The electric motors are encased to prevent water, salt, or fertilizer damage. They offer a variety of mounting options including 2 inch receiver hitch, 3 point hitch, ATV, tailgate, and Utility vehicle (such as a Gator).

Manufacturers of these rotary spreaders include Curtis, Spyker, and Earthway. There are several others I have seen on the Web but don't recall immediately. I have a Spyker and love it. See attached photo. The electrical control box is mounted on an arm just above the right armrest on the seat.

Of course these are rotary and not the pendulum type spreader that would typically be used in open field, high acreage applications where a very wide swath is needed. By dialing in the proper rotor speed, spread widths on the electrical spreaders I am referring to can be adjusted from about 6 feet to 25 feet.

JackIL

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Jack, I'm not aware of a Spyker or Earthway model as large as I would like (looking for about 300#). The Curtis units are well made, but I never could find a 3pt mount for one of those. As for my preference to PTO over electric, it is just a simple one based on the fact that I already have a PTO on my tractors, they are easy to connect, very reliable, etc.

Although I would say that out of frustration for not finding what I really want, I have considered mounting an electric salt spreader to the FRONT bumper of the tractor so that I could use the snow blower in the winter on the 3pt and simply spread salt as I go rather than having to change tractors using one for salt and another for blowing the snow. What I don't like about a front mount is that most of the units that I've found that would mount on the front of the tractor don't have the capacity that I would be looking for to use in the summer when I want to spread fertilizer.

So I just might have to buy a couple things!?!

An electric salt spread that would hold 100# to 125# would be fine for the front of the tractor in the WINTER. A rear 3pt spreader that would hold about 300# for the SUMMER. Obviously 2 implements is not a desireable situation if it can be avoided.

I guess I'm looking for the PERFECT solution to my needs.

 

[MadReferee]

Bob,

Have you looked at the First Choice line of spreaders? The PD series of spreaders have poly hoppers and stainless steel components. Here is a link to their propaganda.

First Choice spreaders

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Mad, the First Choice poly hopper units would be perfect if they were not so large! If I was a REAL farmer then those would be great. I'm looking for something that would hold about 300# give or take a bit.

I know I am hard to please, I just want the perfect unit. Something that is seamless medium gauge stainless steel, mirror polished on the inside, bead blasted on the outside, all S.S. agitator and spinner mechanisms, with fully adjustable throw patterns and it would be nice if it had casters so after I was done using it I could roll it into the corner of the garage out of the way!!! And if it was affordable that would be a bonus. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif


AT THIS POINT, I THINK I HAVE A REASONABLE COMPRAMISE to my own demands.

A company called Buyers Products Company makes a spreader that will hold 300#, has a poly hopper with stainless steel guts. It is designed for mounting using a 1.25" or a 2" reciever hitch (not a problem, I have a 3pt receiver hitch) and is powered by a 12volt motor (not my ideal but I guess acceptable). I am now thinking that the 12volt operation could have its advantages because I could make a 2" reciever mount for the FRONT of the tractor, mount the spreader with salt on the front bumper, and then blow the snow and spread the salt with the same tractor (rather than using 2 different tractors). And because the spreader has enough capacity, it could also be used for spreading fertilizer in the summer which is really the reason I wanted a hopper capacity that would hold at least 250# to 300#.

 

[MadReferee]

I assume you are looking at the TGSUVPRO model. Any idea what one costs? I'll bet they are not cheap. With a standard 300 lb spreader going for about $300 + shipping they would have to be under $500 to be competitive, in my opinion. However it does, as you say, offer some advantages in that it could be mounted on the FEL for winter and 3pt for the summer.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Mad, the PRO version has a variable speed control, I figure I can get by with the residential unit because I don't see the need for the additional throw width offered by faster speeds. It appears that the only advantage to the pro version is that it spreads a wider path and that is actually not a real advantage to me for either salt or fertilizer spreading on my property.

The price for residential unit is $399 from Northern Tool, and $599 for the professional version.

I still need to contact them to see if it will work with peletized fertilizer and I'd like to see the flow control before committing to buying it (or any other unit).

 

[Bob_Skurka]

No luck with the Buyers unit. I received an email reply from their support staff. It will not work with fertilizer, there is no way to adjust the flow rate, it is designed only to use #1 rock salt.

 

[MadReferee]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( No luck with the Buyers unit. I received an email reply from their support staff. It will not work with fertilizer, there is no way to adjust the flow rate, it is designed only to use #1 rock salt.)</font>

That's too bad as it had peaked my interest. I wonder if they realize the golden opportunity that is slipping thru their fingers?

 

[bigpete]

Bob,

The Befco Turbo-hop spreaders have fiberglass hoppers, stainless gates, and poly spinners. The gear box is steel as is the frame. The only all-stainless spreader I have seen is a tow model by Adams. It's a little over $2 grand /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif.

 

[jayhawkRoy]

Bob, I checked and I have the Fuerst 1200. That may be larger than you have in mind, but it is the only one Fuerst makes that has the poly hopper. Don't think it has all the stainless steel parts that you are looking for, though. Fuerst web site is www.fuerst-bros.com. The site itself it not very helpful in reviewing specs, but there is an email link so you can ask specific questions. Good luck on your search.