12V dry spreader on FEL, who's done it?

[dalola]

I think it would be handy to mount a 12V dry spreader on the FEL of my BX, mostly for yard fertilizing. I've looked into a few, thinking the ATV type would probably adapt the best to the FEL. The problem I'm finding it locating a reasonably priced spreader that has 12V gate control. Most of those are up near $1K. I found a few decent manual gate models around $300. A manual gate is doable for sure, but will take a bit more mechanical alterations.

Wondering if others have done this, what they used, ideas, what brands to avoid, etc...

 

[tvman]

I think it would be handy to mount a 12V dry spreader on the FEL of my BX, mostly for yard fertilizing. I've looked into a few, thinking the ATV type would probably adapt the best to the FEL. The problem I'm finding it locating a reasonably priced spreader that has 12V gate control. Most of those are up near $1K. I found a few decent manual gate models around $300. A manual gate is doable for sure, but will take a bit more mechanical alterations.

Wondering if others have done this, what they used, ideas, what brands to avoid, etc...

I sorta did the same thing but I made a frame for mine and mounted it on my 3pt hitch. I then installed a 12v linear actuator on the gate and installed a reversing switch for it. You could also put a heavy duty throttle/choke cable on it to control the gate.

 

[WranglerX]

I sorta did the same thing but I made a frame for mine and mounted it on my 3pt hitch. I then installed a 12v linear actuator on the gate and installed a reversing switch for it. You could also put a heavy duty throttle/choke cable on it to control the gate.

This is what I was going to suggest....

Dale

 

[Fallon]

Fertilizer is corrosive. I'd rather spread it behind my tractor than in front of it, everything else being even. Not to mention better stability & a stronger simpler axle to carry the weight.

 

[dalola]

I sorta did the same thing but I made a frame for mine and mounted it on my 3pt hitch. I then installed a 12v linear actuator on the gate and installed a reversing switch for it. You could also put a heavy duty throttle/choke cable on it to control the gate.

I like the cable idea, hadn't thought of that. I would need to go about 8 feet, which would be much easier with a cable. Thanks for the suggestion! More research tomorrow....

 

[WranglerX]

I like the cable idea, hadn't thought of that. I would need to go about 8 feet, which would be much easier with a cable. Thanks for the suggestion! More research tomorrow....

Look here for some possible cable options...Maybe to get idea what is available...

California Push-Pull Inc. Cable Specialists Based in Chico, Ca.

Dale

 

[Ford850]

It sounds like a neat project, but consider the dust from the fertilizer that you'll be driving through. It's not a lot of dust, but both you and your tractor will be breathing it more than if you were pulling a spreader. I like the idea of a cable to control the gate, even on a pull behind spreader.

 

[dalola]

Look here for some possible cable options...Maybe to get idea what is available...
California Push-Pull Inc. Cable Specialists Based in Chico, Ca.
Dale

Thanks for the link, Dale. Hoping I can find a generic part to keep cost down, as I'm sure the custom cables are more $$$. Found a 10' push/pull in McMaster-Carr for $27, that I think I can make work. Need to figure out which spreader to use first! Kind of leaning towards a Fimco, as I've had a Fimco 12V sprayer for 10+ years that's worked great, still works great. They have a new 12V dry spreader for ~$300.

It sounds like a neat project, but consider the dust from the fertilizer that you'll be driving through. It's not a lot of dust, but both you and your tractor will be breathing it more than if you were pulling a spreader. I like the idea of a cable to control the gate, even on a pull behind spreader.

Really, the only application I make is the late fall winterizer, which is a pretty clean granular. Plus, I think it's far enough out front and low enough on the FEL to not be much of an issue, barring windy days of course, which I would avoid. I just like the idea of having it in front of me, for ease of use.

 

[Ford850]

Thanks for the link, Dale. Hoping I can find a generic part to keep cost down, as I'm sure the custom cables are more $$$. Found a 10' push/pull in McMaster-Carr for $27, that I think I can make work. Need to figure out which spreader to use first! Kind of leaning towards a Fimco, as I've had a Fimco 12V sprayer for 10+ years that's worked great, still works great. They have a new 12V dry spreader for ~$300.



Really, the only application I make is the late fall winterizer, which is a pretty clean granular. Plus, I think it's far enough out front and low enough on the FEL to not be much of an issue, barring windy days of course, which I would avoid. I just like the idea of having it in front of me, for ease of use.

I noticed you're in Ohio. If you are close to Shelby, take a look at Glen's Surplus. They carry a LOT of throttle/choke/brake cables. (edit: I think I see the one you mentioned, and it looks like a perfect choice)
Another nice advantage of the FEL spreader is you can easily raise or lower the height to extend or reduce the coverage.