Spreader Fertilizer Spreader 3pt hitch type

snohobigdad · Apr 30, 2017

Hi, I am in a bit of a quandary. I don't mind spending money on the right tool for the job, as long it will last. I have a JD2305 that I use for my mowing work around the house. I have pull behind spreader that does leave something to be desired.

I have been trying to research the 3pt hitch type over the past week without much luck. The Countyline brand at Tractor Supply looks like it will fail quickly. They want $500 and change. JD sells the Frontier and Rankin brands. Frontier is a metal hopper an the Rankin is plastic. Both of these are in the mid $800 range. Does anyone here have any experience with these two? Positive and less than positive feedback is appreciated. I will spend the extra buck because the dealer is a mile from our home.

Lastly, if not these two options, what are you using and do you recommend them? I can do tow behind, but it seems to struggle across uneven and sloping areas.

Thanks for your time and expertise!

Jim

rustyshakelford · Apr 30, 2017

I have a red one. Don't remember the brand but it's metal. I would recommend plastic. Fertilizer is some nasty stuff. Also, I set it according to the chart for Bermuda seen. It spread $250 worth of seed in one acre. Should've been enough for 5. Ended up driving into town to lowes and getting play sand for the rest of the seed bags. I've let someone borrow it for the last year or two and honestly I don't want it back. I also didn't scrub my tractor down after spreading fertilizer and the adjustable link for the 3pt on the left side ended up being rusted solid very quickly after that. Right side was fine but it didn't get the stuff on it

For seed, I'm looking for an old Deere drill

Brett

snohobigdad · Apr 30, 2017

Thanks Rusty. Over and over I hear wash everything well or it rusts.

smstonypoint · Apr 30, 2017

I don't have one yet, but I am considering the purchase of a Kubota spreader: http://www.kubota.com/product/Spreaders/VSModels.aspx?. The one I saw at my local dealer looked like it was a notch above the other spreaders I have seen.

Steve

rustyshakelford · Apr 30, 2017

snohobigdad said:
Thanks Rusty. Over and over I hear wash everything well or it rusts.

Very good advise. I had never used this smaller stuff before and should've known better. Growing up we pulled anhydrous ammonia behind the sweeps and had big pull cart trailers for the granular.

Brett

snohobigdad · Apr 30, 2017

Steve,
What did you see about it that lead you to believe that it was quality? I was also impressed with the Frontier, which was the metal one. It appeared to have good fit and finish. I am just unsure. The salesman said that others in the area have them. I will see if I can find a current owner who has had it for a season or two

Gator6x4 · Apr 30, 2017

Fertilizer Distributors and tractors need to be washed after each use of spreading fertilizer, lime etc. Agri Supply will sell you a three point Distributor from the cheap to "O" my God are they asking that for something to spread fertilizer with. Fertilizer Spreader, Cosmo Spreader, 3-Point Spreader, Poly Spreader

Lineman North Florida · Apr 30, 2017

I have 2 with metal hoppers one of them was wore out when I got it but still works good to this day, the other one is I believe an EZ spread and it works good as well, but I have always been a firm believer of washing it and my tractor down good after spreading fertilizer and I spray a little WD-40 in the bottom of the spreader and on the adjustment gate and it's always good to go when I need it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one of the cheaper ones instead of top of the line name brand , it's not like it's going to get used weekly and with just a little clean-up after use it will last you many years.

RjCorazza · Apr 30, 2017

I have a Befco spreader with a metal hopper that has held up well over the years. Other Frontier implements I have seen appear to be well made. I went with the Befco mostly because my finish mower was a Befco and it is very well made.