Herd Seeder for small seeds

[dhall2276]

I am looking for a 3pt hitch mount seeder for spreading small perennial clover seeds (mainly Durana and Patriot clovers from Pennington Seed). I have been looking online at Herd seeders at the recommendation of someone from Pennington. Without being able to actually put my hands on one which model would you all suggest? I am looking at the M-96 and the GT-77 with the 3pt accessory added. My main concern is to be able to spread the proper amount of seed for my needs (around 7-8 lbs per acre). The seeder might get used for some other larger varieties of seed at times but primarily will be used for the small clover seeds. Thanks for any help.

 

[sweettractors]

Either seeder will calibrate down to that size and rate per acre you describe. Call my Son, Greg at the Munfordville, Ky store for pricing and UPS shipping. Ken Sweet

 

[foggy1111]

I have investigated the Herd seeders....and so far have fought off the urge to buy one as I already have pretty good equipment to do the job. (I get along fine....but still would like to own the best.)

I have a tractor and a 4 wheeler. But.....if I bought a Herd, I would put it on my four wheeler as its so much handier to get around with it. :thumbsup:

FWIW Many people do all their clover seeding with a hand seeder. Some will recommend these over the herd. It all depends on how many acres you need to do....IMO.

 

[sweettractors]

I have investigated the Herd seeders....and so far have fought off the urge to buy one as I already have pretty good equipment to do the job. (I get along fine....but still would like to own the best.)

I have a tractor and a 4 wheeler. But.....if I bought a Herd, I would put it on my four wheeler as its so much handier to get around with it. :thumbsup:

FWIW Many people do all their clover seeding with a hand seeder. Some will recommend these over the herd. It all depends on how many acres you need to do....IMO.

In 1973 I had $1500 worth of Farm equipment (including my 600 Ford tractor) and a 103 acre farm. That first year, I spread clover seed on 20 acres with a hand seeder. It did a fine job on the field and me. Ken Sweet

 

[dhall2276]

FWIW Many people do all their clover seeding with a hand seeder. Some will recommend these over the herd. It all depends on how many acres you need to do....IMO.

Been there done that. We add about 20 acres a year to our clover fields and have 80 acres of old cattle pasture we have converted to a hardwood orchard that we are going to be seeding this fall.

 

[dhall2276]

I have a tractor and a 4 wheeler. But.....if I bought a Herd, I would put it on my four wheeler as its so much handier to get around with it. :thumbsup:

The problem with a 4 wheeler is that it is a bit harder to maintain a set speed like on a tractor. With clover seed being as expensive as it is I want to ensure I get good even coverage with little waste or thin spots.

 

[dhall2276]

Well I emailed David Herd at Herd Seeders and asked his advice and this is the result....
The reason I recommended the GT-77 is it spreads clover 28' wide. The M-96 goes 18'. The GT-77 has a vibrating agitator that will not over agitate the seed when you run small amounts. The M-96 has a stir agitator, that with small opening can break down the seed.

 

[foggy1111]

Sounds to me the GT77 ATV seeder is your choice. As far a maintaining an even speed.....I have never found this to be a major problem with my 4 wheeler when spraying chemicals. I use low range and 4.0 (mine reads in tenths) mph on my digital speedo. I suppose a person jerry rig some kind of cruise control with lots of acres to do?? (I can adjust and hold my throttle speed on mine.)

I sure would hate to hand seed 20 acres......either model will serve you well IMO.

 

[foggy1111]

Another year and a few months went by......BUT.....today I FINALLY ordered that Herd Seeder for my ATV.

The last two times we spread seed and fertilizer it was brutal. The deer flies and heat and humidity were too much. Today I made my phone call and got that spreader on the way!

Not sure what I was waiting for......I'm not getting any younger....nor my back getting any stronger.....and my wife is about to boycot my foot-plot habit!!

Neither of us has been very happy with our Solo spreader....although I keep reading good coments from others. While I plan to use the Herd forn seed and fertilizer.....I think I may hang onto my Cosmo until I'm sure the Herd does a good job on fertilizers.

Looking forward to a bit easier way to do things. :thumbsup:

 

[sweettractors]

Another year and a few months went by......BUT.....today I FINALLY ordered that Herd Seeder for my ATV.

The last two times we spread seed and fertilizer it was brutal. The deer flies and heat and humidity were too much. Today I made my phone call and got that spreader on the way!

Not sure what I was waiting for......I'm not getting any younger....nor my back getting any stronger.....and my wife is about to boycot my foot-plot habit!!

Neither of us has been very happy with our Solo spreader....although I keep reading good coments from others. While I plan to use the Herd forn seed and fertilizer.....I think I may hang onto my Cosmo until I'm sure the Herd does a good job on fertilizers.

Looking forward to a bit easier way to do things. :thumbsup:

The Herd spread width will not be as wide as the Cosmo, however, it will spread fine. Gee whiz, since Herd was bought out by Kasko, the prices have gone thru the roof. I can't imagine a M96 selling for $625. Ken Sweet