Spreader How Do You Store Your 3pt Fertilizer Spreader?

[VirginiaEd]

Just wondering how folks store their 3pt fertilizer spreaders. I have a Baltic (650/1000) and it can be kind of a pain in the neck sometimes to hook it up by myself. Not so much heavy, but just kind of awkward. I prefer to store it upside down to keep rainwater, leaves and other stuff out of it. Also, I put oil on all the blades and parts after cleaning it to reduce rust and corrosion and prefer not to have the oil wash off between uses.

I presently store my spreader on some PT timbers and then wrestle it around into an upright position when attaching it to my tractor. I have Pat's Easy Change installed and that does help some.

Has anyone hung their spreader on a wooden or metal frame using a chain and then swinging it into an upright position when it's time to use it? I'm thinking of something similar to a PHD storage frame. In my old age I find that convenience is important when changing attachments.

All ideas and pictures appreciated.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[greg_g]

After rinsing out whatever it was I last spread, I back into the shed and drop the spreader on a wooden pallet. Depending upon where you have your lower lift arms set, you might want to use two. I purposefully hang on to a few paper lime bags, and toss two of them into the hopper to act as dessicants. No extra oil, other than what's in the transmission (stuff sticks to it during the next use). Then I cover the whole thing with one of those cheap blue tarps.

I've got Pat's as well. Next time I need the spreader, I just back up - hook up - remove the tarp and bags - and it's ready to go back to work

//greg//

 

[JDFANATIC]

I hate to store attachments outside if at all possible. With a PTO spreader, since they are so light, I store mine in the loft of the shed. I just put it in the FEL, raise it up until its level. Then I stand on the hood guard and the spreader easily slides onto the shelf. Don't know if that is an option for you, but it works for me! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[gamble77]

Another secret, wash it out with dish washing detergent, helps preserve the hopper.

 

[Alan L.]

Thats basically how I store mine. I rinse it off good and spray WD40 on the exposed metal. Then store it upside down on two wooden fence posts layng flat on the ground out behind my bulding. All of my implements are stored outside except the one that is on the tractor. I hate to do it, but don't have an alternative.

 

[TheSmartFarmer]

The best thing I have found to do is to (after each use) is to take about a gallon of Diesel and start it at the top of the hopper and let it trickle all down the gearbox. This is will keep the salt/fertilzer from eating away at the metal. I have also seen in this thread that some use oil but if you spread any fine seed afterwards it would stick to everything.

 

[Soundguy]

I used to leave it upside down on bricks or a palete.. but now simplify things by just leaving it hooked to one of my tractors. I get tired of changinh implements.. so.. most of my most used implements now have their own tractor to hold them... works out pretty god that way!

Soundguy