How fast am I going? TC40DA with a spreader

[lhfarm]

Just picked up a fertilizer spread and the spread rate is calculated in mph. They actually list a way to calculate over an 88' range. But that assumes a set gear and engine spped. I can do the RPM and not the gear.

How do those with a spreader overcome this problem?

 

[hazmat]

you could use a handheld gps or measure out a known distance and time yourself - use one of the lower ranges & "floor it" with the pedal so you have a repeatable speed.

Feet/sec *3600/5280 = mph

 

[thcri]

Danny,

That is exactly how I figure mine out. In fact I even used the GPS to set the speed on the hydro pedal to within the specs of the tractor.

Neighbors all thought I was nuts but they got over it.

murph

 

[OhioGuy]

Hi Barry,
I'm much less scientific in my approach. Since the product I buy never has the spreader I own listed and the spreader gives ranges for the control gate, I just start with a known area, 1/4 acre, 1/2 acre, whatever and set aside the needed amount for that area and see where my usage is. For example, if a bag of lawn fertilizer covers 15,000 SF and I know my front yard is 1.5 acres (60,000 SF), the first bag should cover 1/4th.

About half way through, I should have spread half the product. If it's a spread that can cause damage from overapplying, I'll start more conservatively, lighter application.

Like I said, not very scientific, but I've always gotten the desired results.

Good Luck,
Curt

 

[Soundguy]

Hadn't thought about that speed issue. I'll have to add that to the list of cons onthe hydro side for when the next gear vs hydro comes up, as my NH gear unit has the MPH/KPH clearly marked on the fender sticker based on engine rpm / gear range. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Soundguy