John Deere 125 lb Electric Spreader

[Mechanized ME]

I am looking into purchasing one for spreading lime and turf builder....any recommendations?

 

[jenkinsph]

I don't think it matter much how you turn the slinger/spinner whether it be electric, ground driven or pto. What is more important is control of the material flow because you can stop and start the spinning easily enough but the fertilizer will continue to drop through until you close the gate/chute. If they had an electric solenoid operated chute control that you could index I wouldn't care if the spinner turned continuously. This is my pet peev with spin spreaders in general, you need remote controls for the gate/chute.

One good thing about all mounted spreaders is they are more stabil than the small pull types. I have had my pull type tip over in quick turns, that wouldn't be a problem with the mounted electric units. Using an electric motor to turn the spinner shouldn't be a problem as far as I can see.

I am going to fertilize my lawn tomorrow and think I will try using my larger spin spreader on my x749. It should throw a much wider pattern and the weight isn't a problem with only 120 lbs of fertilizer in it.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

I bought an Earth Way electric spreader that I mount on my ATV, but could just as easily mount on a GT.

Mounted/12-Volt Spreaders | EarthWay

The spread rate is adjustable and has an electric motor to open and close. Works well the bit that I've used it. Constant spinner speed is nice to have versus ground driven units. The Deere unit looks quite similar only not SS frame. No details on controls though.

 

[Mechanized ME]

Thanks guys, I hate to buy something sight unseen but the John Deere Dealer nearest to me doesn't have a unit on display...I am planning to use lime and Scott's Turf Builder with it....it would be kept indoors so I didn't plan on or think about a stainless steel unit, unless there is something corrosive in either the lime or the Scott's Turf Builder...And yes we had one at work years ago and the calcium chloride pellets we use to clear ice from the walks would run right through it from the engine vibration and with the spreader turned off, so I am not sure if i will have the same problem with the turf builder....

 

[jenkinsph]

Some of the Turf Builder products are finer granules than others. So good chute control is important. I looked at the better Earth Way spreader online after reading Kennedy's post above and there was one for sure that has chute control of the material flow. I would like to see that up close and check it out.

 

[Mechanized ME]

Thank you all for the much needed information!

It will help me in making a good purchase!

 

[Mechanized ME]

Picked up my new JD Electric Spreader today, I was surprised to find out that it came with enough wiring to go clear back to the battery! I would have thought that it might plug into the accessory plug on the right rear fender...I did check the manual and the accessory plug is 12v / 15amp just what the electric spreader requires...... My question, is there any reason why I could not use this accessory plug? It would make for a nice clean installation....

 

[jenkinsph]

I don't see why not, I would recommend that you shorten the wire to a reasonable length.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

What do the controls look like on this spreader?

I just had my Earthway unit out on the ATV. I may consider adding a subconnector so I can power it via the rear power port on the new x750 as well. The supplied fuse in mine is 10amp FYI.

I used mine to do an overseed on pasture and hay field. Worked fantastic. I had the spreader on the rear rack and chain harrow behind to help distribute and cover the seed as it came out.

With this spreader there are 3 teardrop shaped drop holes. Two can be blocked off manually leaving only the one hole. This worked exceptionally well at rationing the seed. I ran with the single hole open at setting 4 I believe and stretched a 50# bag out over 3-4 acres of already established field.

I'll need to build a mount to use on the 750 with the 3 pt though. Might just stick with the ATV as the suspension does wonders across the rough and it's far from maxed out to travel at 6-8mph.

 

[Mechanized ME]

Hi Guys,

Here are some pics of the Spreader Installed. The "Extra" wiring on the seat came with the spreader to run back to the battery with the purple wire connecting to the ignition ( that must shut the unit off with the ignition switch is positioned off)

I went to Tractor Supply today and picked up the accessory plug you see next to the Tractor's accessory outlet. Accept for the extra wire tied to the tractor fender handle I think this install is cleaner. If all works well I will cut the wire shorter and install an accessory plug directly to the spreader wiring.

Also I may go back to TSC and purchase a neat wireless controller! It was only 30 bucks.....

 

[Mechanized ME]

Back again!

After explaining the wiring installation to you, it occurred to me to remove the existing switch and length of wire from the spreader since I am not using it and install the shorter wire shown in the picture draped over the seat! Now I have a very clean installation with just the right length of wire!

Neat, now I can't wait to try it out!
Just need some dry weather for a day or so.....

 

[kevin37b]

It is easy to complain about JD , and at times valid .But now and then they come up with something that works .

 

[Mechanized ME]

Hi Kevin 37b,

Don't get me wrong, No complaints here, I will continue to purchase John Deere products. I was just surprised the accessory outlet at the right rear fender wasn't taken advantage of....and that maybe the aftermarket supplier's design in making the unit workable with many brands of tractors.

 

[Mechanized ME]

What do the controls look like on this spreader?

I just had my Earthway unit out on the ATV. I may consider adding a subconnector so I can power it via the rear power port on the new x750 as well. The supplied fuse in mine is 10amp FYI.

I used mine to do an overseed on pasture and hay field. Worked fantastic. I had the spreader on the rear rack and chain harrow behind to help distribute and cover the seed as it came out.

With this spreader there are 3 teardrop shaped drop holes. Two can be blocked off manually leaving only the one hole. This worked exceptionally well at rationing the seed. I ran with the single hole open at setting 4 I believe and stretched a 50# bag out over 3-4 acres of already established field.

I'll need to build a mount to use on the 750 with the 3 pt though. Might just stick with the ATV as the suspension does wonders across the rough and it's far from maxed out to travel at 6-8mph.

I like your idea of using a chain harrow to help distribute the material. I wonder if a 4'x 4' section of chainlink would work as well?

 

[Carl Bert]

Hi Guys,

Here are some pics of the Spreader Installed. The "Extra" wiring on the seat came with the spreader to run back to the battery with the purple wire connecting to the ignition ( that must shut the unit off with the ignition switch is positioned off)

I went to Tractor Supply today and picked up the accessory plug you see next to the Tractor's accessory outlet. Accept for the extra wire tied to the tractor fender handle I think this install is cleaner. If all works well I will cut the wire shorter and install an accessory plug directly to the spreader wiring.

Also I may go back to TSC and purchase a neat wireless controller! It was only 30 bucks.....

I'm not sure if I'm seeing this right, but is the spreader connected to the click-n-go brackets?

 

[Mechanized ME]

I'm not sure if I'm seeing this right, but is the spreader connected to the click-n-go brackets?

Yup, I needed to remove the click-n-go suitcase weight bracket and the spreader took its place. There is also a bracket at the center point that attaches down to the existing hitch bracket.

 

[rboss75]

Does any one know if I can use the John Deere electric spreader if I have a three point hitch with the lift arms removed on my X728 I just ordered the Earthway pull behind spreader but thinking of canceling it if I can use electric unit with an easy hook up

 

[Mechanized ME]

Does any one know if I can use the John Deere electric spreader if I have a three point hitch with the lift arms removed on my X728 I just ordered the Earthway pull behind spreader but thinking of canceling it if I can use electric unit with an easy hook up

Hi rboss75

The installation instructions don't mention having to remove the lower draft arms nor do they mention having to remove the upper link arm. If you look at the pics I sent it looks like the link arm maybe the only thing in the way. You will need the click-n-go brackets to mount the spreader to the tractor. Also I purchase the barrier shield to keep the material from hitting the back of the tractor and unbeknown to me it installs behind the spreader I guess to keep material from shooting too far behind the tractor?
So tonight I went to Lowes and purchased a piece of polycarbonate and fabricated my own shield to protect the back of the tractor!
All n All I am very happy with the construction of the spreader. I will try it out this weekend and report back!

 

[rboss75]

Ok. Great thanks for the info. When you take off the spreader can you take a photo of the click & go bracket. For some reason I think that the three point set up ( not the lift arms) will not be compatible. Than you

 

[jenkinsph]

Ok. Great thanks for the info. When you take off the spreader can you take a photo of the click & go bracket. For some reason I think that the three point set up ( not the lift arms) will not be compatible. Than you

It is my understanding that the click and go bracket is not compatible with the three point hitch. I would be interested in an IMatch compatible model myself. Right now I am using my larger spin spreader on the IMatch with the x749 it works well but I don't overload it either.