Metal vs Plastic hopper on fertilizer spreader?

[BoneDigger]

I can only get metal ones locally. Is it worth ordering a plastic one? I would be spreading fertilizer, lime, and seed.

 

[Egon]

It all depends on well you take care of it. Any lime or fertilizer residue with water will result in corrosion.

 

[Deerherd]

I have a metal one and I clean it very well after each use and give it a shot of WD-40, it still looks like new. The same parts that will rust are metal on the plastic ones, only the hopper is plastic so upkeep is pretty much the same.

 

[Oldoak]

A plastic hopper will last longer and well worth it to me, but the spreader will still have to be cleaned after spreading fertilizer to prevent corrosion of the metal parts. I hose down the whole spreader and spray a light oil on the movable parts to prevent or at least delay corrosion after spreading fertilizer.

My spreader has a tough plastic hopper and a stainless steel slide gate, with is great, but the frame and controls are carbon steel that easily corrodes if not taken care of.

 

[rustyshakelford]

I have a rusted out metal one. Go with plastic

Brett

 

[DJ54]

I've got an "International", not IH, aftermarket spreader has to be 35 years old. Like Deerherd, I wash it thoroughly when I'm finished. Let it dry, then spray it down really well with WD-40. I then store it in out of the weather, upside down on 2 X4's to keep it up out of the dirt. Still looks, and works good, although the paint is getting faded.

 

[2458n]

State of Ohio finally went with stainless steel for their truck boxes. Salt limits the steel to 4 years on the previous style. About time.

 

[bspeedy]

I re-painted my steel spreader with spray on bedliner on the wear surfaces. Clean it when used and touch up the paint quickly. Looks like new. Those rust out b/c folks don't take care of them. Takes about 3 hours to fertilize my lawn and another hour or more to clean up the spreader. Worth it because it's 100% ready to use when I get it out the next time.

 

[rgr33]

For best longevity in spin spreader, plastic+stainless steel+ immediate thorough washing and covered storage.