Need advice on broadcast spreader

TillerofdaEarth · Apr 8, 2006

I have approx 1 acre that gets fertilized, de-bugged, and other various applications of goodies 2 to 3 times a year.

I currently have a pull type Agri-Fab, 100lb capacity, broadcast spreader. This one has given me problems since year one, with corrosion freezing up the agitator shaft, rendering the spreader useless until lubeing, tinkering and cussing to get it working again. The frame is also about rusted away, so it is going to get thrown away!

I am looking for a more durable and better built broadcast spreader. I found Earthway on the web, and they have a similar sized "professional" unit with the frame and components made of stainless steel. Any one with any experience owning one of these?

Any tips or suggestions on other brands would be appreciated.

Garrabo · Apr 8, 2006

do you wash the spreader out thoroughly after use?

TillerofdaEarth · Apr 8, 2006

( do you wash the spreader out thoroughly after use? )

Yes, washed, dried with compressed air, and oiled after each use. Stored in the shop when not in use. I know that fertilizer is very corrosive, and took the necessary precautions to prevent it.

bontai_Joe · Apr 9, 2006

Earthway makes quality spreaders out of stainless steel which drastically reduces the corrosion problem. You still need to clean and oil as before because salt, fertilizer and some other lawn chemicals are VERY corrosive, but the frame and hopper will last a lot longer:

http://www.earthway.com/
You can also serch for Gemplers and Ebay for discount's off list price.

orangebluegreen · Apr 9, 2006

If you haven't absolutely given up on it......

Mine was built by Precision Products but it may be the same as yours. If yours has the completely sealed black plastic gear housing like mine does I know what you mean, I’ve struggled with mine since it was a year old. They replaced the gear for me once free, I didn’t even ask, they just said we’ll send you a new one. But it didn’t last long either. The weight and friction inside the hopper stops the spreader gear from turning. I was ready to throw mine out last year also but since it was in relatively good shape otherwise I decided to look inside the gear box. I found not much holds the plastic gear to the axle shaft, the gear was spinning on the shaft. After drilling a small hole through the gear and axle shaft and threading in a small hex head machine screw, it now works fine. Years ago I also added two extra support rods to stiffen a bending frame. The spreaders with metal drive gears must be much better.

TillerofdaEarth · Apr 10, 2006

orange, I have given up on this spreader. Mine has an open gear drive which has never been a problem. The problem is where the steel agitator drive shaft passes through the bottom of the hopper. Something in there freezes up big time and is hard to get loose. The spreader paddle is cracked also and about ready to depart the drive shaft.

I am looking at the earthway spreaders bontai Joe mentioned. Look like quality units. Lowes and Home Depot also sell what appears to be identical spreaders but Lowes is branded "John Deer" and is cheaper. May go with one of these as they are a bit less expensive than the Earthway units.

ToadHill · Apr 10, 2006

If you have a LESCO near you they make spreaders for professional landscapers. They are all stainless steel with a heavy plastic hopper. I've used mine in my business for over 5 years and it is as good as new.

easyrider · Apr 10, 2006

In case you haven't checked, we make a pull behind spreader which might fit your needs. The 103-130 holds 226lbs. It is a quality unit that will last for years.

http://www.befco.com/products/hop/babyhop.html

TillerofdaEarth · Apr 11, 2006

I have 3 Lesco dealers near me, but none of the web sites showed a "Pull Behind" model. Do they make one?

TillerofdaEarth · Apr 11, 2006

BEFCO , can you post or PM me a price on the 103-130. I really like the cone shaped hopper on that unit.

orangebluegreen · Apr 11, 2006

Ok, you’ve got the other type drive gear. The agitator shaft on mine goes through plastic so there has never been a corrosion problem there. I did hit it once and broke that area so took another piece of plastic sheet and riveted it to the bottom of the hopper as support for the shaft, has worked fine.

CarlGlas · Apr 11, 2006

I recently purchased Agri-Fab's 125 Lb. Tow Behind Spreader and it seemed to pull okay behind my Sears DGT 6000.
I guess only time will tell how long it will last, but with a lot of my stuff, if I see rust, I brush and paint.

easyrider · Apr 11, 2006

Tiller,

I sent you a PM.

Matt

Bob_Skurka · Apr 11, 2006

I think I had the SAME Agri-fab spreader you had. I set it out by the curb and someone took it away. I don't know who, but I wish them better luck with it than I had.

I looked at a lot of brands and ended up with a 3pt spreader made by Herd. It has a galvenized hopper and a very thick cast bottom plate that, even if neglected, would take years to rust through. The impeller blades are also have cast as opposed to bent sheet metal blades. All parts are replaceable should they need to be replaced. Best of all it was reasonably priced at roughly $420 and is MADE IN AMERICA too. The model is a Herd M-96. They make larger units. I'm very impressed with them.

TillerofdaEarth · Apr 12, 2006

( I recently purchased Agri-Fab's 125 Lb. Tow Behind Spreader and it seemed to pull okay behind my Sears DGT 6000. )

That looks like mine Carl. Just pay particular attention to cleaning and oiling where the shaft goes through the hopper and maybe you'll have better luck than I did.

TillerofdaEarth · Apr 12, 2006

( I looked at a lot of brands and ended up with a 3pt spreader made by Herd. )

Bob, do they make anything smaller? I just need something to pull behind my Murray Lawn mower. That unit you have sounds like a real bargain for a 3pt spreader.

oliver28472 · Apr 13, 2006

I have the Agri-Fab made Craftstman. It's about 10 years old and it likes attention. I usually roll the drive wheel now and then cause mine locked up one time too. I spread about 150 lbs of hard red fescue at the church a few weeks ago over some ill prepared ground. The fescue did not feed out well due to the tiny agitator so I had to run wide open in high gear on my 15 hp Mitsu to keep
the hopper bouncing. Got a good stand but I'm sure our dry weather will kill it.

RSKY · Apr 14, 2006

Have not had any trouble with mine..... but. If I ever get another spreader it will be one that I can turn on and off without getting out of the seat and one that holds the most material.

nysdotinspector · Apr 16, 2006

I just purchased an earthway walk behind broadcast spreader, after looking at all the other junk from Home Depot and Lowes. I was impressed buy the quality. The heavy gear box and the 10 inch air tires. I know that they make pull behind models. I purchased mine at a local Agway Dealer. Good luck.

TillerofdaEarth · Apr 19, 2006

So far I am leaning towards the Earthway spreader. I still need to check out the Beefco unit before making final decision.

( If I ever get another spreader it will be one that I can turn on and off without getting out of the seat and one that holds the most material.
 )

RSKY, I have seen some models that shut off as soon as you stop moving. Could be a nice feature to have.