Spreader need seed spreader advice please

Doug_Norman · Sep 19, 2007

I'm in the market for one of those conical PTO mounted seed spreaders. I think the 500 pound capacity size. Can anyone suggest brands I should buy or not buy, what to look for, and what to expect to pay. I will mostly be using it for rye, oat, and wildflower seed mixed with sand.

Thanks,
Doug

themichelob · Sep 20, 2007

I've been using my King Kutter/Cosmo ( I think they're all made in Italy) brand spreader for the last several years for seed, sand and ice melt. Simple to use, reliable and economical. They run $200-$300--got mine on sale for closer to 2 bills. I would recommend it for light to moderate use.
Regards, Mike

MarkV · Sep 20, 2007

I also have the Cosmo which is sold under a number of different names and comes from Italy. A previous post noted that one of its nice features is the hopper is formed out of a single sheet of material without a seam. Mine has worked fine for pelletized lime, fertilizer and seed.

Herd is another well respected name for spreaders and worth looking at. Though generally more expensive they have some features like stainless steel agitators which make the extra cost worth it to some.

MarkV

LoneCowboy · Sep 20, 2007

Herd Seeders
Herd Seeder - Seeders, Spreaders and Feeders
The BEST and it's all they build.
and were actually cheaper than the low name one I had that didn't work well at all.
Way overbuilt (just like I like 'em)
American owned and built and I think they actually hang out on here.

bjr · Sep 20, 2007

I'm curious if anyone would actually spread seed costing $1-$2 a pound with one of those things. I tried it once and it scared me to death thinking that I've no way of controlling except with that course gate at the bottom. I felt like I was just really wasting big money because of no control. I was trying to spread some orchard grass seed, kind of light seed. I did finally mix seed with some dry fertilizer to kind put some volume to it and got some real mixed results. I would think a drop spreader type grass seeder is the only way to go for seeding expensive light grass seed. bjr

Loogie · Sep 20, 2007

See this recent thread http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/107460-seeder-spreader-needed.html#post1225934

Riddler · Sep 20, 2007

I used the PTO driven, conical, Italian made model last year to seed about 8 acres with a cover crop seed mix. It met all of my expectations.

The speader I used last year was a loaner, and now I am looking to buy something. I have decided to get one from Herd, but first I would love to hear from folks who have an electric drive model, as opposed to a PTO drive model. For my situation, an electric drive that mounts via a standard 2" hitch receiver would be best. I could use either my truck (or RTV??) or my tractor (with three point hitch receiver attachment installed) to spread seed. Would I be giving up alot in performance with the electric drive???

LoneCowboy · Sep 20, 2007

Riddler said:
I used the PTO driven, conical, Italian made model last year to seed about 8 acres with a cover crop seed mix. It met all of my expectations.

The speader I used last year was a loaner, and now I am looking to buy something. I have decided to get one from Herd, but first I would love to hear from folks who have an electric drive model, as opposed to a PTO drive model. For my situation, an electric drive that mounts via a standard 2" hitch receiver would be best. I could use either my truck (or RTV??) or my tractor (with three point hitch receiver attachment installed) to spread seed. Would I be giving up alot in performance with the electric drive???

No

I have the one that mounts on an ATV and it's super. (electric drive)

Z-Michigan · Sep 20, 2007

bjr said:
I would think a drop spreader type grass seeder is the only way to go for seeding expensive light grass seed. bjr

I seeded 5 acres using a hand-push type lawn seeder to spread pricey pasture seed. Results were so-so and it takes forever and 10 years beyond that. It works adequately on really small areas, but seed metering isn't real precise and it doesn't spread very far. For anything over a 1/4 acre, if you have several days to kill and need exercise, go ahead. (More seriously, I would say 3 hours/acre for a single pass, unless you're in terrific shape. If you want good results, plan on two passes at 90 degree angles. Have fun!)

LoneCowboy · Sep 20, 2007

I think he means a Brillion style seeder.
Which work ok
And they do use less seed than a broadcast seeder.
BUT
they cost about a $1000 a foot (yes, that's right, a 5' is about 5000 dollars)
I can put down a LOT of seed for 4300 dollars (difference between a Brillion and a broadcast)
BTW, Colorado State Univ (our Ag college) has a study on broadcast vs drilled seed for pastures.
Success rates are almost exactly the same.