Rebuilding a sand spreader

crazyal · Jun 23, 2012

I picked up an old Herd seed/ sand spreader that needs the hopper replaced due to rust. I've been at work since then so haven't had a chance to check to see what gauge steel the metal is but I'm guessing it's about .1". It looks like a 4x8 sheet would be enough material to replace the entire hopper. My plans are to use it to spread sand in the winter. It looks like the agitator inside the hopper either gets close to or hits the sides (by design). So my question is if I was to splurge and rebuild the hopper with stainless so it will last a lifetime what gauge should I use? I haven't priced it yet (maybe the shell shock will discourage me) but I would want it to be thick not to be damaged by the sand or agitator but not so think that it costs too much money to justify.

rhett · Jun 23, 2012

The lower portion of the hopper could be fabricated as an overkill. The section that houses the agitator, perhaps 6 to 12 inches tall around the agitator could be as heavy duty as desired. The upper portion of the hopper only holds the material and is not subject to much abrasion, so thinner lighter weight material can be used for that portion. Perhaps some framing to help strengthen the thin sheet metal.

Is the current hopper round?

If so, only the agitator portion need be fabricated as round, the hopper could transition from square or rectangular holding cone to a round agitator assembly.

Not well worded, maybe the idea is there to see through minimal description.

crazyal · Jun 23, 2012

It's one of the larger Herd seeders that's rectangle. I did look at it after I got home tonight and you can see where the agitator hits the lower tapered sides of the hopper. So I could use a lighter gauge for the top section.