Spreader sand/salt spreader question

[bx24d]

I've been thinking of investing in a sand/salt spreader for my 300' gravel/paved, moderately hilly dirveway. I currently have a BX24 with FEL and a woods rear blade (with skid shoes) which just did a nice job of removing 8 of the 9 inches of snow (yesterday's storm) and not the stones. I would like the ability to spread sand on the paved portions that can get icy and packed down at times. I've looked at 3 pt spreaders but would like to avoid taking the RB off during a storm just to use the spreader. I'm thinking of buying a tow-behind spreader that I can hook up to something (my pick up or FEL). Not sure of the quality of these (how will plastic hold up in zero degree temps) or other issues that I might not be considering. Has anyone used these for this purpose?

 

[hazmat]

I'd recommend an ATV or trailer hitch model. Get one specifically designed for salt and sand vs. fert. You could weld up an attachment point off the rear blade frame. (edit here) or FEL bucket or simply use it with your truck.

Curtis is one option.

WARNING sand is notoriously difficult to spread. If it gets wet at all, it will "bridge" and jam the spreader. Best to keep it bagged in a dry location (vs. a pile in the yard).

 

[George2615]

We used a tailgate spreader at work similar to the Curtis one Hazmat provided a link to. Ours had a 12V spreader motor and seemed to work well. The only problem we had was it was too small for doing the entire parking lot and required constant refilling. A couple years ago they bought a slide in spreader for the pickup which has a much greater capacity. The tailgate spreader we had would mount in a standard 2" receiver or on a 3 pt. hitch or on a homemade tow behind trailer and only required a 12V switched hot lead and a ground. I think a tailgate spreader would work fine for your 300' drive. If you get a 3 pt. mount you could have it adapted to also fit a truck receiver hitch.

 

[hwp]

I agree with Hazmat. I have about 400 feet of paved driveway and I use a Byers spreader that is meant to fit into a receiver on a SUV. Mine is mounted on the back of my tractor. If you have a receiver on your truck, this type of unit would work well. The control lead is long enough to reach to your cab. A hopper full of sand or salt would be about the right amount to make one pass of your driveway. They are good for salt or sand but the sand has to be very dry. I keep a few totes of sand in my basement to keep it dry for when I need it.