Spin Spreader Sitrex 400, I think.

[bjr]

This is one them generic, 3-400 lbs cone shaped spin spreaders. I'm wanting to seed a couple acres with pasture mix seed ,probably about 30-40 lbs., and I'm not sure the gate opening on the regulator is fine enough for the grass seed. I'm afraid I blow all my seed out in one spot. What I'm thinking is using something like floor dry or kitty litter (diatomaceous earth) as a filler to give the seed some volume for better distribution. Will this help or is there a better filler to use. What do you guys think. bjr

 

[flusher]

This is one them generic, 3-400 lbs cone shaped spin spreaders. I'm wanting to seed a couple acres with pasture mix seed ,probably about 30-40 lbs., and I'm not sure the gate opening on the regulator is fine enough for the grass seed. I'm afraid I blow all my seed out in one spot. What I'm thinking is using something like floor dry or kitty litter (diatomaceous earth) as a filler to give the seed some volume for better distribution. Will this help or is there a better filler to use. What do you guys think. bjr

Pelletized fertilizer would be my choice, assuming you need the nutrients on your seedbed.

 

[backdoor]

I've used a couple different brands of those cone spreaders, for seeds and fertilizer. When I plant grass, I just watch closely to see how much seed is being spread and how far out it is going. Open the gate as you see fit for the speed you are going. You could lay out an old sheet or spread some seed in a paved area to see just what you are doing till you learn what to set the gate opening on. I never mixed my seeds with any kind of filler. The grass seeds will not spread as far out as the fillers mentioned, so they may fool you as to how much coverage you are getting. Try to put out about half of your seeds going back and forth, the other half going up and down the field, in a criss-cross pattern to get the seeds more evenly spread.

 

[john_bud]

I would mix DRY soil, fertilizer and pelletized lime in equal portions and an equal VOLUME of grass seed to soil and spread that. You will have more control over the mix that way and will be adding nutrients at the same time.

 

[hotchkiss]

I may draw a lot of fire for this one, but I think you are better off without any filler. Filler is no different than trying to broadcast more than one type of seed at the same time. Unless you are seeding a very small amount, the agitation will cause the smaller seed to work to the bottom of the hopper and come out first. Then the next size seed will come out. Sure at first you will spread some of all sizes, but eventually they will seperate.

The same seems to be true with every filler I have tried. And, the problem with seed is that once you have spread it (incorrectly), I think everyone will agree it is awfully tough to go around and pick it back up.

 

[browns40]

I would think it ought to work fine with just the straight seed... I'd adjust the chute "best guess" (manual calls between 1.5-2.5 for clover, up to 2.5-4 for barley... all depending on thickness you want to spread) and get a feel for what the increments do to the aperture, then go with a small trial run first.

Like you say, danger is dumping out the works right off the bat.

Fertilizing this spring was a bit of a trial & error deal, and I ended up doing smaller passes slower & lower to get a garden plot the density I wanted... your case you're going to have the agitator really cranking around & wheel turning fast.