Spreader Sprayer vs. Spreader

ericinmich · Jun 30, 2005

Here's a question that I couldn't find 'debated' in my search of history...

I’m debating the purchase of a sprayer vs. spreader for maintenance on my 2+ acres of new lawn that has 4 week old grass growing (somewhat). Either would be 3pt mounted, PTO driven which I think is the best bet for my TC29D.

The pro’s of spreader:
- Can spread fertilizer, weed killer, seed (after aerating, etc)
- Throws material further, but with probably less uniformity

The pros’s of a sprayer
- Can spread fertilizer, weed killer (but no seeding)
- More uniform coverage (but with more exact driving around trees, etc)
- ?? Better for brush control??

What I don’t know is which would be more econimacle to spread fertilizer, etc…

Thanks in advance for any comments,
Eric

hobbyfarm · Jun 30, 2005

Boy,
Talk about an apples and oranges comparison. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
(especially if that orange is an orange dyed kiwi fruit!)

Soundguy · Jun 30, 2005

SPREADER!!!

There's tons of different types of soil amendments.. lime.. iron.. magnesium.. etc. Most of these come peletized.. granular or powder. Some may come as liquid.. but most won't

A spreader spreads pretty uniform in my opinion.

I have a cheapy spreader for my old 8n.. lots of weld repairs.. looks like ****.. but it absolutely invaluable.

If i want a sprayer.. I can buy a pump (electric is easy.. ), a 55g drul and some hose and pvc pipe... and make one.. besides.. TSC and HF sell a 15 gallon electric spray rig for 75$.. easy to plop that in a garden cart and tow.. or drop it on a box blade or pallet carrier and go... the spreader ont he other hand may set you back 300$+ easy.. but it is well worth it. Course.. with only 2ac.. it may not be as 'worth' it for you.. but I have 13ac to fertalize and seed.. etc.

Soundguy
Soundguy

Tim_in_IA · Jun 30, 2005

Can you spread powder or does it just stick? Never thought of using one of these for powder. That would be great.

more specifically, I was thinking of spreading the Diatomaceous Earth. Could a spreader do that? (very fine powder)

hobbyfarm · Jun 30, 2005

Tim_in_IA,
Usually for powders to spread right, there has to be some type of blower to propel the product uniformly. Also, to keep the product flowing and prevent clumping, there is usually some type of agitator.
Example: <font color="brown">Air-O-Fan's Trail Duster</font>

Tim_in_IA · Jun 30, 2005

hobbyfarm, thanks for the link. That blower looks like my wood chipper with benefits, so I am betting they want some $$$ for it. I'll have to look around if I get serious about that project.

I had a feeling that the powder would clump but I just wasnt sure as I had never tried it. the only spreader I've used is an old end gate seeder.

thanks,

Soundguy · Jul 1, 2005

Yep.. you have to have a serious agitator that prevents clumping over the feed hole ont he broadcast spreaders. There are some out there with decent agitators..

Soundguy

KennedyDiesel · Jul 2, 2005

I'm building a sprayer as most of my use is for weed/fertilizer application. While Scott's Weed and Feed does well, it's tough to time when the grass is wet enough and even then a lot of the granules just fall off.

For spreading I have a large walk behind unit and a small Earth Way handheld unit that can be VERY handy...

OkieG · Jul 4, 2005

I took the easy way out and have one of each. The spreader is used for pelletized fertilizer, though is can spread all sorts of treatments, as Soundguy mentioned.
The sprayer is used for Round-up, pre emergent, and broadleaf liquid chemicals.

Your question was which is most economical. Assuming you could find all the treatments you wanted in either spreadable or sprayable form, it still might be cheapest in the long run to have both a spreader and a sprayer.
Chemicals to treat your 2+ acres of property are not cheap. If you save a few dollars on the liquid here, and a few dollars on the pellets there, it will add up. If there is a choice, buy which ever version (liquid or pellets) is most economical and your savings will pay for the additional implement before you know it.

The other issue Soundguy alluded to is that you may not be able to find all the treatments you want in just liquid or just pellet form.

OkieG

bigpete · Jul 5, 2005

Just like OkieG says, both are invaluable. I broadcast fertilizer, pre-emergent, and lime. I spray for broadleaf weeds and pests in both turf and trees.

If you can only afford one, save up and get both. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif