Spreader Who makes a H.D. poly PTO spreader w/ S.S. gears?

Bob_Skurka · Aug 30, 2004

I've been looking for a while at PTO spreader/seeders but have been reluctant to buy one because of corrosion.

I've seen a couple European brands, plus the American made(???) brands Befco and Herd. All are basically the same. A painted -or-galvenized steel hopper with steel gears and painted -or- galvenized steel spreaders, some may have some stainless steel in the spreader mechanism. But basically they all look like they would corrode pretty quickly if used to spread rock salt. And since cleaning them out in the winter after spreading rock salt on the drive/roadway is a huge pain, I have delayed purchasing one.

I'd love to buy one that won't corrode. Is there any brand out there that is better than the others?

JDNineNinety · Aug 30, 2004

Bob, I would be very interested in a seeder like that. I don't
spread salt but I do spread fertilizer which is very
corrosive. I will be interested to see what some of the
tractor veterans think.

Bob_Skurka · Aug 30, 2004

Robert, I know I would pay extra for the stainless steel spreader mechanism. You can't totally ignore stainless, but you certainly don't have to worry as much about it; and I can't figure out what disadvantage there could be to a poly hopper.

Poly is non-corrosive, non-rusting and reasonably light weight. It would have to be fairly thick to handle the weight of the salt/seed/fertilizer, but that should not be a real issue. The only downside that might be a bit of an issue is that the hopper MIGHT attract static electricity which MIGHT cause some lightweight seeds to stick to the interior surface, but I can't imagine that could be that big of an issue if it even exists.

MicroPilot · Aug 30, 2004

Curtis makes a poly hopper salt spreader. Primarily designed for truck use they offer a 3PT option. Their web site doesn't say what the gears are made of. Here is a link: Tail Gate Spreaders

Howse also states that their spreader can be used for salt, but it's hopper is painted metal.

Bob_Skurka · Aug 30, 2004

Micro . . . I have never seen a Curtis unit that was PTO powered or 3pt hitch mounted, and I couldn't find it when I checked the link you provided. Did I look in the wrong place?

As for Howse, I don't really like their stuff (having owned a piece of it in the past and seeing how cheaply <light weight> it was built).

I'm really looking for something that is well made, heavy duty, and easy to care for. That's why I'd like to see stainless steel components instead of painted steel and a poly hopper instead of thin sheet metal.

MicroPilot · Aug 31, 2004

The Fast-Cast 2000 lists a tractor 3PT mount option. Probably not PTO driven though. This was the only Poly hopper with a decent capacity that could be 3PT mounted that I found searching the net. Found some others but for garden style tractors, and low hopper capacity (<100#).

jayhawkRoy · Aug 31, 2004

Bob, I will have to check, but I believe our spreader w/poly hopper is made by Fuerst. Since Fuerst is now part of Servis-Rhino, any Rhino dealer should be able to order one for you. I will look around and find out if I can find the specs on it.

Bob_Skurka · Aug 31, 2004

Roy, any help would be greatly appreciated. I have even given thought to buying a spreader and having a machine shop make some parts out of stainless for me. I guess I like good designs that don't break or wear out, especially under adverse conditions. In the summer it is easy to run a hose out and clean off equipment, but when the temps drop below freezing for days on end, bringing a hose out to rinse down a metal hopper and painted spreader parts is not as easy!!!

scout180 · Aug 31, 2004

40+ years ago we used all steel spreaders. High pressure wash or steamcleaned after use and then coated everything with used crankcase oil. I know we got at least 15-20 years out of them. Check with a local ag fertilizer dealer - they sometimes sell older equipment, pull type, but big and cheap.
Dave

Bob_Skurka · Aug 31, 2004

scout, I agree that any brand, properly cleaned will operate for many years.

My concern is in the winter, using salt, and NOT having access to proper cleaning with a hose or pressure washer because of freezing temperatures.