Tips For Buying Variable Rate Spreaders

By Amy Burns


The fertilizer spreader has been standard equipment used to fertilize lawns and farms. Farmers and homeowners prefer using it since it spreads the fertilizer evenly as compared with traditional broadcasting methods. There are quite a few aspects that one should take note when buying such products. Here are tips for buying variable rate spreaders to consider.

Look for the best type of spreader. The market has different kinds of spreaders that one can choose. The main difference varies according to the method used to spread fertilizer. They are either drop or broadcast types. The broadcast type has a fan beneath which spreads fertilizer produced through hoppers. The drop type operates quite differently since it has a long bar with hopper holes that drop the fertilizer along the lawn or farm.

Consider the size of your lawn or farm. For small yards, homeowners should consider a handheld spreader or a mini pusher. Most people favor the handheld since it does not take quite a lot of time to prepare. They are also budget friendly. Those with large lawns or commercial parks should look for large equipment that can cover large spaces. Some of the spreaders are big enough to the point of needing a tractor to pull them along.

Determine whether to purchase a manual or battery-powered machine. You can use the battery powered if you love automated machines. However, you need to be ready to maintain the equipment since it requires quite some attention as compared with the manual type. People who prefer using the manual type have an affiliation to manually operated machines.

Take note of the weight and balance. Consider lightweight and ergonomically designs that are comfortable to pull or push without inducing a lot of stress on the back or shoulder. It is also necessary to consider its balance to avoid tipping once you load fertilizer on the spreader.

Ensure that it can accommodate enough fertilizer. There are small, medium and large capacity spreaders. The small and medium are suitable for small scale fertilization but requires constant filling to cover more substantial grounds. The large capacity is quite efficient when fertilizing large spaces but need mechanical input to control them. One does not have to worry about refilling when using such sort of equipment.

Adjust the calibration. The spreader usually loses its efficiency when used for quite a long time. Therefore, one has to calibrate it to maintain its ability or accommodate new requirements. Broadcast types have a mechanism that one can adjust the fan speed and the size of the hopper holes as well. Another aspect that is crucial to change includes setting the right walking speed that can maintain efficiency during the process.

Consider its maintenance. You should consider aspects such as storage, lubrication, repair, and touchups when you intend to maintain the quality of your spreader. Ensure that every product used in these measures are good enough to meet your expectation. Look for professional input whenever you are unable to handle some of these considerations.




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