Seed and fertiliser spreader

Types of seed and fertiliser spreaders

Generally, seed and fertiliser spreaders are used to evenly distribute seeds and fertilisers over a targeted area. Common types include the drop spreader, accurate spreader, gravity spreader, air-blast orchard spreader, and pendulum spreader.

• Drop spreader

  The drop spreader is equipped with a hopper and multiple small drop holes that can be used to fall specific seeds and nutrients directly into the ground. It is a type of spreader that relies on gravity to drop the seeds and fertilisers vertically onto the ground. This spreader is connected to a towing hitch that can be towed by an ATV, lawn tractor or garden tractor. A drop spreader is suitable for covering a narrow area, so it would work well for targeting specific plants or garden spots. The drop spreader's accurate vertical drop makes it ideal for applying weed killer or lawn fertiliser.

• Accurate spreader

  This kind of seed and fertiliser spreader is designed to offer precise applications of seed, fertiliser, lime, or pelletized manure. It is equipped with a computer-controlled system which provides both accurate and variable rate applications through a file-based mapping system. This means that using an accurate spreader can decrease product waste, lower input costs, and improve crop quality and revenue.

• Gravity spreader

  The gravity spreader can be mounted to an ATV, UTV, or lawn tractor with a standard hitch. It is a durable solution for spreading fertilizer, seed, and ice melt. This spreader uses the force of gravity to move the material downwards and outwards onto the ground. The material is spread by a rotating disc and can be refilled while it is still mounted on the vehicle.

• Air-blast orchard spreader

  The air-blast orchard spreader is used mainly for commercial fruit production. It uses a low-pressure fan to blow the seed or fertiliser in a fine consistent mist. The spreader can be mounted on a tractor or pulled behind towed equipment. It is a suitable machine for arching trees or dense tree rows.

• Pendulum spreader

  When theHopper is swung back and forth, this type of seed and fertiliser spreader distributes material in a lateral movement. It can be connected to a towing hitch for towing behind a tractor or an ATV. Pendulum spreaders work well for applications such as spreading seeds and fertiliser over a wide area like a lawn or field.

Specification & Maintenance

Specifications

Although they can have different specifications, spreaders usually have the following basic specifications:

• Capacity

  The capacity is the maximum volume or weight of the item spreaders can hold and distribute. It is usually measured in liters or bushels for seed spreaders and kilograms or pounds for fertiliser spreaders. Agricultural tasks often require larger capacities, so spreaders can cover more area with fewer refills.

• Spread Width

  The spread width refers to the maximum breadth over which seeds, fertilisers, or other materials can be spread. It is determined by the size of the spreader, its design, and the type of material being spread. The spread width typically ranges from about 1 to 12 metres. A wider spread width can help cover larger areas more efficiently, but it may also require a higher degree of accuracy and control to ensure even distribution.

• Weight

  The weight of a seed and fertiliser spreader can vary widely depending on its type, size, and capacity. An unmounted, manual spreader weighs between 3 to 10 kilograms, while the mounted ones weigh between 30 to 100 kilograms. Larger, more massive spreaders can be towed behind tractors or other vehicles, weighing hundreds or even thousands of kilograms.

• Materials

  Seed and fertiliser spreaders are constructed from various materials, commonly high-quality steel or durable plastic. High-quality steel can boost the strength, stability, weight, and longevity of the spreader.

Maintenance tips

Like other farming equipment, seed and fertiliser spreaders need maintenance and occasional repairs. Thanks to their simple construction, they can be easily maintained by following a few simple principles:

• Thoroughly clean the spreader after each use to prevent material buildup and corrosion. Use soapy water and a scrub brush to clean the hopper, agitator, and distribution components, and flush any contained hoses.
• Regularly lubricate any moving parts, such as bearings, axles, and rubber seals, using a lubricant to keep them moving freely.
• Check for loose, damaged, or worn parts, especially belts, chains, and drive components, and make any necessary repairs or adjustments.
• Regularly calibrate the spreader to ensure accurate material application, and refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific repair and maintenance guidelines.

Scenarios of Seed and Fertiliser Spreader

Here are some common scenarios where seed fertilizer spreaders are used.

• In the home lawn application, gardeners and landscaping experts want to create uniform seed and fertilizer dispersion while avoiding waste. They take advantage of seeders and spreaders for an efficient, economical, and precise method of applying seed and fertilizer.
• In the parkland and sports pitch management, central park authorities and sports pitch maintenance managers desire to improve the quality, aesthetics, and durability of green areas and sports pitches. They want to achieve turf with optimal density, health, and visual appeal. They want to minimize disruption to park-goers and sports activities during the maintenance process.
• In the large-scale agricultural settings like: planting and pasture management; large-scale arable farmers and ranch pasture managers desire to expand their operational efficiency and maintain high levels of productivity. They want to achieve time-saving solutions, uniform application, and cost-effective maintenance of fields and pastures. They want to minimize labor input while maximizing output and maintaining the health of crops and pasture land.
• In the efficient pasture renovation; livestock management system operators are looking to restore degraded pasture lands and improve the nutritional value of grazing areas. They want to achieve a rapid establishment of high-quality forage and minimize the time from pasture renovation to realization of economic returns.
• In the public landscape maintenance; city infrastructure managers and public authorities are responsible for maintaining green spaces in urban settings. They desire to enhance the visual appeal of public parks and green belts while contributing to environmental sustainability and urban biodiversity. They aim to use maintenance practices that are cost-effective and time-efficient, ensuring good management without diverting resources from other essential city services.
• In the highway and roadside management; transport infrastructure managers and road maintenance crews seek to maintain safe and environmentally friendly roadways. They desire to prevent erosion, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure road stability while minimizing the visual impact of interventions. They want to use methods that are effective, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
• In the reclamation and restoration; environmental contractors and ecological restoration specialists seek to restore degraded landscapes and protect biodiversity. They desire to promote soil stabilization, enhance ecological resilience, and mitigate environmental degradation while ensuring that restoration practices are scientifically sound and environmentally sustainable. They want to ensure that interventions are reversible and do not harm existing ecosystems.
• In the golf course construction; golf course architects and landscape developers aim to create high-end recreational facilities that meet international standards. They desire to establish pristine playing surfaces that provide both technical challenges for players and aesthetic appeal for investors and stakeholders. They want to ensure rapid establishment of turf areas while minimizing disruption to the overall project timeline and budget.

How to choose seed and fertiliser spreaders

When selecting seed and fertiliser spreaders for sale, consider targeting various buyers by choosing spreaders in different sizes, models, and types. Focus on walk-behind spreaders for sale to fertilise home lawns routinely and spread seeds on small, easily accessible plots. Also, consider ordering walk-behind spreaders with pneumatic tyres and a rugged design for commercial landscapers. Similarly, focus on spreading machines, such as tow-behind and hitch models, that easily attach to the hitches of ATVs, UTVs, trucks and tractors. Farmers with large plots can efficiently cover a large area with these types. For farmers with very large fields and those who farm on rugged terrain, choose seed and fertiliser spreaders powered by electricity and those that run on battery. They may have variable-rate control and prescriptive spreading capabilities, enabling precise spreading tailored to specific field conditions.

Furthermore, consider ordering spreaders with different capacities and sizes. Small-capacity spreaders typically have a hopper capacity of 5 to 10 pounds and are easy to carry around and easy to store. Many home gardeners and public parks will choose these types to easily maintain lawns and flowerbeds. In contrast, large-capacity spreaders have a holding capacity of 50 pounds and above. They are usually used on large agricultural farms and golf courses. They minimise the frequency of refills and are ideal for spreading fertilisers and seeds over expansive areas. While most seed and fertiliser spreaders are made to spread dry materials only, consider different spreader designs that can also handle different types of materials. Some have a drop mechanism for spreading seeds precisely over designated areas, and others have a hopper with spinner discs for spreading seeds and fertilisers widely and uniformly.

Finally, order seed and fertiliser spreaders with varied dispersal mechanisms and types that are compatible with numerous fertilisers and seed kinds. Ramped hoppers with adjustable gates work well for poultry litter and other light fertilisers, while spinner discs effectively handle granular fertilisers and seed with various dispersal settings. Choose spreaders with additional handy features, such as adjustable spreading widths, precise calibration options, and easy-to-operate controls, that most farmers and gardeners prefer. To save retail buyers and end users extra costs, consider spreaders that are already fitted with a spread pattern control. Additionally, check the build quality, including heavy-duty frames with rust-resistant coating and reliably smooth wheels and caster that ensure long-term use, especially in rugged agricultural settings.

FAQ

Q1: How does a seed and fertiliser spreader work?

A1: The spreader should be calibrated regularly so that accurate application rates can be achieved. When spreading seeds, the setting should be higher than when spreading fertiliser due to the heavier weight of the seeds. Checking the spread pattern is important to avoid overapplying or underapplying.

Q2: What are the benefits of using a seed and fertiliser spreader?

A2: Seed and fertiliser spreaders save time, reduce labour costs and produce more even applications which can improve crop growth and yields.

Q3: What are some limitations of using a seed and fertiliser spreader?

A3: The spreaders can be limited by the operator's knowledge and experience, as well as soil and weather conditions. Spreading should be done under dry conditions for the seed to germinate and fertiliser to work effectively.

Q4: How should a seed and fertiliser spreader be cleaned?

A4: Cleaning the spreader after each use is important to prevent caking of materials and build-up. Fertiliser is corrosive, so it's essential to remove any leftover from the machine.

Q5: What types of seeds can be used with seed and fertiliser spreaders?

A5: Most spreaders can be used with grass seed, wildflower seed and cover crop seeds. Larger spreaders can be used for farm crops like corn, soybeans and wheat.