5 Reasons to Buy the Best Fertilizer Spreader

Has your farming equipment begun to hold you back? Do you need new equipment for expansion or increased productivity? If so, then you need to consider investing in some serious equipment, and one of the most important items to increase farm productivity is a fertilizer spreader.

From huge, expansive farms to small scale setups, we can give you advice on the best spreader for your business. Read below for our must-know guide on the best fertilizer spreader for all occasions.

1. You Need Large Scale, Efficient Spreading

If you have large areas of farmland, but still need to deliver spreading with pinpoint accuracy, then you need a truck-mounted fertilizer spreader. These are heavy-duty machines, that not only give you the power and drive but let you control how and where fertilizer is spread. The range of controls on them lets you reduce overlap and decrease waste.

Great examples of these are the Edge Spinner series. The spreader can come mounted to a large, all-terrain truck, or you can choose to have a trailer type spreader attached to your vehicle of choice.

Optional features on these spreaders also include the ability to spread two to four products in a single pass. All products can be spread independently or at the same time as the main bin. This cuts down the workload considerably.

You Need a Spreader to Grow With Your Business

If you have a small scale farming business but are planning to grow it in the future, then a pulled spreader is a great option. Models like the Simonsen SMC series come in a range of options, each built for long-term durability and dependability.

The dished distributor fan has a flow control valve for an accurate spread pattern. Each comes with variable spread rates, so you can start out on smaller areas and still be using it as your business expands.

The spreaders come in 5, 6, or 8-ton models. They have a range of customizable options, so you can choose a device that suits your specific farming needs.

You Need to Spread on a Medium-Sized Area

For spreading over a medium to a small area, you should consider getting a broadcast spreader. These can either be a towed option or for small, nursery sized patches, you can purchase hand pushed, wheelbarrow style ones.

Broadcast spreaders launch the fertilizer over a wider area. They spread the fertilizer using a large fan-like piece beneath the hopper holes, and this is what will dictate how far it spreads.

The hole size and speed also dictate the size of the fan, and you will find that the further from the spreader the fan gets as you move across the lawn, the thinner the spreading will be. This means that you have to pass over the same section of the area a couple of times, to ensure a uniform spread. You can generally take it that the thick, main spread covers the first 75% of the spreader’s reach.

Because of this, broadcast spreaders do take some getting used to if you want that even spread. They also lack finesse, meaning they are not good for working around tight obstacles such as trees and fencing. Fertilizer can often scatter out of bounds, which is illegal in many places, and it can be impacted by adverse winds.

Luckily, they are very fast. If you have a small to medium, open expanse then a broadcast spreader should be your first call. You will find that industrial use pulled broadcast spreaders have increased accuracy for maximum efficiency, negating the problems inherent in smaller, cheaper models.

You Need More Small Scale Precision

Drop spreaders are the most accurate of the fertilizer spreaders. They release from the bottom, using gravity to drop fertilizer wherever you walk. As such, unlike broadcast spreaders, they can be very precise as they only drop where you walk or drive.

The width of this spread is measured by the distance between the two hopper holes. This means on each run, you must overlap wheel paths or you will get stripes. While this is a minor nuisance, it is not as hard to do as the overlapping required with a broadcast spreader.

The best method is to use a cross-hatch motion. Set the spreader speed to 50% and walk at a controlled, even pace. This should ensure even coverage.

The benefits of a fertilizer spreader that drops are their precision. You can quite easily move around objects and obstacles, and get the fertilizer into odd-shaped areas. The fertilizer will also not be spread out of bounds, meaning you do not have to clean it up after.

They are ideal for small plots and lawns, as they are easy to use. As they take more time than a broadcast, they are not suitable for large areas due to the time it takes to use them, unless you are extremely patient.

You Need the Best Fertilizer Spreader for Small Scale Uneven Terrain

Some fertilizer spreaders can be chest-mounted, and they offer more control than wheeled types. They are ideal for rough and uneven terrain, as you do not have to bend over and push. Instead, the weight of the fertilizer is carried on you like a backpack, and you can choose how and where to spread it.

The benefit of these is that you have total control over your spreading. However, they are suitable only for small areas.

Find a Trusted Retailer

Once you know the best fertilizer spreader for your needs, then find a reputable retailer. They will have the knowledge and advice to guide you, giving you the best models, and advising you on how to get value for money.

Your first stop should be AG Solutions. We have a range of farming equipment, both new and pre-owned, all at great, affordable prices. Contact us today to discuss your needs, and let us help plant the seeds that will grow the future of your farming business!