mercredi 20 mars 2019

Factors To Consider When 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.

Acquaint with the type of spreader to use. There are various types of broadcasters. The primary examples include the broadcast and the drop spreaders. The broadcast has a rotating piece beneath with hopper holes. It also has a fan that spreads the fertilizer as it passes over a field or a lawn. For the drop type, it has a long bar beneath that has hopper holes. Other categories used to define their difference include the hand-carry, walk-behind and the two behind spreaders.

Check the size of your lawn. The size of a yard has a significant impact on the type of spreader you need. The handheld type is ideal for small yards and people with limited budget. For commercial and large farms and lawns, clients should choose a large spreader that can fit the kind of farm that you have. You might need a big spreader that requires a tractor to pull if you have quite a large farm to consider.

Compare the automated or manual machines. Automated machines are ideal for people who have quite large lawns or farms to cover. However, they need someone who can maintain precision since they might fail to work as expected if not controlled adequately. The manual machine is suitable for much smaller lawns or farms since the operator can efficiently operate them without quite a lot of hassle.

Consider its balance and weight. The spreader must maintain balance to ensure that the fertilizer spreads in a uniform away. It also avoids toppling when filled with fertilizer. Besides that, most people prefer purchasing lightweight equipment since they do not put a lot of strain on the operator. Lightweight equipment reduces the stress effected on the back and shoulders of the operator.

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.

Take note of your calibration methods. You have to calibrate the spreader to maintain its efficiency. Focus on aspects such as the rotating speed of the fan, your speed, and the hopper size. The broadcast types have mechanisms that people can use to adjust to the required size. Repeat the procedure as many times as possible until you meet the right calibration.

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.




About the Author: