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tow-behind spreaders

9 years ago

Hi Everyone,

I am looking to start using a tow-behind spreader this season. I'm done with pushing a heavy spreader across my large lot with rolling terrain - even after upgrading last season to a commercial quality Earthway spreader last year.

Other than access into tight areas, the only other potential issue that I can think of is that whatever material that I would be spreading would be thrown onto the rear of the tractor, and in particular the transaxle, transmission, wheels. frame, etc. Given the corrosive nature of fertilizers, this is somewhat concerning.

I'm careful with maintenance, so my first thought would be to just blow everything off immediately with a leaf blower, but I'm guessing that granules could still get lodged in hidden areas. I'm looking for feedback from others that used these types of spreaders and how they have handled this issue.

I'm also open to any other feedback or advice as well. I do not plan on buying an inexpensive unit. I will buy something with metal gears, solid axle, large pneumatic tires,etc.

As always, thanks in advance.

Fcarp

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Comments (4)

leafeanator
9 years ago
I too have been looking at getting a tow behind. I'm 70+ and have medical problems so trying to do it easier. I searched many sites and I kind of like the Earthway 2050TP for about $100 or the 2150 for $200. Could not determine if the 2150 has metal gears or not or why it is double the price other than capacity. One review didn't like the settings are different than popular units like Scotts - but it now says it comes with a conversion chart. Good reviews. The tow behind spreaders shoot the fertilizer out the back away from the tractor.
leafeanator
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Solved my spreader problem, hired Scotts to do it for me, about the same price as my purchasing the chemicals and they use stronger stuff and put it down. I know less seat time, but I still have my aerator.
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First thing out of the box before you start assembling the unit. Make sure that the gear box will turn the impeller. Saw two that were defective from the factory and after two to three hours the guys spent putting them together was wasted. For after the replacement part came for one he had to take it all apart and start over. The other took the it back to Home Depot after he wasted three hours assembling it only to have to go through the assembly process again. Myself I prefer a Brinly-Hardy. Especially like the Stainless steel gears and rotating assembly.
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Thanks folks for the great information! I'd read where the agrifab's and others like it stripped the gears sometimes after only one or two times using them. That to me is throwing money out the window. With the economy as it is, I'd rather purchase something a bit higher in price and get something that will last. Jim, I read some good comments about the Earthway. I already have an Earthway garden seeder of which I'm very pleased with. Since you're in the Raleigh area, could you tell me where you purchased your unit? I've found one on Amazon, but would like to see one up close if possible. I checked TSC, and they do not have the Rug-Id that I can find. I did notice several models, some with metal gears. Others didn't have a description, so I'd bet they are plastic. Too ashamed to say what material the gears are I guess. I did read one bad comment on the Earthway. The new owner posted that he'd made a quick sharp turn and the unit over-turned causing it to bend the "cheap" metal attachment to the tractor. My question in my mind what just how fast was he going to cause this kind of damage, and just how is that the fault of the manufacturer? It takes all kinds I guess. I do appreciate the responses. It really helps us first time buyers. Cheers!
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My dad uses a brinly-hardy tow behind he got from home depot--It's a drop spreader with a big spiker on the bottom to open up the ground & the fertilizer or preM just falls right in the holes. He loves it & the St. Augustine has never looked better. No clean up either, broadcasters throw stuff everywhere, but the dropper is super clean. Not exactly a commercial grade implement though, just thin sheet metal & screws.
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exmar zone 7, SE Ohio
9 years ago
Couple of years ago, I went on a search for a tow behind rotary spreader, they're all over, you can spend as much or as little as you want. FWIW, this is the one I ended up getting.

http://www.amazon.com/Brinly-BS36BH-Broadcast-Spreader-175-Pound/dp/B001U40NFC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428255220&sr=8-1&keywords=brinly+spreader

I thought this one was a good compromise of features, particuarly, "directional" thow, left, right or both, always throws behind of course. Two years later, it works fine, no problems. Bit of a PITA to put together, but then what isn't? Another feature I liked compared to the "less expensive" ones, is it has good control on amount of product you're spreading. Lots of them, open and shut it a couple of times and you have to readjust everything. :-)

Clean up is the garden hose, top, bottom, sides, etc. make sure you open and close the "gate" while spraying, also the directional slide. Most of it is heavy plastic anyway. After that, take it for a drive, it's always spinning so dries quickly. Spray oil (not WE40) where appropriate and you're done for a year.

Good luck,

Ev
fcarp63
Original Author
9 years ago
Sorry for the delay in responding and thanking everyone for their replies - was on vacation in SC. Boy, the weather sure is nice down there in late-March early April versus in CT.

The Brinly that Exmar suggested is one of two that I narrowed it down to and I am going to get that one.

Thanks again. Fcarp

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