tow behind seeder/spreader vs 3pt mount spreader

[trikepilot]

So I am in the process of researching my options for a spreader/seeder that I can use on my property. This will be fairly light duty use for the most part. I see a need for annual ongoing grass seeding and overseeding along with basic grass starter fertilizer. I also will likely want to use it seasonally for deer food plots. And I will need to stay on top of lime application to stay not too far behind in the soil pH dept. This is on variably rugged and hilly land with some thick grasses that makes hand pushing not only strenuous but also means I have had more seeder/spreader tipovers than I would like.

I have started looking into tow behind seeder/spreaders - both broadcast and drop - that would be easily pulled by either my B2620 or my RTV400. However, that research has led me more often than not into territory occupied by the dedicated 3pt mounted spreaders. These 3pt spreaders are not too much more cost than a good tow behind broadcast/drop spreader and seem to be a good option.

My question is.... how does a big 3pt spreader deal with fine materials like grass seed, fertilizer granules, and lime? Will it do an adequate job on a variety of sized and shaped material? Anything to watch out for as I watch the CL and FBMP options popping up around me? Are some more "controllable" in terms of seed density and distance thrown?

 

[JasonW]

Most I’ve seen used have been well used/rusted out and still want almost new prices for them.
No experience with the tow behind models as we have a 3pt for decades. Wash out after every use and light coat of used hydraulic oil/diesel. And stored inside.

You cannot spread powdered lime with them, that requires an actual lime spreader. They have granular lime that will probably work but I’ve heard it doesn’t work as good as powdered lime.

 

[TheOldHokie]

So I am in the process of researching my options for a spreader/seeder that I can use on my property. This will be fairly light duty use for the most part. I see a need for annual ongoing grass seeding and overseeding along with basic grass starter fertilizer. I also will likely want to use it seasonally for deer food plots. And I will need to stay on top of lime application to stay not too far behind in the soil pH dept. This is on variably rugged and hilly land with some thick grasses that makes hand pushing not only strenuous but also means I have had more seeder/spreader tipovers than I would like.

I have started looking into tow behind seeder/spreaders - both broadcast and drop - that would be easily pulled by either my B2620 or my RTV400. However, that research has led me more often than not into territory occupied by the dedicated 3pt mounted spreaders. These 3pt spreaders are not too much more cost than a good tow behind broadcast/drop spreader and seem to be a good option.

My question is.... how does a big 3pt spreader deal with fine materials like grass seed, fertilizer granules, and lime? Will it do an adequate job on a variety of sized and shaped material? Anything to watch out for as I watch the CL and FBMP options popping up around me? Are some more "controllable" in terms of seed density and distance thrown?

View attachment 171509

I use a 500# Cosmo 3pt broadcast spreader like the one in your picture for those exact tasks. Works fine for grass seed and granilar fertilizers/herbicides. It puts material down fast. I have had it for a couple decades.

A drop spreader is more precise but a lot slower and harder to maneuver.

Whatever you buy poly is your friend.

Dan

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

My question is.... how does a big 3pt spreader deal with fine materials like grass seed, fertilizer granules, and lime? Will it do an adequate job on a variety of sized and shaped material? Anything to watch out for as I watch the CL and FBMP options popping up around me? Are some more "controllable" in terms of seed density and distance thrown?

if you end up with a homeowners sized broadcast spreader that you can't throttle back the spread rate you still have another solution.
in the event you can't slow down the material drop rate you can always mix it with some filler. For example if you want to drop powder which is very fine you can mix it with some dry sand or whatever other type of inert filler you can get cheap.
we mix pelleted slug bait (iron phosphate powder) with sand we dig up in our yard and use a small spreader to spread around our buildings. We get the powder really cheaply but without mixing with sand the drop rate would be way to fast in our little old spreader. We do the same mixing calcium used to raise the water hardness in pools around our tomatoes using similar trick with a chest mounted rotary spreader.

edit: oh and yes some do better job at low drop rates. Ours is terrible as its old, worn, but still very much usable.

 

[McMXi]

I bought a HERD 750-3PT seeder/sander from a coworker in 2017. I paid $850 for it and no doubt he ripped me off since that was his nature. He had an M7060 and would break just about every implement he ever used and complain that it wasn't made properly. He had made some Mickey Mouse modifications to the seeder, but in order for it to be useful to me I'd need to invest in some hydraulics since both of my tractors have cabs.

I used it one winter to spread sand and it worked well in that role, but since I'm averse to adding salt to the sand it's hard to prevent the sand from turning into rocks so I only used it one season. I would like to get it running again and have dry sand in it for the driveways but I haven't solved that problem yet.

I'm starting to get serious about the pasture at my place so perhaps seeding is in my future next year.

 

[rh74]

I have a Kubota VS220 spreader. This one will allow total control of any material. There is an option for a small material kit that blocks off 2 of the openings. The metering gates also have fine adjustments. Then finally different spouts change the spreading distance and area (meaning center to right, center to left, left and right but on the center). This unit will keep the material off the back of your tractor as well.

This is not a cheap option and it has a lot upgrade options. I bought it for 2 reasons. 1. No material on the back of the tractor (salt and fertilizer is my primary spreading material) 2. Control were the material goes. I have the standard spout for fertilizer and the smallest spout which only spreads the material about 6-7 feet. Which is perfect for my driveway.

If go this route, you can save a few bucks if you're willing to assembly the unit.

 

[trikepilot]

That VS220 is a deluxe looking spreader for sure but its well beyond my budget.

 

[rh74]

That VS220 is a deluxe looking spreader for sure but its well beyond my budget.

I was a little sick to my stomach when I purchased it. I had a couple of the lesser expensive cone units in the past and was never happy. I did almost buy one from Gandy. They were more cost friendly. Below is a link to their website. They have a bunch of different options (check all of their web page), so maybe you can find something that will work for you.

65-Series Drop Spreaders for Fertilizer, Seed and Granular Chemical

Use it to fertilize, seed, and apply herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and nematicides. Built for durability and accuracy, models in the 65-series are ideal companions for lawn-and-garden use, nurseries, research stations, or utility tractors used in turf work on parks, estates, and golf...

gandy.net

I think a operation and results are the same with a traditional cone PTO unit and if you don't plan to use it much. Buy the least expensive one.

 

[Old Machinist]

Depending on your required capacity you might also consider a ATV spreader and rig a mount and 12V power for it.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

I think a lot depends on what planting and the size/scale and frequency is important.

Some of the finer seeds if you buy from a reputable place will bulk them with a carrier such are rice hulls or oats.

As far as the lime goes, it can be purchased as pelletized however it dissolves much slower than the powder…that may or may not be a benefit.

If looking for close to perfect a drill is the way to go IMO. That’s a lot to spend for a food plot IMO. Broadcast spreading works great for plots IMO.

I think how you prepare the area for seeding also makes a difference as to which type of spreader…food plots really don’t require much.

If money no issue for food plottin’ and swasonal planting, Firminator is the way to go IMO.

If only for food plots…broadcast buckwheat. If fixing a gourmet salad for the critters, and don’t want to waste seed then I think makes sense to consider 3pt or A Firminator w/all the fixins’ or a drill.

I’d personally take a good used BRILLION DROP SPREADER for most seeding chores before considering buying a new broadcast spreader. (I have broadcast spreader(s) as the math just did not work for what I would like.).

Do you plan to pack after drop/spread seed? Depending on your process (and what you already have) the firminator might make sense. Figure out your process…sure that’s an expensive plot, but seed ain’t cheap either. Really depends on scope and expectations IMO.

Regardless what you get consider to clean after each use as some seeds have a coating that is corrosive. (If plan to spread salt or fertilizer that’s something else to consider maybe?)

If on a budget, shoulder holster spreader and bucket hand crank spreader is hard to beat IMO…deer turkeys and bees love buckwheat, it’s cheap and can grow just about anywhere. (If it’s a large area a 3pt might make sense)

If don’t want to buy equipment, ask your extension service if they rent implements or know who might(some municipalities rent and or sale their equipment from time to time. extension service usually a wealth of knowledge including who might be able to hire to plant for you. Usually worth visiting the office and bring a box of donuts with you, at least in my area is not frowned upon.