The first area is the spreader has a large flat bottom area which makes it difficult to finish up the product being dispensed. I've got some polypropylene sheets and I'll address this another time when I'm really bored...
The second area is the poor control of the amount of product being dispensed. It's got a scale from 1 to 10 and I typically use a setting of 2-3 depending on the product being dispensed. I keep records of what settings worked. Anyways a difference of +0.5 in the setting means I run out early and -0.5 means I'm out there another 20 minutes spreading product (I'm covering 60,000 square feet).
For years I've wanted to modify how much the spreader opens for a given handle movement and I finally did it. I really only use settings around 2 for fertilizer/lime and around 3 for grass seed. My plan was to lower the control rod position in the control handle lower toward the pivot point. The rod was 4" from the pivot. I drilled holes at 3" and 2" and ended up using the 2" position. The control rod had to be lengthened with about 2" of 1/4-20 threaded rod. This also allowed me to slide the control handle assembly about an inch closer to the tractor.
Before and after measurements were taken on how far the spreader opens for a given handle position.
Spreader settings (approximate)
Old setting = dimensions opened = new setting
1.0 = 0.068" = 1.5
1.5 = 0.175" = 2.5
2.0 = 0.3" = 3.75
2.5 = 0.425" = 4.5
3.0 = 0.525" = 5.625
3.5 = 0.625" = 6.5
4.0 = 0.750" = 7.5
Not measured = .850 = 8.5
Not measured = 1.05" = 10
Opening the spreader now requires more movement but leaves more adjustment range. It's also easier to reach the control handle from the tractor seat. TBD if it was actually worth the effort.
- Control handle pivot point
- Extended control rod
- Handle assembly slid forward
Harry