hankhill – posted 11 October 2006 01:14
Two questions about spreaders…
1. I’ve noticed that some of the professional granular products from Lesco advise that they should only be used with a broadcast spreader. I loathe broadcast spreaders (at least the walk-behind kind) because they fling stuff everywhere, so I use a drop spreader. I can only guess two reasons for Lesco’s advice–(a) does a drop spreader damage the time-release coating?, or (b) does a drop spreader not mix the granules as well as a broadcast spreader?
2. I have the Scott’s handheld little broadcast spreader, and use it to apply granules in tight spaces and in ornamental beds. However, I notice that it doesn’t apply granules very smoothly. It seems to get into either a “light” mode or “heavy” mode. I.e., it will disperse the granules at a heavy rate for a while, and you’ll see the level drop rapidly, and then all of sudden, the rate will drop to a very low level. I’m guessing here that it’s a problem with the column of granules perhaps sticking to itself and not wanting to drop through the hole in the bottom of the bin. However, it’s happened with multiple granule types and all are dry and in good condition. Is there a better brand of hand spreader?
[This message has been edited by hankhill (edited 11 October 2006).]
TexanOne – posted 18 October 2006 01:16
Thats a good question, and I dont know the answer. One would think the drop spreader would have less impact on the time-release coating as opposed to the impact of the impeller wheel of a broadcast spreader.
I checked out the Lesco site, thinking maybe this was a marketing ploy and they only marketed a broadcast spreader, but I see they have both drop and broadcast types.
Just my opinion, but drop spreaders take a little practice and skill to operate to avoid gaps in coverage. Maybe Lesco is just covering their bases by recommending the broadcast spreader to avoid any possible complaints with gaps and such (no pun intended).
Im not exactly sure just how hard of an impact would have to be to break the time-release coating, but I would tend to believe you would really need some serious RPMs going on a broadcast spreader to do something like that – like running a sprint.
I bought a cheapo, all-plastic, spreader at Wallyworld years ago that does an excellent job with no throwback of the product at all. I dont understand why anyone would buy a $300 broadcast spreader for the occasional residential application. Just my two-cents worth
TexanOne – posted 18 October 2006 01:18
P.S – I have never found a really good quality hand spreader. The last of good ones disappeared years ago. Today, they all appear to be Chinese-made, discount-store brands.
BuckinNC – posted 18 October 2006 08:40
In general, LESCO products have a variety of different sized particles in the bag. Most have yellow or white balls in addition to other granules having varying diameters. This makes it tough to achieve the proper balance through the slots in a drop spreader. Much easier with the 1 to 3 holes in the rotary. Further, a rotary drops, via gravity, about 5 to 8 times the volume as does a drop spreader on a single pass. This also does not argue well for using a drop with particles of different mass – goes way too slow.
If you really want to use a drop with LESCO I suggest using “Greens Grade” products. They have a much smaller variaztion in particle size, they are all pretty small and no balls – at least in the ones I use. The down side is that: 1) they are pretty expensive compared to the standard grade and 2) do not have much, if any, slow release – I think that is the white balls in the standard grade. So you have to apply more frequently.
In addition to being a lot more compatible with a drop spreader, Greens Grade products have a whole lot of additional nutrients that help provide a really stand out turf.