Operation
1)Before filling hopper, make sure spread- er handle lever is in the “OFF” position. Always fill spreader on sidewalk or drive, not on the lawn.
2)Loosen rate control knobs and move the tie bar to setting recommended for the product applied. Retighten knobs. If setting is not known, refer to “Determing Application Rates” section of this book.
3)Always push spreader, do not pull. Start spreader in motion and as it passes over the area to be treated, push handle lever to the “ON” position. Close handle lever at the end of each pass.
4)Operate spreader at 3 MPH pace. (33.3 feet in 7.5 seconds)
5)Apply two header strips at each end of area to treated and then proceed lengthwise between the header strips. Be sure to over- lap the wheel tracks slightly to prevent streaking.
6)When applying lime, do not use lime- stone that is so finely ground that it will pack inside the hopper, or use hard, abrasive par- ticles which will damage the spreader. Use only compacted,
Determining Application Rates
The following procedure provides a means of accurately deter- mining drop spreader settings when settings do not appear on the package, or to “fine tune” the manufacturer’s recommended settings. Spreader rates can vary due to walking speed, condi- tion of turf, humidity, physical characteristics of the product being applied, or condition of the spreader. It is good practice to double check settings using the following method:
| PROCEDURE | EXAMPLE |
1) | The manufacturer will recommend | The contents of this |
| coverages on the product package. | package (25 lbs.) |
| Generally, it is stated as applying | covers 2,000 square |
| a certain number of pounds of | feet. |
| product per 1,000 square feet. |
|
|
|
|
2) | Determine the amount of material | 2,500 divided by 2,000 |
Maintenance
1)Never store unused material in spreader. Return unused product to its original container.
2)Set rate slide on the highest number, open spreader and spin wheels to remove excess material.
3)Wash out hopper thoroughly after each use to remove material clinging to surfaces. Pay close attention to area between the shutoff bar and hopper. Allow spreader to completely dry.
4)Oil bottom of hopper, control housing spring and agitators at the center bearing. Lubricate axle.
in pounds to cover 100 square | square feet = 1.25 lbs. |
feet. Add two zeros to weight |
|
of bag and divide that by the |
|
square foot coverage. |
|
|
|
3) To change the decimal portion | 0.25 x 16 oz. = 4 oz. |
of answer in step #2 to ounces, | Total weight = 1 lb.- 4 oz. |
multiply decimal portion by 16. |
|
4) On a clean sidewalk or driveway, measure out 33.3 feet - the | |
distance required to cover 100 square feet. | |
| |
5) Add a measured amount of product to the spreader - 2 to 3 | |
times the recommended rate. Operate spreader at a brisk walk- | |
ing speed (3 mph of 33.3 feet in 5 seconds) over the measured | |
distance. Empty the spreader and weigh the amount left. | |
Compare with the beginning amount; the difference is the | |
amount applied. Adjust the setting up or down to achieve the | |
correct application rate. |
|
“Open”
Oil
Oil
Oil
Grease
Grease
3
