Husqvarna 70 LP How To Determine Spreader, Settings And Spread Width, Effective Pattern Width

HOW TO DETERMINE SPREADER

SETTINGS AND SPREAD WIDTH

Two major factors should be considered when determining correct spreader settings of any product:

1.The product application rate, or the amount of material applied per 1,000 square feet.

2.The effective pattern width, or the actual width in which material is applied. Label settings are a guide and can be affected by numerous factors.

EFFECTIVE PATTERN WIDTH

A simple visual pattern test can be made by operating the spreader over a non-turf area and evaluating the pattern. A more accurate method is to place a row of common, disposable, aluminum cake pans approximately 1 foot on centers. Set the rate cam at a middle setting and make 3 or 4 passes in the same direction as shown. Pour the material collected from each pan into individual bottles of the same size. Set them side by side in order, and visually inspect their volume. The effective pattern width is the distance out from the spreader to a point where the amount of material is 1/2 the average amount in the center pans. This distance is multiplied by 2 to achieve the total effective pattern width.

APPLICATION RATE

Knowing the effective pattern width (for example, 10 feet), measure a distance equal to 100 square feet (10’ x 10’ area covered). Determine the product coverage is pounds/ 100 sq. ft. by taking the weight of the product and dividing it by the recommended square foot coverage (add two zeroes to the weight of the bag).

EXAMPLE: Product weight: 25 lbs.
sq. ft. coverage: 5,000 sq. ft.
2500 lbs. - 5,000 sq. ft.
= .5 lbs. / 100 sq. ft.	5

Weigh out between 15 to 20 lbs. of material and spread over the 100 sq. ft. area. Weigh remaining material left in hopper and adjust rate setting as required. Repeat test until application rate is correct.