Belt spreader

Types of belt spreaders

• Walk-behind belt spreaders:

  Walk-behind belt spreaders are an affordable and adaptable choice for small-scale spreading tasks. They have a handle for spreading fertilizer, grass seed, and other materials while walking behind the machine. While the cost may be lower than that of larger machines, walk-behind belt spreaders still get the job done well for lawn care and landscaping work.

• Small hitch-towed belt spreaders:

  Small hitch-towed belt spreaders are designed for lawn care professionals or farmers with tiny fields. These spreaders can be easily towed behind a tractor or ATV, allowing them to cover a larger area without manual effort than walk-behind models. The spreading mechanism is the same, using a belt to evenly distribute seed or fertilizer behind the vehicle as it is towed.

• Large hitch-towed belt spreaders:

  Large hitch-towed belt spreaders are for farmers with larger fields to manage. Unlike small models that are towed by an ATV, these bigger spreaders require a larger tractor to pull them. Because they are pulled behind the tractor, they can cover more ground in less time than walk-behind spreaders. The belt system spreads fertilizer or seed evenly over the land from behind the tractor during normal fieldwork. The big size alone makes them suitable for spreading tasks on large farms or other expansive areas.

• ATV/UTV hitch-towed belt spreaders:

  ATV/UTV hitch-towed belt spreaders offer a versatile way to spread seeds or fertilizers in agriculture and landscaping projects. These spreaders are designed to attach to standard all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or utility task vehicles (UTVs) using a universal hitch. Once hitched up, the ATV or UTV can comfortably tow the spreader behind it, allowing material to be evenly distributed from the vehicle as it moves along. The compact size makes them well-suited for towing by ATVs and UTVs. They provide an efficient and convenient method for spreading small to medium quantities of seed or fertilizer over a wider area than walk-behind models.

• Floor conveyor belt spreaders:

  Conveyor belt spreaders are commonly used in the agricultural sector. They have a wide conveyor belt that can efficiently spread granular materials, like seeds, fertilizers, or feed, in a thin layer over large areas such as fields, pastures, or animal pens. The conveyor transports the material forward, and horizontal augers evenly distribute it right underneath the moving belt. The combination of the conveyor and augers allows for precise and uniform spreading of materials over a wide space quickly.

• Broadcast belt spreaders:

  Broadcast spreaders are commonly used in lawn care and small farming operations for spreading seeds, fertilizers, and other granular materials. These models feature a hopper to hold the material, a belt drive system to move the material off the hopper, and a spinning wheel to broadcast it over an area, usually behind and to the side of the spreader. The belt and wheel systems allow for even distribution and coverage. Broadcast belt spreaders effectively spread small to medium quantities of material over an area without having the operator walk behind the machine, making them well-suited to cover larger spaces more quickly.

Specifications and maintenance of a belt spreader

• Hopper capacity:

  A belt spreader's hopper capacity ranges from 5 liters to 200 liters or even more, depending on the type of the spreader. A larger capacity allows handling more material at once, minimizing frequent refilling during operation.

• Spreading width:

  It is the widest area a belt spreader can cover while distributing material. The spreading width of a belt spreader ranges from 1 meter to 3 meters. The spreading width is usually adjustable to ensure precise material distribution according to varying situations and requirements.

• Spreading rate:

  It refers to the speed at which materials are distributed, typically expressed in kilograms per hectare or pounds per acre. It varies depending on the conveyor speed, motor power, and material characteristics. Spreading rates for agricultural applications typically range from 50 kg/h to 500 kg/h, allowing for precise control of fertilizer and other material application.

• Power source:

  Belt spreaders can have different power sources, including hydraulic systems, electric motors, and gasoline engines. Spreaders that are operated through electric power sources are best for small-scale applications as they ensure low maintenance costs and quiet operations. On the other hand, spreaders powered by gasoline allow great flexibility in application as they are not constrained by the power grid.

• Spreading accuracy:

  It is crucial for precise soil amendment, fertilizer application, and pest control. Belt spreaders can achieve high accuracy by controlling the quantity and uniformity of spreading, especially when adjusting spreading rates and using calibrated spreader settings.

• Material compatibility:

  Different types and models of belt spreaders are suitable for various materials, such as granular, powder, and particle-like substances. Some spreaders can handle corrosive and high-temperature materials with specialized belts and hopper designs.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of a belt conveyor is crucial to ensure its proper operation. Here are some routine maintenance practices that can help keep the fertilizer conveyor in good condition.

• Perform a maintenance check after every 8-hour use to avoid equipment breakdown. The immediate checks after usage should involve inspecting the conveyor belt and bypassing the use of a fertilizer to identify any underlying issues that could negatively affect the operations of the conveyor spreader.
• Apply grease or any other recommended lubricant to all moving parts of the belt spreader. Lubricating the machine's moving parts helps enhance its longevity and, more importantly, keep the component in good condition.
• Implement a clean as you go policy on the belt spreader. It means operators should routinely clean the machine as it works. Cleaning the machine while it's in use helps prevent the build-up of debris and material that could damage the conveyor spreader's components over time.

Applications of belt spreaders

• Agricultural fertilizer application

  Belt spreaders are commonly used for applying a wide range of fertilizers such as lime, gypsum, single super phosphate (SSP), muriate of potash (MOP), mixed fertilizers, etc., and for spreading them uniformly in fields. Fertilizer spreaders with belts can be used on pastures, hay fields, crop land, and golf courses. The ability of the belt to adjust to various sizes and work smoothly with different types of fertilizers makes it an important tool for getting better crop production.

• Lime and gypsum application

  In soils where acidity is a problem, lime is applied to reduce it. Lime can be spread evenly over the soil using belt spreaders. Gypsum spreaders for agriculture can also be used to treat sodic soils with gypsum, improving soil structure. The precision and uniform spreading of lime and gypsum by belt spreaders help in soil improvement and enhancing agricultural production.

• Seed and fertilizer combination application

  Some belt spreaders have the option to sow seeds and fertilizers together through separate bins. This allows for a convenient distribution of seeds and fertilizers in a single pass, improving field efficiency and promoting uniform crop growth.

• Sand and salt spreading

  Belt spreaders are also used for spreading sand and salt on roads in winter to prevent ice formation and ensure safer driving conditions. Whether it is sand for traction or salt for de-icing, belt spreaders provide a controlled and even distribution, enhancing winter road safety.

• Spreading of salt in coastal areas

  In coastal regions, salt may be spread to manage soil salinity or other agricultural practices. Belt spreaders excel in spreading salt uniformly, helping to mitigate the adverse effects of soil salinity and promote healthy crop growth.

• Cover crop seed spreading

  Belt spreaders are useful for spreading cover crop seeds in conservation agriculture or soil erosion control practices. The precise distribution of cover crop seeds by belt spreaders promotes quick establishment, reduces soil erosion, and improves soil health.

• Turf renovation and lawn establishment

  In turf management or lawn establishment operations, belt spreaders can be used to evenly distribute seeds, fertilizers, and other amendments. The uniform application provided by belt spreaders aids in turf recovery, plantation success, and landscape enhancement.

How to choose belt spreaders

It is important to think about the following factors when choosing a belt spreader machine: attachment type, hopper capacity and live bottom, spreading speed and accuracy, material construction, adjustable belt width and frequency, power source, maintenance requirements and safety features.

• Consider the kinds of attachments it can provide. Because they let users treat different kinds of surfaces and get various kinds of results, this is crucial for focusing on a particular field or purpose.
• Users can make it spread far and more effectively if the hopper capacity is bigger or there is a live bottom. For industrial and big-scale use, this is particularly essential.
• Higher accuracy and spreading speed are important qualities for users to achieve their objectives more effectively. These qualities greatly affect the quality and efficiency of jobs.
• Investing in spreader belts with robust materials is sensible to ensure they withstand regular use.
• Adjustable belt widths enable users to change the area covered according to specific needs or situations, while frequency adjustment can adapt the spreading rate to different materials.
• The flexibility of use and easy-to-learn controlling systems make machines suitable for various users with different levels of experience.
• For heavy-duty and long-term work, the kinds of materials used to make the spreader machine's body are also crucial.
• An essential consideration is the ease with which all parts can be cleaned and serviced, which helps to ensure that machines remain in good working condition for longer periods.
• Maintaining operator safety is paramount, thus it is necessary to ensure the machine is equipped with protective components, such as guards and emergency stop buttons, to prevent potential hazards.

Belt spreader Q and A

Q1 What is the difference between a belt spreader and a drag mat?

A drag mat can be pulled behind a tractor, landscaping truck, or another piece of machinery to disperse gravel or dirt that has been dumped in a pile. While a drag mat may work fine for some tasks, a belt spreader is usually a better choice for larger premises because it provides a more uniform spread. Because of the hopper's capacity and the spreading mechanism's efficiency, a belt spreader may cover more area in less time than a drag mat.

Q2 Are there any driving restrictions when using a spreader belt?

In general, it is not advisable to drive at more than ten miles per hour when using a belt loader. The best practice is to travel in spreading terrain rather than transporting the machine to its destination. Some spreaders have a recommended maximum speed indicated in the user's manual. Follow the guidelines here to keep the spreader in fine working order.

Q3 What is the weight capacity of a belt feeder?

The typical hopper capacity for a belt spreader is around 1,500 lbs, although this will differ depending on the machine's model and the material it is intended to handle. Fertilizer is lighter than asphalt, and because a greater volume of fertilizer is needed to cover a given area, a hopper designed to spread fertilizer will have a greater capacity than one designed to spread asphalt.

Q4 What is the lifespan of conveyor belts in a spreader?

The lifespan of the belt will depend on several factors, including its width, the type of material it conveys, and its operating speed. When the belts are not in use, they should be stored in a ventilated dry place away from sunlight. After a few months of use, the belts should be cleaned and checked for signs of wear and damage. With proper maintenance and timely inspections, the belts can last for many years.