Tractor 3 point fertilizer spreader

Types of 3-point tractor fertilizer spreaders

A 3-point fertilizer spreader is a farm machine designed to attach to the rear of a tractor using a three-point hitch. The tractor 3 point fertilizer spreader comes in varying sizes to serve different farm areas. It harnesses the power of the tractor to evenly broadcast various types of solid fertilizer to promote healthy and uniform plant growth. These spreaders are typically used for spreading granular fertilizers, seeds, lime, and other soil amendments.

Fertilizer spreaders that fall under the three-point hitch category can be divided into two major categories based on their material application techniques, which include the timing of material application and the precision involved.

• Gravity Drop Spreaders: This is the most traditional type of spreader. It works by utilizing the force of gravity to drop fertilizer through an adjustable flow rate onto a rotating fan. The fan, powered either by the tractor's PTO or by dragging along the ground, then broadcasts the fertilizer in a wide swath. The spreader's hopper is filled with fertilizer, which is released through a chute onto a wider rotating disc or bucket. Usually, spreaders of this kind are inexpensive and suitable for uneven terrain.
• Spinner Broadcast Spreaders: They are similar to drop spreaders but have a spinning disc that broadcasts the material in a wide swathe as the tractor moves forward. They are available in towed, mounted, and skid configurations to suit different tractors and applications. Most spinner broadcast spreaders are versatile and cover large areas quickly. Depending on the size of the spreader, it can be used to cover an area of between 1 to 10 feet.
• Pulled Behind Spreaders: As the name suggests, these spreaders are generally hitched to the back of a tractor and used to spread fertilizer and seeds over large areas. They are perfect for big, open fields that are mostly flat. Many farmers opt for pulled behind spreaders to make seeding and fertilizing in large areas more efficient. Most of these spreaders are designed to be pulled behind an ATV or UTV, making them extremely easy to use.
• Precision Air Spreaders: Unlike conventional spreaders that drop materials based on terrain or vibration, air spreaders use a controlled airflow system to deliver fertilizer to the field. They excel in precise, small-rate applications over large areas, commonly used to enhance crop production in high-intensity farming. Some ideal models are designed to handle narrow-row fertilization strategies. However, due to their expensive price, air spreaders are more suitable for large-scale commercial use rather than small, home gardens.

Other fertilizer spreader types not based on the three-point hitch include the pull-behind spreader and the walk-behind spreader.

Specifications and maintenance of tractor 3 point fertilizer spreaders

Specifications of tractor 3 point fertilizer spreaders

• Sizes and capacities: Tractor 3 point hitch fertilizer spreaders come in various capacities to suit different farm sizes. They often range from 150 liters to 1500 liters. Larger spreaders are suitable for extensive farming.
• Compatible tractors: Most 3-point hitch spreaders are designed to work with tractors that have a three-point hitch system. This system usually uses Category 1, Category 2, or Category 3 hitches. Category 1 is for tractors with 20 to 40 HP. Category 2 is for those with 40 to 80 HP. Category 3 is for those with 80 HP and above.
• Weights: The weight of the spreader comes in. heavier spreaders stay stable while spreading. Lighter spreaders are easy to lift and move. Their weight affects how much fertilizer each spreader can hold. Normally, the light ones are around 50 kg. the heavier ones can weigh up to 400 kg.

Maintenance of tractor 3 point fertilizer spreaders

It is important to keep the 3-point hitch fertilizer spreader in good condition to ensure it works well and lasts a long time. Here are some easy tips for regular maintenance of the spreader.

• Before using the spreader, always check it carefully. Look for any signs of damage or anything that may be loose. Check the bolts, nuts, and hitch pins. See if they are secure. Look for clogged or worn-out parts and clean them up. Taking these few minutes to inspect the machine helps prevent any breakdowns later on. It also helps to find small issues before they become major repairs.
• While spreading fertilizer is important, the spreader also needs to be lubricated. Grease all moving parts regularly. This includes the gearbox, pivot points, and axle bearings. Lubricating allows smooth movement and prevents excessive wear from friction. It also extends the life of the spreader.
• Cleaning the spreader after use is very essential, especially if it has come into contact with corrosive materials like lime or certain fertilizers. Rinse it off thoroughly to remove any leftover fertilizer. Soap and water can be used to clean stubborn residues. Take special care to clean flooded areas and those hard to reach. Allow proper drying before storing away.
• Storing the spreader properly through off-seasons is important as well. Keep it protected in a dry shelter away from any harsh weather elements like rain or snow that could cause rust. When not in use, store the spreader on a flat surface or hang it up using its built-in lifting points. These help protect any skids or the spreader’s frame.

Scenarios of tractor 3-point fertilizer spreaders

• Spreading fertilizers in large fields

  For estate farming, a three-point hitch fertilizer spreader is excellent for broadcasting lime, fertilizers, and other soil amendments in large pastures and fields. Farmers can attach the spreader to the back of their tractor to evenly distribute the fertilizer quickly over a large area. This helps to save time and increase efficiency.

• Maintenance of turf and lawns

  Using a tractor-mounted spreader with a 3-point hitch is ideal for rolling grass farms like turf and sports fields. Turf managers can use the spreader to apply nutrients and other fertilizers to maintain high-quality grass. The 3-point hitch allows for the precise spread of materials.

• Rehabilitation of land

  Large land areas that have been disturbed, like construction sites or areas affected by natural disasters, need to be rehabilitated. A 3-point hitch spreader can be used to spread grass seeds and fertilizers to promote regrowth and improve soil stability.

• Food crop production

  Large plantation and small holder farmers can use the 3-point tractor spreader when planting food crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans, to apply fertilizers. The spreader helps to improve crop yields by ensuring that all the plants get the right amount of nutrients.

• Orchards and Vineyards

  In vineyards and orchards fertilizing the plants is usually done on the row basis. The 3-point spreader can help farmers to easily apply fertilizers along the plant rows. This helps to optimize growth and fruit production in these permanent crop systems.

• Weed control

  Using a 3-point hitch spreader can help to apply herbicides in a cost-effective method when controlling weeds. The machine can be used to ensure that only a small amount of chemicals is used while minimizing the operator's exposure and maximizing treatment efficiency.

How to choose tractor 3 point fertilizer spreaders

There are many tractor 3 point spreader options with different types, sizes, and models. Retailers can narrow down their selection by thinking about the customers' needs. In this case, market research is very important when choosing spreaders for resale. The first step would be to find out the popular type of spreader used in a given market.

Identify the farming practices used by the farmers who are likely to buy the fertilizer spreader. Consider the size of the farms in the area and the kind of fertilizer used. Many small-scale farmers prefer using tractors and equipment designed for economies with smaller land areas. Such spreaders are often used for rearing poultry because of the close pens and land used.

In contrast, large-scale farmers who cover large areas need efficient, durable spreaders that can work for long distances. Go over the popular brands of spreaders used in the area and their features to find out what customers will be willing to buy. Retailers should also know the price range to ensure they can stock spreaders that are within the farmers' budgets.

Laws and regulations governing the use of fertilizer spreaders should also be considered. When choosing fertilizer spreaders to resale, choose high-quality ones that have user manuals and clear installation directions. Extra parts should also be readily available to ensure the customers can get the needed parts quickly.

It is important to know how easy and safe the spreader is to use. Many customers will choose spreaders that can easily be attached to tractors and moved from one area to another. Convenient storage options, like folding parts, will make it easier for the spreader to be stored when not in use.

Since many farmers use spreaders for many years, it is important to choose durable models that can withstand daily use. Strong frames and spreading plates can be counted on for longevity. The retailer should also stock spreaders with corrosion-resistant materials to ensure they can withstand harsh fertilizer chemicals.

Q & A

Q1: What are the safe load indicators used in fertilizer spreaders?

A1: They are graphical representations used in the fertilizer spreader machine to show the maximum weight or volume of loads that are safe and can be handled without risking safety.

Q2: What is the difference between a hopper and a spreader cart?

A2: A hopper is a large container or bin used to hold and discharge materials, while a cart spreader is a vehicle equipped with a spreading mechanism to distribute materials uniformly over an area.

Q3: Should one's fertilizer spreader be tow-behind or pull?

A3: A tow-behind spreader is towed behind a vehicle, providing freedom and efficiency for large areas, while a pull-type spreader is pulled by hitching it to a vehicle, suitable for both small and large tractors.

Q4: What are the common types of fertilizer spreaders?

A4: The Types of fertilizer spreaders include drop spreaders, broadcast spreaders, gravity spreaders, pendulum spreaders, and worm wheel spreading mechanisms.