ronhatch 406 #1 Posted March 13, 2022 (edited) With spring right around the corner here in northern Illinois, I was wondering if anyone has ever built a front mounted lawn fertilizer using a modified pull behind or walk behind unit? The 'fertilizer slinger' could very easily be driven by the engine PTO using a small V belt with a 1/4 twist in it. I always thought it would be a worth while project. Unfortunately I just never got around to building one and now that I'm old and gray, it's not going to happen. Edited March 13, 2022 by ronhatch Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,295 #2 Posted March 13, 2022 I see a swing and a miss here - you will be running over a portion of what you put down. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JCM 9,130 #3 Posted March 13, 2022 When I bought my first WH in 89 I also got a 36'' drop spreader for it. The only thing it seemed useful for was putting down lime and at that it made more of a mess than anything. Also tried fertilizer and was tough to make the overlap come out correct without leaving dark and light stripes on the lawn. That attachment has remained in the garage for many years idle. I resorted to a rotary walk behind spreader and never looked back. I do like your idea and hope it comes to fruition if someone could figure it out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,302 #4 Posted March 13, 2022 I wouldn't put a lot of effort in modifying a consumer grade spreader. I just replaced the cracked hopper on my Agri-Fab and made a plastic bearing to fit the worn shaft, the effort and expense wasn't worth it. These things are throw away items and are to be placed at the curb with the disposable tractors sold at the big box stores. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,174 #5 Posted March 13, 2022 The pro landscapers around here all have stand-on powered broadcast spreaders (don't know the manufacturer). They look like chariots racing across the lawn! The pro "weed and feed" companies are using what looks like a mini version of a farm liquid sprayer system. Even has a hose to get off and reach the spots the vehicle can't get to. You could look at some of those for ideas! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,987 #6 Posted March 14, 2022 1 hour ago, Handy Don said: They look like chariots racing across the lawn Is this what it looks like in Cortlandt, New York. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,174 #7 Posted March 14, 2022 22 minutes ago, wallfish said: Is this what it looks like in Cortlandt, New York. Yep, exactly like that except without the barrels and the ostriches! This looks like a LOT more fun. Hey, maybe substitute a WH for the ostrich and have chariot races? 🤪 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,648 #8 Posted March 14, 2022 Have you checked the price of fertilizer, after checking you may not want a spreader. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ronhatch 406 #9 Posted March 14, 2022 21 hours ago, ri702bill said: I see a swing and a miss here - you will be running over a portion of what you put down. i I don't see a problem with running over he fertilizer that's just been spread on the lawn Bill. DJM; I agree with you, a drop spreader is useless for the most part, unless you have a small city lot, but I'm talking about a broadcast spreader. I should have made that clear, Sorry. Lee, Yes the price of a 36 lb of fertilizer went up $10 at my Farm and Fleet store, but not at our local Minards store. I didn't check out our local Home Depot though. Lynnmor; That's whats fun; Fixing and improving old stuff and making it better then new. I wish I could do that to myself! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,295 #10 Posted March 14, 2022 Ron My point is that some will get pushed into the ground, the other MAY get blown or washed away - do you really want stripes on the lawn that resemble a bad metallic paint job?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ronhatch 406 #11 Posted March 15, 2022 9 hours ago, ri702bill said: Ron My point is that some will get pushed into the ground, the other MAY get blown or washed away - do you really want stripes on the lawn that resemble a bad metallic paint job?? Bill These seem to work OK. This is the type of spreader the guys in the lawn maintenance business around here use. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
