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Spinner Assembly
Spinner speed is adjustable as outlined above, and is a major factor in a proper spread
pattern. The best spinner speed will depend on the material being spread, and only
obtainable by way of testing.
Material properties play an important role in properly adjusting the spinner speed for the
maximum spread pattern width. The particle size and distribution can greatly affect the
spread width. This can vary from 25 feet for very finely ground dry lime and up to 70
feet or more for extremely large pelletized fertilizer. For each material there is an
optimal spinner speed. In other words, there is a spinner speed that results in the best
spread pattern and width.
Setting the spinner speed above the optimal speed will not create a wider pattern;
instead it will result in a poor spread pattern. By setting the spinner speed to high, there
will be a heavy deposit of material directly behind the tractor as a result of the break-
down of material. The maximum spinner speed will be lower for finely ground material,
and can be much higher for coarser materials. Generally the optimal spinner speed will
be somewhere between 650 and 750 rpm for ordinary materials. Once the initial testing
is completed, testing should be repeated at the beginning of each spreading season,
anytime maintenance or adjustments are made to the spread assembly, and periodically
throughout the season as components can wear and change spreading characteristics.
NOTE: Spinner discs and blades must be kept clean and maintained to ensure a
proper spread pattern. A small build-up of material can have adverse effects on
the spread pattern. Rusted, rough, bent, or worn blades and discs will produce a
poor spread pattern.
Material Divider Assembly
As spinner speed is an important factor in a proper spread pattern, the position of the
material divider is equally as effective in acquiring an optimal spread pattern. The
position of the divider varies from one product to the next, and best determined by
testing. However, there are some guidelines listed below on divider setting.
When spreading ag lime, be sure to remove the rear section of the divider, and start with
the divider set on 1-1/2".
For most fertilizers, begin with the divider at approximately 2-1/2".
While spreading, if too much material is applied directly behind, move the divider
towards the back of the spreader. If there is more being applied outside of the tractor,
adjust the divider towards the front of the spreader.
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