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Calibration
Spreader Flow Rate Calibration
The following instructions provide a method for adjusting the
flow of fertilizer from the hopper so that the correct amount
of fertilizer is applied to a 1000 ft² (92 m²) area. The machine
is designed to apply fertilizer evenly by overlapping each
pass by 50 percent. The spread width for most products is
approximately 14 feet (4,2 m). This means that the center of
each pass should be approximately 7 feet (2,1 m) from the
center of the previous pass. The effective material spread
width is 7 feet (2,1 m) and is the basis for calibration.
1. Measure a distance of 143 feet (44 m) on a flat paved
surface. Using a paved surface will allow the fertilizer
to be recollected and will prevent burning the turf if the
application rate is largely different from what is intended.
Traveling 143 feet (44 m) with the machine equates to
covering approximately 1000 ft² (92 m²) with fertilizer (7 ft
(2,1 m) x 143 ft (44 m) = 1001 ft² (92 m²)).
2. Set the gate stop to a setting of 5. This will be used as the
starting setting for dialing in the correct gate stop setting
for the particular material that is being used.
Note: The spreader will have to be calibrated for each
different type of material that is spread. Make sure to record
the final gate stop setting once the correct application rate
has been achieved.
3. Place the spreader gate lever in the CLOSED position.
Place enough material in the hopper to cover 1000 ft² (92
m²).
4. Begin the spreading operation while moving toward the
143 foot (44 m) marker. With the machine moving at full
speed, the hopper should just empty out as the machine
passes the marker. If the hopper empties before the
marker is reached, turn the gate stop dial to a slightly
lower setting and repeat the process. If the hopper
empties after the marker is reached, turn the gate stop
dial to a slightly higher setting and repeat the process.
Continue this process until the proper dispensing rate is
achieved.
5. When the calibration is complete, collect the fertilizer that
has been dispensed for reuse. Never leave the fertilizer
on the pavement where it can wash away in runoff.
Centering the Spread Pattern
The following instructions provide a method for adjusting
the center of the spread pattern so that fertilizer is evenly
distributed over the width of the spread area.
1. Obtain the following items:
• Eleven collection pans, 3 (7,6 cm) to 4 inches (10,2
cm) tall and 12 inches (30 cm) square (e.g. aluminum
roasting pans).
• Clear tube, 1/2" (1,27 cm) internal diameter, 4 inches
tall (10,2 cm). Use a permanent marker to mark the
tube at 1/4" (0,7 cm) increments all of the way up
the tube. This will act as a measuring device for the
collected fertilizer pills.
• A ruler or tape measure.
• A method of recording the collection amounts.
2. Set the gate stop to a setting of 5.
3. Move the hopper gate control to the OPEN position (the
hopper must initially be empty).
4. Turn the pattern control counter-clockwise to release
the lock and move the lever in or out so that the baffle
can be seen centered just below the opening of the gate
in the bottom of the hopper. Turn the pattern control
clockwise to lock into position.
5. Move the hopper gate control to the CLOSED position.
6. Load the hopper with the fertilizer to be used for
calibration.
7. Place the eleven collection pans on a flat paved surface
in a straight line on two-foot centers. Using a paved
surface will allow the fertilizer to be recollected and will
prevent burning the turf if the application pattern is largely
different from what is intended.
8. Make at least three passes traveling directly over the
center pan in a path perpendicular to the row of pans.
Note: All of the passes must be made in the same direction.
9. Pour the contents of the first pan on the left into the
graduated tube and record the amount of material that
is in the tube. Repeat this measurement for each of the
eleven collection pans. Add together all of the eleven
numbers to find the total material that was dispensed.
10. Divide the amount caught in each pan by the total
amount. This is the percentage that was caught in each
pan.
11. The distribution should increase towards the center pan
and decrease toward the outside pans. The distribution
should also be approximately the same on each side. If
it appears that the left side is receiving more material,
pull the spread control lever out slightly and repeat the
process. If it appears that the right side is receiving more
material, push the spread control lever in slightly and
repeat the process. Only slight adjustments are needed to
make spread pattern changes.
12. Once the correct distribution is achieved, measure the
distance from the console surface to the top of the spread
control lever. Record this measurement as the setting to
be used for the particular fertilizer being evaluated.
Note: The spreader will have to be calibrated for each
different type of material that is spread.
13. When the calibration is complete, collect the fertilizer that
has been dispensed for reuse. Never leave the fertilizer
on the pavement where it can wash away in runoff.
Calibrating the Spray Flow Rate
If the output from the nozzles is slightly different from the
values listed below, adjust the pressure relief valve slightly.
Unscrewing the valve knob will decrease the system pressure
and will decrease the output from the tips. Screwing the valve
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