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Operation

1)  Before filling  hopper, make sure spread-
er handle lever is in the “OFF” position.
Always fill spreader on sidewalk or drive,
not on the lawn.

2) Loosen rate control knobs and move the tie
bar to setting recommended for the product
applied.  Retighten knobs.  If setting is not
known, refer to “Determing Application Rates”
section of this book.

3)  Always push spreader, do not pull. Start
spreader in motion and as it passes over
the area to be treated, push handle lever to
the “ON” position.  Close handle lever at the
end of each pass. 

4)  Operate spreader at 3 MPH pace. (33.3
feet in 7.5 seconds)

5)  Apply two header strips at each end of
area to treated and then proceed lengthwise
between the header strips.  Be sure to over-
lap the wheel tracks slightly to prevent
streaking.

6)  When applying lime, do not use lime-
stone that is so finely ground that it will pack
inside the hopper, or use hard, abrasive par-
ticles which will damage the spreader.  Use
only compacted, free-flowing, non-abrasive
lime products.

Determining Application Rates

PROCEDURE EXAMPLE

1) The manufacturer will recommend

The contents of this  

coverages on the product package.

package (25 lbs.)

Generally, it is stated as applying

covers 2,000 square

a certain number of pounds of 

feet.

product per 1,000 square feet.

2) Determine the amount of material

2,500 divided by 2,000

in pounds to cover 100 square 

square feet = 1.25 lbs.

feet.  Add two zeros to weight
of bag and divide that by the 
square foot coverage.

3) To change the decimal portion  

0.25 x 16 oz. = 4 oz.

of answer in step #2 to ounces,

Total weight = 1 lb.- 4 oz.

multiply decimal portion by 16.

4) On a clean sidewalk or driveway, measure out 33.3 feet - the 

distance required to cover 100 square feet.

5)  Add a measured amount of product to the spreader - 2 to 3 

times the recommended rate. Operate spreader at a brisk walk-
ing speed (3 mph of 33.3 feet in 5 seconds) over the measured 
distance. Empty the spreader and weigh the amount left. 
Compare with the beginning amount; the difference is the 
amount applied. Adjust the setting up or down to achieve the 
correct application rate.

The following procedure provides a means of accurately deter-
mining drop spreader settings when settings do not appear on
the package, or to “fine tune” the manufacturer’s recommended
settings. Spreader rates can vary due to walking speed, condi-
tion of turf, humidity, physical characteristics of the product
being applied, or condition of the spreader. It is good practice to
double check settings using the following method:

Maintenance

1) Never store unused material in spreader.  

Return unused product to its original container. 

2) Set rate slide on the highest number, open 

spreader and spin wheels to remove excess 
material.

3) Wash out hopper thoroughly after each use to 

remove material clinging to surfaces.  Pay close 
attention to area between the shutoff bar and 
hopper.  Allow spreader to completely dry.

4) Oil bottom of hopper, control housing spring and

agitators at the center bearing.  Lubricate axle. 

“Open”

Oil

Oil

Oil

Grease

Grease

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