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Section 2: Operation
FSP500, FSP700 & FSP1000 Broadcast Spreaders 309-065M
11/29/18
Field Application Pattern (One Example)
Figure 2-1
9. There are a variety of ways to spread product over a
field. With D = spread pattern and D/2 = one half the
spread pattern:
a. Start tractor (1) in a field corner at a distance
equal to (D/2) away from the field edge.
b. Maintain this half distance from the field edge as
you travel around the complete perimeter of the
field.
c. When approaching starting point (2), turn tractor
when at distance (D) away from the first run and
travel parallel to the first run until the tractor (#3) is
at distance (D) away from end of field.
d. Once you reach distance (D) from end of field,
stop power take-off, turn tractor, and drive forward
until at distance (D) away from the last run and
then turn the tractor (4) again to head back across
the field.
e. Start power take-off when at distance (D) from the
field edge and continue back parallel to the
previous run until tractor (5) is again at distance
(D) away from end of field.
f. Continue this back and forth pattern (2 to 3, 4 to 5,
6 to 7 etc.) until field plot has been covered.
NOTE:
To ensure full coverage (without skips), set
spreader to disperse product at half the rate and go
over the field plot twice using a 2nd pattern that
crosses the first pattern.
General Operating Instructions
By now you should have properly installed your Land
Pride Broadcast Spreader on your tractor. Based on the
type of material and pounds per acre or kilograms per
hectare you intend to broadcast, you should have
referred to the spreading chart in the Operator’s Manual
to determine the proper tractor ground speed, distribution
gate opening, and spread pattern setting for your
spreader. This process of taking prescribed fertilizer or
seed label rates and making the necessary spreader
setting adjustments is called “initial calibration”.
When setting your spreader up for initial calibration,
following the chemical or seed supplier’s label directions
and using the manufacturer’s application rate setting
charts is “absolutely essential and required”. Once you
have achieved your initial calibration, it is time to make
“final calibration” adjustments. Measure off an area
where chemicals or seed are to be applied. An acre or
hectare is preferred. Measure out exactly enough product
to cover the area at the manufacturer’s prescribed rate
and put it in the hopper. You should have already
determined the appropriate ground speed that will allow
you to meet the application rate and also maintain
540 rpm power take-off speed.
Start the tractor and travel to the plot you have measured
off. Maintaining proper ground and engine speed,
engage the power take-off and open the distribution gate
just as you move onto the plot. Look back often to
observe your distribution width and pattern density.
Typically the pattern won’t be as dense on the outer
edges. As you make your turn for an adjacent pass,
adjust your travel path to achieve uniform overlap and
pattern density. You may need to close and open the
distribution gate at the beginning and ending of each
pass. Your hopper should empty out just as you complete
coverage of your plot. If not, make the necessary
adjustments until you are absolutely confident that you
have achieved the proper final calibration.
Once you have achieved final calibration, load the
spreader hopper with the appropriate amount of material
to be spread. Do not overload hopper with more weight
than is specified for your individual model. If the tractor
front end becomes too light for proper steering, add
tractor weights to the front end. Proceed with spreading
operations looking back often to ensure a uniform
distribution pattern and to make sure there are no
interruptions to hopper flow.
With a little practice you should become a very good
applicator. Once you are done spreading, disengage the
power take-off, park the tractor, set the brake, shut off the
tractor, and remove the keys. When finished, always
clean out the spreader to prevent rust and corrosion.
