A simple visual pattern test can be
made by operating the spreader over a
non-turf area and evaluating the pattern.
A more accurate method is to place a
row of common, disposable, aluminum
cake pans approximately 1 foot on
centers. Set the rate cam at a middle
setting and make 3 or 4 passes in the
same direction as shown. Pour the
material collected from each pan into
individual bottles of the same size. Set
them side by side in order, and visually
inspect their volume. The effective
pattern width is the distance out from
the spreader to a point where the
amount of material is 1/2 the average
amount in the center pans. This
distance is multiplied by 2 to achieve
the total effective pattern width.
Knowing the effective pattern width (for example,
10 feet), measure a distance equal to 100 square
feet (10’ x 10’ area covered). Determine the
product coverage is pounds/ 100 sq. ft. by taking
the weight of the product and dividing it by the
recommended square foot coverage (add two
zeroes to the weight of the bag).
EXAMPLE: Product weight: 25 lbs.
sq. ft. coverage: 5,000 sq. ft.
2500 lbs. - 5,000 sq. ft.
= .5 lbs. / 100 sq. ft.
Weigh out between 15 to 20 lbs. of
material and spread over the 100 sq. ft.
area. Weigh remaining material left in
hopper and adjust rate setting as
required. Repeat test until application
rate is correct.
HOW TO DETERMINE SPREADER
HOW TO DETERMINE SPREADER
HOW TO DETERMINE SPREADER
HOW TO DETERMINE SPREADER
SETTINGS AND SPREAD WIDTH
SETTINGS AND SPREAD WIDTH
SETTINGS AND SPREAD WIDTH
SETTINGS AND SPREAD WIDTH
Two major factors should be considered when determining correct spreader settings of any
product:
1. The product application rate, or the amount of material applied per 1,000 square feet.
2. The effective pattern width, or the actual width in which material is applied. Label settings
are a guide and can be affected by numerous factors.
EFFECTIVE PATTERN WIDTH
EFFECTIVE PATTERN WIDTH
EFFECTIVE PATTERN WIDTH
EFFECTIVE PATTERN WIDTH
APPLICATION RATE
APPLICATION RATE
APPLICATION RATE
APPLICATION RATE
5
