Drop spreader for weed and feed not putting out expected amount...

[Innovate1]

Have been waiting for a good morning to apply weed and feed. The last few days the grass was dry but this morning it has lots of dew so jumped on it. Did a test area to verify the amount it was putting down. Then did some larger areas and didn't get nearly as much. Didn't have time to investigate but all I can think of is the bottom of the spreader got wet from some taller grass that drug on the bottom of the spreader and then the material got stopped up or at least didn't flow nearly as well. Sound like a possible cause? I will make sure it's well mowed next time. It's growing like crazy now with the rain and warmer temps.

I'm going to use a broadcast spreader for the large, open areas but using the drop spreader for the tighter areas.

 

[Kaizen]

eh.....more likely the adjustmnet know of cable in relation to that bottom part. Unless you took a 4 hour beer break i don't see how the moisture could do that. I just use a broadcast and go slower on narrow areas.

 

[BurtEggley]

do you clean it off when you are done? Ever calibrate it?

 

[pcmeiners]

If the bottom of the feeder get wet from past rain or dew, you will get poor spreading results from my experience.

 

[Buckaroo5]

I have gone through a number of spreaders in my homeowner career. I went through a number of cheap Scott's broadcast spreaders to a more expensive (but still cheap) Scott's drop spreader seeking more accurate delivery. You are right about the impact of wet, high grass causing delivery issues on the drop spreader plus you need to be very accurate on your path to avoid missed stripes. My search for an accurate spreader finally led me to my current tool - the Lesco 50 lb capacity broadcast spreader with the powder coated steel frame which was pricey (maybe a little less than $300) but I at least was able to resist the 80 lb stainless steel frame model at double the cost. Very happy and don't plan on ever buying another lawn spreader in my lifetime. Wish I had bought it sooner. Cannot just rely on the recommended setting. Need to maintain consistent speed & overlap and keep track of settings and usage based on the product to get good results.

 

[BurtEggley]

I go by square footage and pounds of fertilizer. If the label says 10 lbs per 1000 sq feet, I weigh 10 lbs and then control my speed and delivery to cover 1000 sq ft. Quite frankly, at the published rates, a hand spreader works quicker and easier than a push style. I break the lawns into areas that are say 15' x 30' +/-, roughly 450 - 500 sq feet and use 5 lbs (or whatever is the rate) on that area with a little overlap. I can hit the whole area with a couple steps in any direction quicker than I can run my drop spreader over it back and forth Then do the next 450 - 500 sq ft. 5 minutes done. Since I started using the hand spreader, my life has been so much easier, and probably the drop spreader has not been used since. I also get soil tests once a year so I know exactly what the chemistry in the lawn is doing and what it actually needs. I can use a N-P-K fertilizer, just N or just K. It has ample P in it.

 

[niget2002]

The spring on mine has gotten weak. Pulling the handle isn't pulling the flapper open all the way anymore. Then it's not always closing either. I guess 15 years out of a cheapie from Walmart isn't too bad.

 

[Innovate1]

Appreciate the feedback. It is an older unit so the opening could be less and out of adjustment but I did a calibration run and output decreased over time. It's small enough I used a bathroom scale and could pick the unit up and stand on the scale - easy to go over a known area and then get the drop in weight. And a lot easier/faster than weighing a scoopful and then filling the hopper with counted number of scoops.

 

[BurtEggley]

output decreased over time

sounds like moisture is causing material to stick to the opening and gate, that or the mixture is stratified with smaller particles to the bottom and larger ones to the top. Hose it off good when you are done and let it dry, silicone spray it a few days in advance to let it evaporate before using it again, or just hand brush the opening and gate, silicone spray it, and try to get it cleaned up. The drop kind that sit inches off the grass will get clumps on them in damp grass, and foul. The ones that are rotary do not. Also try putting out fertilizer later in the day after the lawn dries.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I still have the same Agway spreader 20 years ago. Oil rusted area adjust it by hand if wire does not work.

 

[Innovate1]

I cleaned out the spreader and the outlet slots were plugged as I suspected. Cleaned it out and let it dry. Then trimmed the grass short the day before and spread it on a morning with some dew on the grass. Worked much better. I did find that some people had raised their spreader - it was a broadcast type and the complaint was some material hitting the wheels and causing streaks in the grass. Slightly different issue but I could 3d print some rings to go over the tires to raise it an inch or two and have lots less issues with the bottom of the bin getting damp. Or spread when it's dry. Most places recommend when it's damp so the material sticks to the leaves but I am wondering if doing it in the evening on a calm night when I expect dew in the morning might be nearly as effective and a lot less worry about the wrong things getting wet.

 

[BurtEggley]

unless you are using a weed killer product, you don't want it sticking to the leaves. You want to water it in. N will escape into the atmosphere if it is not watered in. If you are using a weed killer product, be aware that 2,4d has been determined to cause bladder cancer in some dogs. It is not a maybe thing. One in five certain type terriers get bladder cancer and 100% for sure 2,4d will up that to 1 in 3.