Operating

2. Check bushings and bearing surfaces for proper lubrication (See Service section).

4. Before filling hopper, practice spreading. Become accustomed to operating the on/off control lever while spreader is in motion.

On/Off Control Lever

1. Use On/Off control lever (A) to open and close hopper gate while spreader is in motion. This starts and stops material flow.

Using Flow Control Dial

Flow control dial (A) rotates to adjust the opening size in hopper bottom. Dial has nine numbers with ten positions between each number for fine adjustment. Small numbers provide the smallest opening.

Determining Application Flow Setting

1. Check material manufacturer’s container for recommended application flow and setting for John Deere spreaders. If no recommendation is found for John Deere spreaders, use setting for similar type spreaders sold by other companies.

2. Use application flow setting charts when spreading grass seed or when material size and desired coverage is known, but no setting is recommended by the material manufacturer.

Understanding Full and Half Flow Settings

“Full Flow” setting is used when single pass (once over) operation is planned.

“Half Flow” setting is used for two pass (twice over) operation and improved coverage.

NOTE: Half Flow is a proportional reduction of Full Flow not one-half of Full Flow. For half flow application, set flow control dial according to “Half Flow” value shown in appropriate table. Do not set flow dial at half the recommended full flow value.

Filling the Spreader


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Chemicals can be dangerous. Avoid injury to operator or bystanders: • Read chemical container label for handling instructions. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) should be supplied by the chemical dealer and provides proper safety information. • Wear proper clothing and safety equipment while handling or applying chemicals. • Prohibit all smoking, drinking, and eating around chemicals.

NOTE: Fill spreader on a flat, level surface. Spreader may be unstable when fully loaded on an incline.

3. To avoid material loss, fill spreader on a sidewalk, driveway, plastic sheet or cardboard.

Adjusting Spread Pattern

Adjusting knob (A) moves diffuser plate (B) forward and backward to center spread pattern and reduce side-throw (or skewing).

NOTE: Spread pattern can be affected by many variables such as humidity, temperature, wind, spreader condition, speed of travel, material size, and weight. Proper adjustment will minimize spread pattern skewing and uneven coverage.

Because of these variables, the diffuser plate must be set for each type of application. Use the following procedure when setting spread pattern:

NOTE: This adjustment is very sensitive. Turning diffuser knob (A) just a little will result in drastic change to the spread pattern.

1. On a flat, bare surface such as a paved driveway, operate the spreader and observe the spreading pattern. If spreading pattern is centered around spreader, do not adjust diffuser.

2. If spreading pattern is not centered around spreader, adjust as follows and retest:

Never adjust so the diffuser plate splits the material flow to both center and outside of spreader. (Knob centered between full clockwise and full counterclockwise.)

If spreading is long to the left of center, turn diffuser knob counterclockwise all the way; then turn knob clockwise until edge of diffuser plate (B) directs material slightly to outside of spreader as it falls on the spinner and test pattern is centered.

If spreading is long to the right of center, turn diffuse knob clockwise all the way; then turn knob counterclockwise until edge of plate directs material slightly to center of spreader as it falls on the spinner. Continue to turn knob in small increments until test pattern is centered.

Operating Tips for Uniform Spreading

1. Keep spinner blades clean. A buildup of material on the spinner blades can cause uneven spreading.

2. Use on/off control to open and close product gate only when spreader is in motion. Close product gate as you enter turn-around areas.

3. Maintain even, normal travel speed of 3 mph/264 fpm (4.8 kph/80 meters per min). Faster travel throws material further for a wide spread pattern and lighter coverage. Slower travel spreads a narrow pattern with heavier coverage.

4. Travel in straight rows. Keep your eyes on the far end of the area to keep spreader in alignment with previous pass.

NOTE: Spreader tapers the spreading edge, which allows you to operate at approximately spreading widths. Extra material can be spread under trees and other high feeding areas without showing the spreading edges.

Spreading the Material

Two methods of spreading the material, Dual Pass and Single Pass are described below:

Dual Pass Coverage - (Preferred Method)

NOTE: This method is also known as the “Half Flow” method, which consists of making two passes in cross directions with flow control dial set at a half flow setting. This method provides the most complete coverage while correcting for operation or flow errors made with a single pass.

1. Set flow control dial (A) to “Half Flow” setting described in “Understanding Full and Half Flow”.

NOTE: “Half Flow” is a proportional reduction of “Full Flow”, not one-half of “Full Flow”. See Flow Setting Tables.

2. Spread header strips (B) at each end of area. This allows a turn-around area to align spreader for next pass.

3. Make passes between header strips at each end of area. (Refer to “Keys to Uniform Spreading” covered previously in manual.) (See center illustration.)

4. Repeat steps two and three using passes in cross direction to those used previously. (See bottom illustration.)

Single Pass Coverage

NOTE: This is also known as the “Full Flow” method, which consists of making a single pass over area with flow control dial set at full flow setting.

1. Set flow control dial to “Full Flow” setting (see flow setting tables earlier in this manual.).


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Never leave fertilizer in the hopper. Fertilizer draws moisture, forms clumps, causes unnecessary rusting and deterioration of spreader, and may jam controls and other moving parts. Salt residue is especially corrosive. Clean and oil spreader immediately after each use.

Spreading Rock Salt

NOTE: Use higher flow settings (5 - 9) for wider product opening when spreading salt.

3. Starting with flow setting at 5, make a trial pass over the spreading area and check coverage. Adjust flow setting up to improve coverage or down to reduce coverage.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Clean and lubricate axle bearings after spreading salt to avoid damage to bearings.

4. After spreading, be sure to thoroughly rinse salt dust from all surfaces, as salt is highly corrosive.

Cleaning and Lubricating after Each Use

Clean and oil spreader immediately after each use. Choose one of the following methods:

• Wash, rinse and dry spreader. Drying takes time since moisture trapped in bearing areas is slow to drain or evaporate.


c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Compressed air can cause debris to fly a long distance. • Clear work area of bystanders. • Wear eye protection when using compressed air for cleaning purposes. • Reduce compressed air pressure to 210 kPa (30 psi).

Above methods are listed in order of preference. A good oil wiping or dry cleaning is preferable to poor washing and drying. It is almost impossible for rust and corrosion to form on a clean, dry, oiled surface.

When spreader is completely dry, lubricate all moving parts, especially spinner drive, hopper bottom, wheel bushings and gears. See Service Section for procedures.