Spreading fertilizer or seed with a lawn spreader is an essential part of keeping your lawn looking its best. But it can be hard to know where to begin.
If you’ve ever wondered how to use a lawn spreader, then look no further!
In this article, I’ll cover the basics so you can get out there and make your grass greener than ever before. I’ll tell you how to calibrate them for optimal performance, and everything else you need to know about using one properly.
So grab your garden gloves and let’s get started – preparing to use a lawn spreader!
Preparing To Use A Lawn Spreader
Preparing your spreader beforehand is essential to ensuring a successful job and avoiding any mess-ups when it comes time to actually use the machine.
Here are some tips on how to properly set up and prepare your lawn spreader.
Double Check Parts
First, make sure all parts are in working order.
Check each part of the spreader carefully – from its wheels or tracks, levers, handles, hoppers, deflectors, etc.
Make sure everything is assembled correctly and no pieces are missing or broken. You should also check for sharp edges or rust spots; if found, those areas need to be sanded down before using the spreader.
Fill The Hopper
It’s time to fill the hopper with whatever material needs spreading – fertilizer or grass seed, for example.
It’s important not to overfill as this can cause problems during operation and could even damage the machine depending on what kind of material is being used.
TIP: The preparation stage is also a good time to double check that you have enough of whatever product you’re planning on distributing so there aren’t any issues once you start spreading!
Correctly Adjust Settings
Make sure all settings such as flow rate and width control are adjusted accordingly based on what type of material you’ll be applying. Doing this ahead of time will save you hassle later on – plus it ensures a uniform application every single time!
With these steps complete, now you’re ready to take your prepared lawn spreader out into the yard and get started making things look beautiful!
Calibration And Settings
The calibration of a lawn spreader is like the fine-tuning of an engine. It’s the key to success, ensuring that you get the most out of it.
Adjusting your spreader settings will vary depending on what type of material you are spreading and how even or unevenly you want it applied.
Here’s how to calibrate this handy lawn equipment.
Step 1
First, check your owner’s manual for specific instructions on calibrating your particular model of spreader. Most often this involves adjusting various knobs and dials while watching where the application pattern comes out from underneath the hopper.
Step 2
After making adjustments use some paper towels to test if they have been successful – run over them with your machine and see if there is any excess product left behind in one area more than another. If so make further adjustments until all areas are evenly covered.
Step 3
Once calibrated properly, adjust other settings according to whatever product you are using.
Granular products usually require higher settings than liquid ones do.
Also note that different materials may need to be adjusted differently when applying at different times during the season as environmental conditions change. For instance, colder temperatures can cause certain materials to stick together.
Taking time to review these details before beginning application can save lots of headaches down the road!
Now that you’ve got your lawn spreader calibrated and set up correctly, it’s time to get out there and put the spreader to work; Applying fertilizer, grass seed, ice melt,…or any other material. Read on!
Application Techniques
Applying fertilizer or seed with a spreader is easy once you know the basics. Here’s are the most useful tips.
- Make sure you’re spreading in long, even strokes across your yard.
- To achieve an even application of product, overlap each stroke by about one-third so no areas are missed.
- If necessary, adjust the settings on the spreader as you move along. As earlier mentioned, different products may require different settings for proper coverage.
TIP: When applying fertilizer, make sure not to go too fast as this can result in an uneven application.
When done properly, using a lawn care spreader can help ensure much better results than just throwing down some granules by hand.
But how can you keep your spreader in pristine condition? More on that coming up next!
Cleaning And Maintenance
Caring for your lawn spreader is a breeze with the right supplies and maintenance tips. Keeping it in top shape will help prevent any issues that can arise while using it.
Before getting into routine maintenance, every month or two, inspect all parts of the spreader. This includes:
- Checking bolts and nuts to make sure they are tight
- Lubricating moving parts so they don’t rust or wear down too quickly,
- Making sure there aren’t any cracks or dents on the hopper.
- Keeping an eye out for clumps of grass stuck inside the machine.
- Emptying out any remaining seed from the hopper and shutters after each usage so no moisture gets trapped inside overnight, leading to mold growth.
For cleaning purposes, you’ll need to gather supplies such as a soft cloth, mild soap, and water. Use the soft cloth – while damp – to wipe down the exteriors of the spreader after each use to remove dirt and debris buildup.
Following these steps ensure your lawn spreader will stay running smoothly season after season!
Safety Tips
It’s important to take safety precautions when using a lawn spreader. That’s why you need to check out these safety tips.
- Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and familiarize yourself with all of its parts and controls before operating your spreader.
- Make sure you wear protective clothing like gloves, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and safety glasses while you work.
- Before filling up your spreader, make sure it’s in a clear area away from any people or pets who may wander into it by accident.
- Double check that no rocks are present in the fertilizer before adding them to the hopper – this can cause damage to the blades and other components if they get caught inside.
- Avoid making sharp turns on slopes or wet grass as this is risky for both you and the equipment being used.
Never try to force the lever shut! Doing so could lead to serious injury.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to operate your lawn spreader safely and efficiently every time! But what happens if something goes wrong? Let’s talk about troubleshooting next…
Troubleshooting
What are the most popular problems that arise when using a spreader? How can you handle them?
Spreader Clogging/Not Working
If your spreader isn’t working properly or is clogging, incorrect settings could be to blame.
Make sure all of the moving parts are oiled and functional, as well as check any knobs or dials that can adjust the speed of the spreader so it distributes evenly across your yard.
Uneven Distribution
If you find yourself having an unbalanced distribution, look into adding more weight to one side or decreasing the amount of product being thrown from one side.
You may also have to replace some parts if they’ve worn out over time or been damaged by weather conditions like sunlight or rain. To make sure your lawn has even coverage, take extra care when setting up and operating your spreader!
Conclusion
Using a lawn spreader can be an efficient way to fertilize, seed and de-ice your lawn.
It’s easy once you know the basics; more like having your own personal assistant tending to your lawn – but only if you give them the right instructions!
However, don’t go easy on on maintenance of your spreader if you want to enjoy this convenience for years on end. Establish a routine maintenance schedule every few weeks to keep it running smoothly; otherwise, it will become clogged up quickly and stop working properly.
With these simple steps taken care of, you’ll find yourself well on your way towards achieving a beautiful garden with minimal hassle!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type Of Fertilizer Is Best To Use With A Lawn Spreader?
There are several types of spreaders available on the market, each designed specifically for certain kinds of fertilizers:
- Drop Spreaders – These typically hold granular or pelletized materials and dispense them through downward holes as they move along the ground surface.
- Rotary Spreaders – These work well with finer materials like powders or finely granulated products such as seed mixtures.
- Broadcast Spreaders – This style utilizes large hoppers and spinners that fling larger particles over wide areas for even distribution across turf surfaces.
How Often Should A Lawn Spreader Be Serviced?
How often you should service your lawn spreader depends on several factors, including:
- Type of lawn spreader
- The environment it operates in
- How often you use it.
But generally speaking, the rule of thumb is scheduling service intervals at least once every 6 months.
Is A Lawn Spreader Suitable For Spreading Grass Seed?
The answer is yes! With the right equipment, you can easily use a lawn spreader to effectively distribute both fertilizer and grass seed on your turf.
To get the most out of your spreader, make sure your spreader is calibrated correctly to ensure that the amount of seed released from the hopper is even across all areas of coverage.
Also, spread in one direction only to avoid any overlap or missed spots in application.
How Can I Store A Lawn Spreader Safely?
To store a lawn spreader safely, first and foremost, clean it after use, before you think about storing it.
Then, proceed to store the spreader in a cool, dry place such as a garage or shed away from extreme temperatures. Make sure that the area isn’t prone to flooding or too much humidity which could lead to rusting parts.
Cover it with a plastic tarp if possible when not in use to protect against rain or snowfall. You may also want to consider purchasing a cover made specifically for your particular model of lawn spreader for added protection during long periods of time without use.
Lubricate its moving parts every few months so they don’t seize up from lack of use or rust due to moisture exposure. A light oil applied regularly will keep everything working smoothly and extend the life of your equipment significantly!
Can A Lawn Spreader Be Used To Spread Ice Melt?
Yes!
With the help of an appropriate ice melt spreader or a specially designed lawn spreader for ice melt, you’ll have your walkways cleared in no time.
Using a spreader specifically designed for ice melt is highly recommended as it’s tailored to deliver the right amount of product evenly across any surface area. But if there isn’t one available, then using a regular lawn spreader works too – just make sure you adjust the setting accordingly.
To ensure successful results while using a regular garden or lawn spreader for ice melt, here are some tips:
- Fill only half of the hopper at once.
- Reduce the speed of the application.
- Increase the width between passe.
- Make sure to empty out the remaining material after each pass.
So, now you know – if you need to clear pathways from snow or sleet quickly and efficiently during wintertime – don’t hesitate to get yourself an effective ice melt spreader or modify your existing one!
Photo by Pixabay.
