Anyone used a ride on Spreader?

[kelly Lawn]

I was thinking about buying ride on spreader because doing all of my accounts once per month with the regular broadcast spreaders is becoming a big pain. I include monthly fertilizer or weed and feed in my clients contract and charge them accordingly. Does anyone use these and if so do you recommend any models?

[JFF]

Depends on the "lay of the land." I have used them for athletic fields, etc. but had bad luck with them on slopes. Had a big commercial account I used it on once and it came out so patchy and splotchy I never did it again.


Lesco makes a motorized walk behind spreader I liked just fine.

[patterson]

I know guys who've used the motorized lesco's and liked them just fine. Don't let them tip over though.

I have a lot of experience with the C & S Turf Tracker. Built on a Dixie Chopper platform and when it works it's great. Unfortunately, they rust to pieces under everyday use and there is no warranty.

[Shades of Green LService]

Consider a Permagreen or a z-spray. I own a PG and like it just fine.Here are the links www.permagreen.com and www.z-spray.com

[horseman201]

I have a LESCO truckster that I use and I love it. I am not sure that they make the truckster anymore though. Saves my feet and I can put out all my stuff twice as fast. Never had a problem with the looks. JRCO makes one that looks like a good outfit. It has a foot peddle that will let you shut the discharge off while you turn.

[turfsolutions]

Do a search on perma green or z spray and you will find a lot of info.

[kelly Lawn]

Thanks everyone, It just seems like they cost so much. How much would you justify spending? I have currently been replacing my earthways every year because they break and they are expensive too. Will these riders hold up?

[indyturf]

Thanks everyone, It just seems like they cost so much. How much would you justify spending? I have currently been replacing my earthways every year because they break and they are expensive too. Will these riders hold up?

You will be able to do twice as much work with a rider and you wont be tired!:walking: and its much better and cheaper than hiring an employee!

[sclawndr]

Thanks everyone, It just seems like they cost so much. How much would you justify spending? I have currently been replacing my earthways every year because they break and they are expensive too. Will these riders hold up?

Here's the math - a PG for instance costs about $5700. You should easily get 3 years out of it, so 5700/3=1900/yr. Now assume you use it 150 days a year (5 days/week, 7 months/yr) and your cost per day is $12.67 per day. Assuming you have enough business to use it to begin with, isn't it worth $13 a day to not push a spreader and/or drag a hose? That's a no-brainer for many of us.

[mwaller98]

or hire an employee for that matter

[Shades of Green LService]

Here's the math - a PG for instance costs about $5700. You should easily get 3 years out of it, so 5700/3=1900/yr. Now assume you use it 150 days a year (5 days/week, 7 months/yr) and your cost per day is $12.67 per day. Assuming you have enough business to use it to begin with, isn't it worth $13 a day to not push a spreader and/or drag a hose? That's a no-brainer for many of us.

3 years? If you take care of your equipment, it shold last you awhile. I know people who have had their PG's for 8 yrs. and their still running fine.

[Shades of Green LService]

Thanks everyone, It just seems like they cost so much. How much would you justify spending? I have currently been replacing my earthways every year because they break and they are expensive too. Will these riders hold up?

wanna buy another earthway c24 1 yr old?

[indyturf]

I could see using a pg for many years, the frame is stainless so its going to last. and you can replace the engine,trans and pump on the magnum for under $1500 and would virtually have a new unit.

[sclawndr]

or hire an employee for that matter


Well, let's see - the PG lasts longer, shows up every day on time, doesn't complain, always does the job right, doesn't collect unemployment....

[JFF]

I know guys who've used the motorized lesco's and liked them just fine. Don't let them tip over though.

I have a lot of experience with the C & S Turf Tracker. Built on a Dixie Chopper platform and when it works it's great. Unfortunately, they rust to pieces under everyday use and there is no warranty.

We worried about the motorized Lesco tipping over, too. We eventually cut the bottom off of another hopper and bolted it to the top of the one on the machine, cutting a large enough hole to fill the hopper. Eliminated the "slosh" when ya had to turn on a grade.