Spyker Super 288 spreaders vs others

[americanlawn]

Just wondering if anyone else has tried 'em and switched over from other spreaders.

Spread pattern. Deflector shield. Prompt service. Breakdowns. Etc.

rscvp, Thanks.:usflag:

[Shades of Green LService]

I wish permagreen would use the same hopper and deflector as L.T Rich does.

[gregory]

the hopper on my z-spray jr works great no streaking problems at all

[ampeg76]

i have used lesco's from day one, i know their issues, but its nice to have a stop-n-go(lesco) to get parts on the go!

[sclawndr]

I wish permagreen would use the same hopper and deflector as L.T Rich does.

Why's that? I like almost everything about the Zspray but the deflector is not its best asset. It's almost impossible to reach while moving and takes more effort than a Lesco style deflector to engage. It needs a remot handle closer to the operator.

[RigglePLC]

I recently looked at an Earthway spreader. Hopper had three holes. Not my first choice--BUT--it had nice convenient plastic hole shutoff/adjustment slides on both the left and right sides. How come Lesco cannot do that? In fact I would prefer a left/right dispersal pattern adjustment that could be adjusted on the fly from the handlebars. Edger deflector should be controlled from handlebar for use on the fly, also.

[americanlawn]

Good ideas. The LESCO deflector shield is on the right-hand side, and the Spyker is on the left. So it's confusing if you use both brands during the same week.:dizzy: I think it would be fairly simple for Spyker to have deflector shilds on both sides of the spreader so one has options. One nice thing about Spykers is you can bend the deflector a little so you can run the spreader on the grass and still apply all the way to the curb.

Personally, I can't say enough about how well Spyker has treated us. I'm planning to switch out more spreaders for next year and go with the new Spyker Super 288's.:usflag:

I recently looked at an Earthway spreader. Hopper had three holes. Not my first choice--BUT--it had nice convenient plastic hole shutoff/adjustment slides on both the left and right sides. How come Lesco cannot do that? In fact I would prefer a left/right dispersal pattern adjustment that could be adjusted on the fly from the handlebars. Edger deflector should be controlled from handlebar for use on the fly, also.

[Shades of Green LService]

Why's that? I like almost everything about the Zspray but the deflector is not its best asset. It's almost impossible to reach while moving and takes more effort than a Lesco style deflector to engage. It needs a remot handle closer to the operator.

Basicly, i like that it's on the left side. I'm still not used to going counter clockwise.

[RigglePLC]

Aaack! I hate rust! I just took apart my old time Scotts model R8A. Stainless steel except---I need to replace 4 plain steel rusty wheel bearings every winter. $3.50 each. I am looking for nylon axle bushings to replace the bearings that rust.

Also just had to derust and repaint the rate regulator parts--not stainless steel--painted black--before rust attacked them. And the numbers faded out. Got to redo the numbers on the rate plate.

I should point out that I installed two handles on the left side of the hopper. For lifting onto pickup. Much easier. Photos soon.

Here is Earthway spreader link if anyone is interested
http://www.earthway.com/

[RigglePLC]

Earthway impellors rotate clockwise. So deflector is on the left.

Anderson (and Scotts) and Lesco rotate counter clockwise--edge deflector is on the right.

[RigglePLC]

Here is pic of the lift handles on my old Scotts Spreader. I installed extra big stainless steel washers on the inside of the fiberglass hopper. Lift by grabbing the handle in the left hand and grabbing about half way up the long handlebar. Put the left wheel against my thigh if needed.

Also visible, the plastic laundry basket I use as my lumps filter. It pops out easily. But basket needs a retaining strap in case of wind, during highway travel.

Padlock fits onto eyebolt and fits a retaining ring on the truck stake pocket. Left rear corner. I can lock it and eat lunch without worry. Or I can just attach the short snap chain between stops.

[americanlawn]

Great idea with the laundry basket. If you don't mind, I'll plan to use this idea --- especially when we use up old fert. If I get the right size basket, I could use a rubber strap across the top of the hopper. We use spreader holders that fit into the hitch receiver, then run a padlock through it --- this way we don't miss out on happy hour. LOL

[CHARLES CUE]

Aaack! I hate rust! I just took apart my old time Scotts model R8A. Stainless steel except---I need to replace 4 plain steel rusty wheel bearings every winter. $3.50 each. I am looking for nylon axle bushings to replace the bearings that rust.

Also just had to derust and repaint the rate regulator parts--not stainless steel--painted black--before rust attacked them. And the numbers faded out. Got to redo the numbers on the rate plate.

I should point out that I installed two handles on the left side of the hopper. For lifting onto pickup. Much easier. Photos soon.

Here is Earthway spreader link if anyone is interested
http://www.earthway.com/

RigglePLC
Have you ever tried a good lube on those bearings i think nylon bushing would wear out fast from the dust from the dry fert.JUST a thought
Charles Cue

[Shades of Green LService]

Earthway impellors rotate clockwise. So deflector is on the left.

Anderson (and Scotts) and Lesco rotate counter clockwise--edge deflector is on the right.

Had the deflector on my Earthway, but it broke. Poor design on that. Other than that they are good spreaders.IMO

[americanlawn]

Okay -- I hate to share valued secrets, but here it is. Spyker Super 288 spreader. Buy one, and you will want to send me Christmas presents for years to come, cuz ...............

Trust me on this one for sure.

[RigglePLC]

OK Larry. Do you mean this one?
http://www.spyker.com/Super%20Features.html

How do you like the pattern adjustment?

Nice! And the instruction manual discusses how to change the impellor so that it can be used to spread Penn mulch. Who'd a thought?

Does it spin clockwise or counter?

It weighs 38 pounds--I was hoping for a lighter model now that I am older.

[rcreech]

I wish I would have found LAWNSITE earlier in my career. I made several mistakes that could have been avoided if I could have asked you guys!

My first spreader was a Spyker 98-22. It was a heavy ol' piece and it was all stainless.

Used in about a year and then sold it CHEAP and bought a Lesco spreader. I tried to save money and didn't get a deflector shield and also I wasn't fond of how to set it.

Larry,

Not sure you ever used the 98-22, but do you know how it compares to the model you are talking about?

I think the 98-22 was a pro model....but maybe it wasn't made for everyday use?

How does your model compare to the Lesco spreader? And one final question....about how much $$$$?

Thanks Larry,
RC

[RigglePLC]

Charles,
Thanks for the tip. What is the proper way to lubricate the ball bearings in the asle of my spreader. WD-40, SAE 30, 90ww, grease?

Anyone, which is better on spreader axles--ball bearing--or nylon bushing?

[americanlawn]

Yep that's it. Spread pattern is perfect. I've used Scotts & LESCO, but they don't come close to overall quality & ease of use. Can't remember which direction the impeller spins, but our 288's can spread as far as 15 feet. We run the spreader pattern wide open with all our fert & dry pesticides. The pattern is always perfect.

It weighs more, but it's easier to push -- especially over bumps, ruts, etc. :usflag:

OK Larry. Do you mean this one?
http://www.spyker.com/Super%20Features.html

How do you like the pattern adjustment?

Nice! And the instruction manual discusses how to change the impellor so that it can be used to spread Penn mulch. Who'd a thought?

Does it spin clockwise or counter?

It weighs 38 pounds--I was hoping for a lighter model now that I am older.

[americanlawn]

I've bought more unneeded stuff than I care to remember:laugh: over the years.

Never used the 98-22, but the fine people at Spyker told me about their new Super 288 about a year ago. Sure glad they did. Spyker even told me where to get the best price (Ray's Supply Company -- they have a website).

I can think of many reasons why the Super 288 is better than any other spreader on the market......especially since we've now used them for an entire season. I think we paid about $500 each (including cover & deflector shield), but they certainly paid for themselves in more ways than one: more productivity and NO BREAKDOWNS. Dozens of our lawns were burnt by our "other spreaders" this year cuz the impellers didn't spin all the time. Unexpected pins shelling out is not what I want to experience anymore.:cry:

Spread pattern & width = best. No buildup of fert on impellers.:usflag: Easier to push over bumps, ruts, etc. Deflector shield = best. No pins that break. NO FERT CLOGS :usflag: Tires never went flat:walking:

I wrote a list of advantages recently, and it was long. My personal advice: Buy one and see (just like we did). It will be one of the best purchases for the money you ever made. My employees all want one now.

I wish I would have found LAWNSITE earlier in my career. I made several mistakes that could have been avoided if I could have asked you guys!

My first spreader was a Spyker 98-22. It was a heavy ol' piece and it was all stainless.

Used in about a year and then sold it CHEAP and bought a Lesco spreader. I tried to save money and didn't get a deflector shield and also I wasn't fond of how to set it.

Larry,

Not sure you ever used the 98-22, but do you know how it compares to the model you are talking about?

I think the 98-22 was a pro model....but maybe it wasn't made for everyday use?

How does your model compare to the Lesco spreader? And one final question....about how much $$$$?

Thanks Larry,
RC

[RigglePLC]

Does the Spyker have one big hole or three small holes?

Sure, look for the baskets Larry. I bought them for two dollars. You will need to shop, because you need holes in the bottom, most similar baskets do not have holes in bottom--only in the sides. Three-eighths diameter holes are about right. I needed to cut about a half-inch off each end where the handles stuck out slightly. I also added a holster inside the basket to carry a one quart hand sprayer.

Believe me you should have the side lift handles, too. Just drill four holes in hopper or two in the stainless tubing--or both--and attach handles. Use rope or nylon straps if you are not ready to drill.

Anyone--have you seen teflon tape that could be put on the impellor--to prevent fert build up? Or do I have to cut up a frying pan?

Still waiting which is best? Ball bearings or nylon bushings? Can I replace the bearings with bushings?

[grassman177]

i use scotts accupro2000 push spreader and it is great. it has a deflector and hole shut off taht have controls right at your fingers. one thing i hate though is the deflector is controlled witha steel cable that always rusts out by years end, i stopped buying them and just use a bungee, really works better but have to bend over for the use of the sheild

[americanlawn]

The Spyker 288's (as well as our Spyker 220 model) have one rectangular opening. Mason calls our 3-hole spreaders a "three ring circus" cuz it only takes one dime-sized chunk to affect the pattern.

Seems our Spykers are not in as much need for the laundry basklet idea as compared to our LESCO's, but that sure is a good idea since screens often move around and allow chunks down below (figured I'd check Dollar General, Family Dollar, etc.) We tried the basket screens, but they soon tear. Nuther good one is the spot spray bottle (thanks) -- lots of times there's just 4 or 5 dandelions along the edges that we missed. I even thought about carrying a squirt gun. :laugh:

As far as Teflon.......you can buy it in an aerosol spray can at auto parts stores. We never use metal objects to clean impellers. Instead, we use our plastic flag sticks.

Ball bearings or nylon bushings? I honestly don't know.

Thanks again for your help.:usflag:

We probably don't need handles to lift our spreaders since we only have to lift them about 20 inches (hitch receiver carriers).
QUOTE=RigglePLC;2043325]Does the Spyker have one big hole or three small holes?

Sure, look for the baskets Larry. I bought them for two dollars. You will need to shop, because you need holes in the bottom, most similar baskets do not have holes in bottom--only in the sides. Three-eighths diameter holes are about right. I needed to cut about a half-inch off each end where the handles stuck out slightly. I also added a holster inside the basket to carry a one quart hand sprayer.

Believe me you should have the side lift handles, too. Just drill four holes in hopper or two in the stainless tubing--or both--and attach handles. Use rope or nylon straps if you are not ready to drill.

Anyone--have you seen teflon tape that could be put on the impellor--to prevent fert build up? Or do I have to cut up a frying pan?

Still waiting which is best? Ball bearings or nylon bushings? Can I replace the bearings with bushings?[/QUOTE]

[dmcenery]

American,

What kind of hitch caddy do you use? Is it the one sold by spyker and if so how much are they? The 288 super is quite stout. I just wish the rain cover and side deflector came with it. Then when you add the reese caddy it starts to be a lot of $$$.

Thanks,
Dan

[americanlawn]

We bought our spreader carriers from LESCO. Price is reasonable, and they slide into the the rear hitch receiver in our trucks. They work well for our LESCO spreaders, but we had to alter them slightly to fit our Spyker 288's.

The kind Spyker sells does not work if you want to be able to open the tailgate, which is a must in order to get the fert bags out of the truck.

I think we paid less than $30 each. Well worth it, cuz you only have to lift the spreader less than 24 inches.:usflag:
American,

What kind of hitch caddy do you use? Is it the one sold by spyker and if so how much are they? The 288 super is quite stout. I just wish the rain cover and side deflector came with it. Then when you add the reese caddy it starts to be a lot of $$$.

Thanks,
Dan

[dmcenery]

American,

Would you mind either posting pics and/or describing the alterations that you made to the spreader caddy. I'm aware that the 288 does not fit the caddy sold by lesco.

Thanks,
Dan

[dmcenery]

American,

I would appreciate those pics very much.

Thanks,
Dan

[americanlawn]

Will do. Soon.:usflag:

American,

I would appreciate those pics very much.

Thanks,
Dan

[americanlawn]

Hi Dan. Here's two pics I took today. It cost us $70 to have four of these altered to fit the Spyker 288's, but you could probably have these made locally. Hope this helps, americanlawn:usflag:

American,

I would appreciate those pics very much.

Thanks,
Dan

[dmcenery]

American,

Thanks for the pics. I can have that peg moved by a number of people here locally. How many seasons does that spreader have on it? It looks to be worked hard and do you have the side deflector? It's hard to tell from the picture.

Thanks,
Dan

[americanlawn]

Hi Dan -- our spreader "caddy's" are 3 years old, but it's just surface rust that you see. (Need primer & black paint every year.) The deflector shield is shown between the bottom of the hopper & the gear box below. (not a very detailed pic). Just ordered more 288's from Pace Supply from Fairfax, IA -- (just outside Cedar Rapids). About $500 per spreader including deflector & hopper cover, plus shipping. They told me that Spyker offers the same style spreader caddy, but it's about $150.......ouch:hammerhead: -- we'll make our own.:usflag:

American,

Thanks for the pics. I can have that peg moved by a number of people here locally. How many seasons does that spreader have on it? It looks to be worked hard and do you have the side deflector? It's hard to tell from the picture.

Thanks,
Dan

[RigglePLC]

American, looks like a nice set-up. Exactly how does the Spyker adjust the left to right dispersal pattern? Do you change it when shifting to different products? Do you ever catch the particles in a series of pans and weigh it?

I tried that with 10 paper plates last year. Then I counted the particles of fertilizer in each plate. Tricky, time consuming, and variable results. Mostly I adjust the pattern adjustment on my Scotts until it visually appears even.

[americanlawn]

Hi Rig -- The left-to-right pattern has never been a concern for us, although the pattern control cable is easy to tweak. The only exception was when we applied Dylox only, but that was easily fixed when we walked a little faster and had the hopper open at the same setting as the other products we were applying.

Bottom line: try a Spyker 288. I bet you will thank me.:usflag:

American, looks like a nice set-up. Exactly how does the Spyker adjust the left to right dispersal pattern? Do you change it when shifting to different products? Do you ever catch the particles in a series of pans and weigh it?

I tried that with 10 paper plates last year. Then I counted the particles of fertilizer in each plate. Tricky, time consuming, and variable results. Mostly I adjust the pattern adjustment on my Scotts until it visually appears even.

[americanlawn]

I misread your question. Sorry. Our Spyker 288's are just one year old.
They have NEVER broke down. They still are just like new units. They have never spilled or misapplied fert. They are industrial-quality. I cannot say the same regarding our LESCO spreaders. In fact, we have lost several customers this year due to burnt lawns caused by broken pins in these "other" spreaders. We have over a dozen LESCO spreaders for sale.

American,

Thanks for the pics. I can have that peg moved by a number of people here locally. How many seasons does that spreader have on it? It looks to be worked hard and do you have the side deflector? It's hard to tell from the picture.

Thanks,
Dan

[dmcenery]

American,

Thanks for the caddy pics. I'm going to have a friend move those pegs for me like you did to fit the 288 super that I ordered yesterday. I'm tired of the broken drive wheel pins and flat tires with the Lesco units. Riggle, does you Scotts spreader have the helical cone? If so do you have to adjust it a lot to even out the pattern?

Thanks,
Dan

[RigglePLC]

Cenery and interested parties,
I don't think there has been any air in my tires for years. Stiff rubber holds 'em up, I guess. Drive pins are usually a big spike nail. Bent.

Yes, I have the Scotts (Andersons) helical cone pattern adjustment. Works very well. Once I get it calibrated and the pattern is even, I write the data inside the hopper with a paint marker. Usually set the cone at 5. The settings may change when I switch to different fertilizer, to Merit or to crabgrass control. I have to clean a residue off the orange cone and impeller in humid weather. Use a plastic putty knife.

[indyturf]

I think the best spreading PG is the Centri! wonder why they ever changed it?
I would guess so they could sell them at Lesco?

[RigglePLC]

Don't like the three small holes on a Lesco spread?

Its simple. Just cover the two holes on the left and right with duct tape. Open the setting up by about two notches more. Large particles and lumps go right through. You want the opening to be about 3/4ths of an inch.

[americanlawn]

I got a dozen LESCO spreaders...........They are all for sale. Some new. Some nearly new. The rest "still work". PM me if you want any, cuz it's a hassle listing them on ebay. Reason for selling: None of my guys want to use LESCO spreaders anymore after they tried the Spyker 288's. Local pickup preferred.