good z-sprayers & does JRCO spreader work

[humble1]

I am looking to see what brand name zt spreaders and sprayers you guys prefer. Also JRCO has a spreader that can be mounted on the front of a ZTR Mower. I want to get some advice on these. I already am aware of Lesco z-spreader.

http://www.jrcoinc.com/product.asp?id=2



Thanks.

[Runner]

Yeah, but I wouldn't count on a perfect even throw of fert.. I WOULD count on some nice rusted out equipment when these things are used, though.

[humble1]

so what brands are there that are good?

[Runner]

For ride on, Permagreen and Z spray are the two most recommended. For walk behinds, a Lesco push spreader (stainless) with the Gregson Clark insert. There is also Lesco's ride on, but again,...you are looking at rust issues.

[grassman177]

we have a zspray and it is nice, i like the scotts pro spreaders but we have lesco too. we have three jrco units for use on our ztrs and theya re lifsavers . we produce lots on fert rounds and use it for large area seeding and such too. definitely get the stainless model though

[Leaf Jockey]

I used a JRCO electric spreader until the motor rusted tight. The motor was mounted under the spinner. I now use a Spyker. The motor is sealed and in the hopper. I like this setup better. I also find the Spyker is easier to adjust and calibrate.

Scott

[Pilgrims' Pride]

I have a z-max and love it.
If you are local you could by and check it out.

[humble1]

I have seen the z-max just didnt know what the name of it was, The only reason I asked about the JRCO is that I have a ZTR Commercial mower we dont use anymore, thought if i could get a hopper on it but wonder if i would have a hard time maintaining steady speed for calibration.

[rcreech]

I have seen the z-max just didnt know what the name of it was, The only reason I asked about the JRCO is that I have a ZTR Commercial mower we dont use anymore, thought if i could get a hopper on it but wonder if i would have a hard time maintaining steady speed for calibration.

If you already have the equipment then that would be a good way to go. You could even mount a boom and spray at the same time. If you are going that way...Lesco has a good spreader you could mount on you ZTR and I think it is only like $400 or so.

It is easier to maintain a constant speed with a machine then it is walking with a spreader. Find a speed good comfortable speed with your ZTR and use some kind of stop on your hydro...and make sure you always run the same RPM. Calibrate your spreader at that speed and you should be ready to go!

Your speed may change slightly going up and down hills...but that is found with all equipment.

[humble1]

Thanks for that i feel a bit better now, having an 9000 dollar machine sitting there while im thinking about buying another big piece of equipment was a little disheartining(sp?). Anyway what manufacturer of a pump,boom and nozzle would you sugest? What nozzle size like 1 gpm? My othe rthought on this was if i could mount of the back to limit the fine dust particulate from accumulation on me and all over the machine, if i mount on the back throwing towards the rear it would keep the machine cleaner. What are your thoughts.
Happy Thanksgiving

[Leaf Jockey]

I have seen the z-max just didnt know what the name of it was, The only reason I asked about the JRCO is that I have a ZTR Commercial mower we dont use anymore, thought if i could get a hopper on it but wonder if i would have a hard time maintaining steady speed for calibration.

I added a bicycle speedometer to the ztr to monitor my speed. I epoxied the magnet to the hub of the rear wheel and then mounted the pickup with a zip tie. After a while I realized I just got the feel for the correct speed and wasn't even looking at the speedo. I would shy away from using a limiting system for the motion controls. What happens when you want to go uphill or power through a ditch?

When you mount the spreader I suggest using a tie strap from the top of the spreader back to the ztr. This will prevent a lot of bouncing when the hopper is full. I also suggest mounting the spinner speed control within easy reach. Its nice to just dial down the speed as you enter a narrow area.

Scott

[rcreech]

Thanks for that i feel a bit better now, having an 9000 dollar machine sitting there while im thinking about buying another big piece of equipment was a little disheartining(sp?). Anyway what manufacturer of a pump,boom and nozzle would you sugest? What nozzle size like 1 gpm? My othe rthought on this was if i could mount of the back to limit the fine dust particulate from accumulation on me and all over the machine, if i mount on the back throwing towards the rear it would keep the machine cleaner. What are your thoughts.
Happy Thanksgiving


If you wanted to go cheap...you could design your own sprayer.

Or you could buy a prefabed Fimco unit. Again they are probably not over $400, but they are a little on the light side.

http://www.gemplers.com/product/126068/Fimco-12-volt-25-gallon-Sprayer

I would probably go with a little smaller tank and definitly switch the boom over to AI Tee Jet tips. You probably would want to mount your spreader first...then build the boom to be the same width.

I would also recommend 110 degree tips on 20" spacing. Running AI tips you can run higher pressure but less drift due to a larger droplet.

[RigglePLC]

Good for you Jockey. I mounted a bicycle speedometer on my hand spreader. Glued it to the tire with rubber cement and put pickup sensor on the stainless steel frame near the right wheel. I can adjust the speedometer wheel size to read the speed...OR...I can set it to read the approximate sq ft covered, (using the trip meter). Also reads time of day and elapsed time of course.

And... I modified mine with a switch so that it just records when the spreader is open, so transport back to the truck is not recorded as feet covered.

Come to think of it...Maybe I can do the same on my Permagreen.

[humble1]

light side? weight or quality?
Does it come w the tips you are talking about or do i get seperate?
Do you think i could still mount everything on the back

[humble1]

that ? was to R.Creech post

[rcreech]

light side? weight or quality?
Does it come w the tips you are talking about or do i get seperate?
Do you think i could still mount everything on the back


I honestly don't know that much about the unit but have seen it at TSC.

I would build my own if it was me as you could "make it fit" your machine better.
I would probably mount the spreader on the back and the boom on the front, but not sure where the tank would go. You could look at Lesco's Z spray for some ideas.

I would go with the smallest tank possible for weight and bulkiness reasons personally.

I think flood jets come on this setup so you would have to redo the boom. It is easy to do, as you just need a diaphram body, cap and tip. Probably looking at $10.00 a set.