Slit seeders: Feed box in front or rear?

[walker-talker]

Does anyone know which of these set-ups have a higher germination percentage? I would think the one in front would cause the seed to come into contact with the soil better. Just looking for opinions.

MATT

[odin]

Our slitseeder is a matteway that is in the back but it has 10 tubes that feeds the seed to 10 discs that put the seed right in the slits.Reels under the machine cut the slits

[walker-talker]

odin00,

Did you spell that name correctly? I did a search and can find nothing with that brand name. What size of engine does that model have and how much did it cost?

MATT

[Randy Scott]

It's a RYAN Mataway seeder. I purchased an excellent condition used one this year for $1700. New ones go for about $5000 to $5500. Mine has a 10hp Briggs on it, I think the new ones come with 11hp Honda motors. Mine works great and wouldn't buy a new one if you can find a good used one. Have to do alot of slitseeding to make up $5000 just to recover your investment.

[odin]

Walker talker

Sorry forgot to mention its made by RYAN its a tough machine although it has a lot of belts and even some small chains.

[odin]

Got mine in 1996 for 3900$ and it has grossed a lot of money
And mine has the 10 horse briggs to
Lot of belts on mine

[walker-talker]

WOW...that's a lot of money. What is the size? This must be a pull behind model?

[odin]

No pull behind it has a front wheel drive and has 10 discs spaced at 2inches each
Great machine and money maker,and a real big money maker after a drought year

[Randy Scott]

Try this walker-talker.

http://www.allenlawnmower.com/ryan_overseeder.html

[walker-talker]

Dammit Man, that is one awesome machine. Now I know they are so expensive. I am investigatint more on this.

Thanks
MATT

[LAWNGODFATHER]

I've had good luck with many types.

Ryan

Lesco

Blue bird.

Turfco

Landpride

ETC....

It's in the seed to soil conact ratio, does not matter front or back.

Although the Mataway and Lesco are self propelled which will make all the differance in the world.

The Landpride is 3pt hitch.

[walker-talker]

Does the machine run at just one speed? How many pounds does the hopper hold? How well does the machine work as a "dethatcher"?

MATT

[LAWNGODFATHER]

I'm pretty sure you could get different reels for the Mataway, and get the dethactcher. It's been a long time since I used one, but I think it's a hydro drive.

The Lesco Renovator does a real good job. It's a hydro drive.

You can keep the power rakes with seend boxes added, they are only self powered by the tines moving.

[odin]

mine is a gear drive the hopper holds 30 35lbs of seed.New ones could be hydro i dont know mines a 1996 with 10 horse briggs.
gear drive turns the front wheels
goes one speed but you can make it go slower by turning the throttle down but the seed rates are calabrated for the top speed.

[G & S LANDSCAPING SERVICE]

Does anyone have any input or experance with the turfco? Thinking of getting one need a first hand opinion of how well this unit works as a slitseeder and a detatcher, Thank you in advance for your help. Scott

[walker-talker]

odin00,

How easy are the reels to change out?

LGF,

Does the Bluebird seeder do as well as the Ryan, the only difference being the Ryan is self propelled?

Thanks
MATT

[LAWNGODFATHER]

You must push it when the tine/knives don't touch.

They all do a good job, but the self propelled ones are much easier to use.

I would take a serious look at the Lesco Renovator. It's half the price of the Ryan Mataway and does just as good.

However I did have my problems with one, but I guess that's what you get buying one used from a rental place. $500 couldn't pass it up. Spent just over $1000 fixing it.

$3700 brand spanking new.

[walker-talker]

LGF,

As you were typing that last post I was at the Lesco website. They want $3862.07 for the Renovator w/ 8hp Honda. I can get a Mataway w/ 11hp for $4140. I am stearing towards the Ryan. I can get a Turfco for $1870 w/ 5.5hp Honda. I have not got a price on the Bluebird just yet.

MATT

[odin]

Walker talker
The reels are very easy to change just a couple of hooks pull it out and then put it in

[LAWNGODFATHER]

The Lesco went up.

The Mataway went down over $1500 since I looked at them.

The Turfco will do the job, but it will run you to death. Same with the Blue Bird.

Also on the Blue Bird site they have a tow power rake, I wonder if you could convert it to a seeder?

The Lesco is pretty simple to use and not much to go wrong with it.

Is that price for the Ryan with a Honda or Briggs?

[walker-talker]

LGF,

The Mataway comes with 11hp Kohler.

MATT

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Go for it, sounds like a good price and is a good machine.

Has a few more options than the Lesco, as you can change the reels.

I'm still in search of one that will work good on steeper hills.

Might have to get a 3pt hitch one for that,

[crs]

I have a Turfco. I bought it this fall and used it on many properties. I was very pleased with the results, however when I buy another seeder it will be self propelled. This thing is a pain to push if you have any slopes to do. It does not matter if you go across them or up and down it is still a pain.

I personally like the sedd hopper in the front. I feel ther is a better chance of seed/soil contact with that setup.

[G & S LANDSCAPING SERVICE]

Thanks ,crs. I am now looking at a lesco self propelled, model, Thanks guys for your input and advice, I am now looking at the MTD-PRO #OS 820 model , Its the same model as the lesco for$3499 ,check out their wed site at WWW.MTDPRO.COM Iwould like to hear your input on this overseeder, and if you think it is a good buy. Thanks for your input, Scott.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

If it's the same as a Lesco, then I have already comented on it.

[Rodney Johns]

The Ryan is an awesome unit. Probably the best in the Walk behind series although some guys tell me they love the Jacobsen.

The blue bird is $1,670 for the Honda power BTW.

As far as a 3 point style....no one mentioned the Befco. This is the best one out there in my opinion. I do like the Olathe and Sukup brands too.
The Land pride.......well I would keep some duct tape handy from past experiences with there products. I think they are less expensive for a reason.

Just some options fellas.