Eco Lawn Applicator

[IncaHeat]

After searching the web for a machine that will spread compost efficiently, I came across:

http://www.ecolawnapplicator.com/index3.html

But I wonder what you guys use. This machine retails for $5500. What other machines are out there that can do a similar job or have similar capabilities, for a more reasonable price? Thanks

[Wisentaner]

I purchased a ecolawn top dresser a couple of weeks back. It makes the job of spreading compost a lot faster. It is a really simple design and I think really expensive for what it is. The only problems I have had with it are all associated with it belts and am actually in the process of converting it to chain driven. A full hopper of compost is way to much weight for this machine to be belt driven in my opinion. Once this is changed it should be a great machine. If you have a market for topdressing it can pay for its self quickly.

[IncaHeat]

Whats the latest on this machine? Anything similar but cheaper on the market?

[phasthound]

After searching the web for a machine that will spread compost efficiently, I came across:

http://www.ecolawnapplicator.com/index3.html

But I wonder what you guys use. This machine retails for $5500. What other machines are out there that can do a similar job or have similar capabilities, for a more reasonable price? Thanks

That is a reasonable price. Good equipment costs money and makes you money. Buy something cheap and you'll soon be replacing it & buying something you should have bought in the first place. Rule of thumb when buying tools & equipment; buy the best and save money.

I like the Ecolawn, it's a good machine. I own an Earth & Turf 100SP http://www.earthandturf.com/100sp.htm. It costs a little more, but is a heavy duty machine that can handle the weight (I enlarged the hopper & doubled the capacity) while providing precision control.

[starry night]

InaHeat: I agree with what has been said about price. That sounds like a reasonable price for what a topdresser is supposed to do. If you find new prices much cheaper than that, it would probably be a "toy" or an unproven design. One of the other sponsors on this site is Lawn Solutions out of Louisville. They have gained a good reputation with other lawn care machines. They are fine-tuning their design and testing out a topdresser now. Hopefully it will be out soon (maybe Fall). Several of us are waiting for its introduction. Click on their name among the sponsors on the opening page of LawnSite for info about the company and its machines. I'm not a paid shill. I'm just a satisfied customer with a couple of their other products.

[ICT Bill]

Peter Schmidt over at compostwerks has one too, I have never used it but folks seem pretty satisfied with it. He doesn't make it but resells it for a Canadian company. It may be the same unit

He is just south of you right across the CT NY border

http://www.compostwerks.com/

[IncaHeat]

Thanks guys. I was looking to see what else was on the market as well, so this opened up my eyes a little bit more.

[Turf Tech]

There arent alot of options for landscapers that I have found. You have the Earth and Turf sp100, Ecolawn and R&R topdresser. I have tried the Earth and Turf and the Ecolawn. I bought the Ecolawn. I considered the R&R unit but didnt get to test it and was a little worried about different materials not going thru it. The Ecolawn spreads just about everything that I have put in it so far. I think it is expensive for such a simple machine. There just isnt alot to choose from for now.

I have a few designs in mind to build a simple machine that has a price point of less than 3k that is self propelled and spreads a wide assortment of materials. I plan on building it over the next few months and see if my design works as I envisioned.

[IncaHeat]

There arent alot of options for landscapers that I have found. You have the Earth and Turf sp100, Ecolawn and R&R topdresser. I have tried the Earth and Turf and the Ecolawn. I bought the Ecolawn. I considered the R&R unit but didnt get to test it and was a little worried about different materials not going thru it. The Ecolawn spreads just about everything that I have put in it so far. I think it is expensive for such a simple machine. There just isnt alot to choose from for now.

I have a few designs in mind to build a simple machine that has a price point of less than 3k that is self propelled and spreads a wide assortment of materials. I plan on building it over the next few months and see if my design works as I envisioned.

Cool, please keep us posted. I think the Ecolawn is a touch overpriced. Even used form the gentleman himself is just a few dollars off, maybe 10%?

[replenish&subdue]

Have the earth & turf sp100.Really like it .Spreads 30 % moisture content (cotton burr compost) without a problem.

[IncaHeat]

There arent alot of options for landscapers that I have found. You have the Earth and Turf sp100, Ecolawn and R&R topdresser. I have tried the Earth and Turf and the Ecolawn. I bought the Ecolawn. I considered the R&R unit but didnt get to test it and was a little worried about different materials not going thru it. The Ecolawn spreads just about everything that I have put in it so far. I think it is expensive for such a simple machine. There just isnt alot to choose from for now.

I have a few designs in mind to build a simple machine that has a price point of less than 3k that is self propelled and spreads a wide assortment of materials. I plan on building it over the next few months and see if my design works as I envisioned.

Turf Tech, did you ever get the chance to build a prototype? Was wondering what the results were. Thanks.

[Turf Tech]

No I have been so busy I haven't had any free time. It may end up being a winter project.
Posted via Mobile Device

[phasthound]

No I have been so busy I haven't had any free time. It may end up being a winter project.
Posted via Mobile Device

You have winters in Texas? :)

[Turf Tech]

The rig is working pretty well. We have put out about 120 yards of compost with one college student who works from 1 to 5. We have been at it for about six weeks. He usually can topdress about 18k sq/ft in that time which includes going to the compost place to load up. Still tweaking a little but it works pretty well. Fixing to put a commercial on tv soon hopefully that will increase our call volume.
Posted via Mobile Device

[ICT Bill]

The rig is working pretty well. We have put out about 120 yards of compost with one college student who works from 1 to 5. We have been at it for about six weeks. He usually can topdress about 18k sq/ft in that time which includes going to the compost place to load up. Still tweaking a little but it works pretty well. Fixing to put a commercial on tv soon hopefully that will increase our call volume.
Posted via Mobile Device

Grew up in Colorado and could always tell someone from Texas when they said "fix'n", I still use it today because that where my mother is from, that and "crik" instead of stream

[Compostwerks LLC]

Hi folks!

I just wanted to make sure that everyone knows about the newest improvements in the Eco-Lawn Applicator.

Most importantly, the outfeed door now enables very precise metering of the materials that you spread. The machines performance with peletized and powdered materials is excellent. I still would not suggest that inorganic materials are spread with this machine. There is no comprimise in performance between compost and peletized materials. The linkage points have been beefed up. The setup is quite bomber.

The finish is now powder coated and no longer paint.

There is a seperate unit (additional cost) which fits into the hopper if you spread a lot of granulars or salt. It's designed to reduce the weight on the conveyor when spreading heavy granulars and it works very well.

I will upload some pictures in a few days.

Despite the upgrades, the cost remains $5,500.00 The price has not changed in several years.

[Turf Tech]

Is there any way to adjust the spread pattern? It throws heavy to yhe right.
Posted via Mobile Device

[LawnBoyzLLC]

I have an Ecolawn Applicator that I am looking to sell. It has roughly 25 hours on it and is in like new condition still. My business is going in a different direction so I haven't been using it and don't see the need to keep it around. I bought it last fall and am looking to get $ 4700 for it. I live in southeastern Wisconsin. I would be willing to deliver for a small fee if we could work something out. I don't get time to check back here much, so if anyone has any ?'s please feel free to call or text me at 414-531-3422.

Thanks
Joe

[LawnBoyzLLC]

Also if anyone knows of a good place to post things like the spreader for sale, that would be helpful. Already on E-bay and Craigs.

Thanks
Joe

[phasthound]

Also if anyone knows of a good place to post things like the spreader for sale, that would be helpful. Already on E-bay and Craigs.

Thanks
Joe

Try the Equipment Forum on this site.

[kevin16856]

Has anyone tried the Turfco Topdresser?

[roccon31]

i love how one person says this thing is fantastic, while others absolutely hate it.

peter, i have talked to you about this many times, so since you chimed in i have some questions.

anyone else that has used one feel free to answer as well.

1. how does it spread a topsoil/compost blend that is moist enough to clump up and your hand if you squeeze it? screened 1/2 inch minus of course...

2. how does it spread pelletized lime?

3. how does it spread agricultural lime? damp or dry.

4. how does it spread somewhat moist corn meal? NOT cgm. just moist enough to not flow in a large hole tow behind lawn spreader.

5. how does it spread WET compost? i havent found or made any in the last few years that wasnt pretty wet, probably wont find any soon either.


one guy says it wont spread wet materials, others say it does, whats the deal??? im sure im not the only potential sale hinging on these questions!

[DavidNJ]

I own an Earth & Turf 100SP http://www.earthandturf.com/100sp.htm. It costs a little more, but is a heavy duty machine that can handle the weight (I enlarged the hopper & doubled the capacity) while providing precision control.

You doubled the hopper? Can it handle that? Are the tires big enough? 20 cu. ft. of topsoil is a lot of weight.

[phasthound]

You doubled the hopper? Can it handle that? Are the tires big enough? 20 cu. ft. of topsoil is a lot of weight.

I use it for compost which is lighter than topsoil. It handles this weight with with no problem as it was designed to top-dress with sand.

[DavidNJ]

How do you load it?

[phasthound]

How do you load it?

Use a Bobcat if you have one or shovel off the truck.

[DavidNJ]

Do you have the Bobcat or the shovel? The first does let you dump, however you need a place to dump and the front loader costs way more than the top dresser. The second requires that the truck is owned, ties it up for prolonged periods, and that work is done in relatively small increments (isn't a truck load about 12ksq ft of top dressing?), When the truck is getting another load, isn't the top dresser and crew idle?

[phasthound]

Do you have the Bobcat or the shovel? The first does let you dump, however you need a place to dump and the front loader costs way more than the top dresser. The second requires that the truck is owned, ties it up for prolonged periods, and that work is done in relatively small increments (isn't a truck load about 12ksq ft of top dressing?), When the truck is getting another load, isn't the top dresser and crew idle?

We use shovels. If you have large jobs to do, the compost can be dumped at the site allowing the truck to get more. As you know there are many sized trucks. If you don't own a dump, you can make arraignments to have compost delivered to your site. As with any job, having the proper equipment makes work easier and more profitable.

[replenish&subdue]

Two years ago I went to the Expo at Louisville with a bag of cotton burr compost that had at least 30% moisture content. The Earth & Turf 100 sp had no problem at all spreading the compost. The following spring I made my money back and more. Results sell themselves. Last fall sold over a hundred yards on fescue yards. I am sold on the Earth & Turf. I think the Ecospreader markets better and so gets the sales. We also put sides on the 'bucket' to hold more.
I do need to find a better way to load the hopper but it is no big deal. We use a wide shovel. This year we might have a semi-load dumped at our place.

[adam.neusbaum]

I've used my Turfco Mete-R-Matic for the past 9 months and it can be a real handful at times. In open areas you can walk facing forward but try edging curbing around the house and flowerbeds while walking forward and you're going to crack some concrete. Walk backward to watch wheels on edge and you can walk yourself right into a tight-spot. Obviously these weren't designed for small residential yards. I've only demo'd the Ecolawn for about 10 minutes and really liked it's light-weight maneuverability compared to the heavyweight turfco. Try loading that fat-boy into the back of a pick-up truck with just two 2x8's, not going to happen.
I walked an estimate today and thought life would be easier if I had a Ecolawn because with the Turfco you have to try and get skinny close to everything or else you're stuck coming back with a bucket and shaking the compost around every edge. With the Ecolawn broadcast it'd never be an issue, certainly a lot less work involved. $1800 for a Turfco, better than starting with a $5k machine that just sits there. One thing still holds me back from purchaing the Ecolawn. $5k and I do $5k worth of work, great I broke even & now I want to quit top-dressing. Any chance of recovering my initial investment? Or did I work for nothing because it's not a very common machine that anyone is looking to purchase?
Thoughts, advise?
Thanks- Adam
1.855.COW.POOP
yes, it's really my #
Has anyone tried the Turfco Topdresser?

[DavidNJ]

The EcoLawn has an 11cuft hopper. At 1/4" depth (their sports field recommendation) that would be 500 sqft. At 4ft/sec (about 2.5mph) and a 6ft spreading width, that would be less than 30 seconds between refills. It sounds like someone would be very busy with a loader keeping it full.

[Turf Tech]

Keeping any topdresser full is the challenge no matter the brand. Neither Ecolawn or the SP100 are designed for sports fields they were designed to do residential yards that are small tight spaces. If you want to do football fields buy a bigger unit. That being said it can be done it's going to take awhile. I guess I will find out next month I have a football field scheduled.
Posted via Mobile Device

[landscaperDAVE]

Whats the latest on this machine? Anything similar but cheaper on the market?

Yes there is! The Bannerman MTD Power Topper is all metal construction, with chain drive, 5.5 Honda Engine, and a substancial hopper. Also, it retails for under 4000, and is manufacured in Canada. Great Buy.

http://www.sportsturfmagic.com/ProductPages/powertopper.html

[Turf Tech]

The Bannerman only carries 6.3 cf you will need to fill it all the time. The Eco lawn carrys twice as much.
Posted via Mobile Device

[phasthound]

After seeing the photo, I would say it is over priced. Carries too small of a load, looks top heavy, hard to maneuver and is of light weight construction compared to both the EcoLawn & the Earth & Turf self propelled models.

[Barefoot James]

I have been using the Ecolawn this season and it for sure will deliver. the compost has to be somewhat dry - meaning you can't grip it an have water coming out - like still steaming would be good. I also spread massive amount of green grade (cut) humus and the eco lawn is awesome it will spread 400 pounds at a time in under 2 mins over 10,000 sq ft. It is a spreading machine. very light weight and easy to use. BUT you do have to know how to use a wrench and how to lube up bearings and tighten up bearings. Probably 50% of the bearings that cam on my machine (new) were loose (no loc tight). They wer good to work with and always called me back to walk me through it. But really you just have to be prepard to spend some time with the manual and fix it. So far so good, it has paid for itself over and over and over and over and over again now so it is worth the investment if you have the clients. keep in mind we build our business blowing stuff out of wheel barrows with a back pack blower for 5 years and now we are just getting really, really - I mean really dirty spreading 400 pounds of humus in 2 mins - I'm talking pinning down my pants over my boots with elastic bands and I STILL get BLACK socks. Dusty is an understatement - Say pig pen x 100. But it quick and get her done.

I like the fact the unit is out in front of you and you can see if the product is bridging in the hopper (just bounce it) or actually stick your hand in there and push it down. So you know if your spreading is effective. I love it - especially the weight. It for sure will do athletic fields I have spread 20 yards of compost in 4 hours and spread 2700 pounds of humus in 45 mins. I have two atheletic fields and it works great. We do have a dump truck that holds about 8 yards so we are always loading DOWN into the ecolawn which is a hugh back and time saver. Loading up from a pile or a trailer sucks.

Hope this helps and those of you who are crying about the price should just get a big backpack and blow out of a wheel barrow until you have the business and are used to the hard way and then you will be sooooo happy to have an ecolawn and not be bitching about price - good stuff costs.

[Compostwerks LLC]

I have been using the Ecolawn this season and it for sure will deliver. the compost has to be somewhat dry - meaning you can't grip it an have water coming out - like still steaming would be good. I also spread massive amount of green grade (cut) humus and the eco lawn is awesome it will spread 400 pounds at a time in under 2 mins over 10,000 sq ft. It is a spreading machine. very light weight and easy to use. BUT you do have to know how to use a wrench and how to lube up bearings and tighten up bearings. Probably 50% of the bearings that cam on my machine (new) were loose (no loc tight). They wer good to work with and always called me back to walk me through it. But really you just have to be prepard to spend some time with the manual and fix it. So far so good, it has paid for itself over and over and over and over and over again now so it is worth the investment if you have the clients. keep in mind we build our business blowing stuff out of wheel barrows with a back pack blower for 5 years and now we are just getting really, really - I mean really dirty spreading 400 pounds of humus in 2 mins - I'm talking pinning down my pants over my boots with elastic bands and I STILL get BLACK socks. Dusty is an understatement - Say pig pen x 100. But it quick and get her done.

I like the fact the unit is out in front of you and you can see if the product is bridging in the hopper (just bounce it) or actually stick your hand in there and push it down. So you know if your spreading is effective. I love it - especially the weight. It for sure will do athletic fields I have spread 20 yards of compost in 4 hours and spread 2700 pounds of humus in 45 mins. I have two atheletic fields and it works great. We do have a dump truck that holds about 8 yards so we are always loading DOWN into the ecolawn which is a hugh back and time saver. Loading up from a pile or a trailer sucks.

Hope this helps and those of you who are crying about the price should just get a big backpack and blow out of a wheel barrow until you have the business and are used to the hard way and then you will be sooooo happy to have an ecolawn and not be bitching about price - good stuff costs.

How long have you been using it?

[Barefoot James]

Since early March. We top dressed about 75 yards with compost and top dressed about 100 yards this summer with humus (greens grade - 70% ++ HA - rate about 60 to 80 lbs per 1000 sq ft) - So barefoot properties are loaded/with goodness and we have seen lots of improvements already with brown patch and looking for really good improvements with germination for fall seedings. We are also spraying endomaxima mycorrhizae so every 1000 sf is getting about 50,000 spores (50 spores per sf). we are pretty excited about the yards that have been in our control for the past 4 to 5 years. They are getting stronger and stronger.

[Tim Wilson]

Awe Jim!! I was going to get you one of these for your birthday

http://www.tycrop.com/turf/tycrop_tv.html

[DavidNJ]

How do you keep it filled?

[Barefoot James]

Thanks Tim.

We fill it with a pitch fork and mulch shovel.

[PlantscapeSolutions]

I sent you a PM a while back but never heard anything. I was wondering what price range per 1K area you are able to get in San Angelo. Are things getting dire with watering restrictions there? We hit once a week on September 6th in Austin. Other areas close by have little to no watering restrictions.

All our F'n water went down the river to grow rice. Thank you LCRA. A few drops of rain fell at my house today. I went out and took pictures so the memory would last longer!

[PlantscapeSolutions]

There arent alot of options for landscapers that I have found. You have the Earth and Turf sp100, Ecolawn and R&R topdresser. I have tried the Earth and Turf and the Ecolawn. I bought the Ecolawn. I considered the R&R unit but didnt get to test it and was a little worried about different materials not going thru it. The Ecolawn spreads just about everything that I have put in it so far. I think it is expensive for such a simple machine. There just isnt alot to choose from for now.

I have a few designs in mind to build a simple machine that has a price point of less than 3k that is self propelled and spreads a wide assortment of materials. I plan on building it over the next few months and see if my design works as I envisioned.

Turftech are you still around? I sent you a few PM in the last 6 months and never heard back. I noticed you have been inactive on here for a while. I know things probably have gotten pretty dire in your area with the drought.

Everyone please check out my new Ecolawn thread requesting feedback.

[GreenInOH]

What about subbing out compost applications like this to blower truck services. I sub out some of my bigger mulch jobs to these guys? With the tube i think they could put down a nice and even layer of compost. Little labor, no equipment cost, no how do I load it, it seems like a no-brainer?

[PlantscapeSolutions]

If you look at page 5 in the pictures section you will find my Plantscape Solutions thread. On the second to last page is a picture of how we load my Ecolawn.

A two man crew and a dump trailer works great for load a top dresser. Years ago I did subcontract out top dressing. It cost me $50 per 1000 sq ft and I sold it for $75. With the price of Diesel being triple what it was when I subcontracted out top dressing 6-7 years ago the blower trucks have lost their edge.

My setup works great and is not that labor intensive. My worker can load two wheel barrows while I'm spreading and then reload my hopper in about 30 seconds with two quick dumps.

Shoveling off the ground is too labor intensive. I don't even think the trailer on the Ecolawn website is very good because the reloading is too slow. A medium duty truck like FL Landscapes or a deck over dump trailer is the way to go if your going to have a high level of efficiency and profit.