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?

[landscaperDAVE]

Originally Posted by IncaHeat

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/Produ...wertopper.html

[phasthound]

Originally Posted by 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

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.

[DavidNJ]

Originally Posted by phasthound

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]

Originally Posted by DavidNJ

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.

[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.