Going to GIE+EXPO to see the Compost Spreaders

[Rick13]

Going to GIE+EXPO to see the Compost Spreaders, and after reading the message boards on which is the better spreader....I'm looking to see if anyone makes or has rigged up a vibrator for their compost spreader?

If so, can you explain how you did it?

I've read on the Snowplow site about a company called Karrier Company. They make a model called Twin Kit -Z80 (for plastic salt spreaders, which might work on a Ecolawn Spreader/plastic hopper). I will call the company and talk to a field rep. for more info.

I called Earth and Turf, and the owner (I think) said that they will be making a model to compete with the Ecolawn. It's going to have the same broadcast pattern and be priced to compete with Ecolawn...plus Earth and Turf will have their new machine at GIE show in October. It will give me a chance to try them out and I will ask the different reps. about the vibrator questions also.

But I'm looking to see if anyone knows anything on this subject or have their spreader already hooked up to a vibrator. Has it made a big difference in binding up wet material?

Thanks for your help!

[jfoxtrot9]

Just subscribing to this post!

[ReddensLawnCare]

The past two years they do not allow you to but material through the demos, at least not when I went. I tried two different times and they said it would make to much of a mess. Last year was also a rain out so that could have been part of it
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[Rick13]

Hummm....the guy from Earth and Turf told me to come and try their machine out. And his booth is very close to Ecolawn.

Earth and Turf guy was really nice to talk to on the phone, almost couldn't get him off it...lol. Very knowable and if the are making a broadcaster like Ecolawn...it might be the way to go!?!

Earth and Turf looks like their machines are pretty heavy duty, so if they can make a faster moving machine for residential, then it might be the way to go.

I will be researching more to find what will work best for me.

And if it was to rain this year, I'm sure the Earth and Turf (rep. or owner) would be more than willing to run his machine even in the rain....at least that's what I got off of him when we talked on the phone for over 20 mins.

Can't wait for the showdown!!!

[DA Quality Lawn & YS]

tell the mfg's to stop grossly overpricing their machines.
Maybe more lco's would get into the mulch topdress biz then.

[DA Quality Lawn & YS]

I see Earth and Turf has come out with a smaller push model for small lawns.
Might be worth a look see as a low cost barrier machine to do a few lawns with and get started up.

[Rick13]

Yeah, your're right DA Quality Lawns... Earth and Turf said there new push model would be around $1100.00. At least that's what I thought the guy from Earth and Turf said.

[grassmasterswilson]

I'm curious about pricing? I've been looking at this as an option for my business. Maybe an add on to the weed/fert program or a good ad mailer. Would definently have to weigh the pros and cons as well as try to show the great benefits of a compost topdress.

Looks like the rate is 1/2 cubic yard per 1000 sqft for normal topdressing or up to 1 cubic yard per 1000 for renovations. I've seen pricing anywhere from 4-5 times the cost of materials+delivery? That sound about right?

[Rick13]

Yes on the pricing.

up to 1 yard for 1000 sq ft. for normal yard.

up to 1.5 to 2 yards for 1000 sq ft. for renovations.

Benefits:
improve turf grass stand/overall health of turf grass
reaction to drought...keep more moisture in the ground
resistance to disease
increased root surface area
reduce need for chemical pesticide applications
healthy turf grass requires less maintenance
provides nutrients
help control thatch
compost people say one application of compost can replace your season fertilizing programs (4 to 5 apps)....you would still have to spray for normal weeds and crabgrass.

[phasthound]

Both the Earth & Turf SP100 and the EcoLawn are worth their prices.
I prefer the E&T for several reasons; holds more material, no problem spreading moist compost, 4 wheels make it more stable, drop spread allows for accurate applications with less clean up, it is very well built.