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How to Set a Broadcast Spreader
How to Set a Broadcast Spreader. Broadcast spreaders are tools that hold granulated lawn and garden herbicides and fertilizer. You turn a small crank on the side that spins a small propeller inside the spreader, or push the spreader along on small wheels. The propeller ejects the product out through a hole that is controlled by a small lever. The...
Broadcast spreaders are tools that hold granulated lawn and garden herbicides and fertilizer. You turn a small crank on the side that spins a small propeller inside the spreader, or push the spreader along on small wheels. The propeller ejects the product out through a hole that is controlled by a small lever. The volume and control rate of the lawn care product depends on its coverage rate, and its consistency. Spreadable lawn products have specific settings printed on the sack. You then set the spreader to that setting. If you don't have instructions, you can still set it by comparing product grain size to common items.
Things You'll Need
Lawn care product
Check the bag for your spreader's model and make. Adjust your setting according to the instructions. If instructions are not included, open the bag.
Pour a small amount of the product into the hopper of the spreader. Look at it closely. If the individual grains are about the size of a caper, or a small pea, set the flow control setting on "5." The control settings are on the bottom side of the handle for hand-held broadcasters, and on the back of the hopper, near the bottom on wheeled ones. It can either be a lever that pushes up and down on a scale, or a knob that turns to a number.
Set the flow control valve to "1" if the individual grains are about the size of coarse ground pepper or smaller. If the grains are between the size of a caper and a coarse grain of pepper, set the flow control valve to "3."
Walk in a circle around the perimeter of the lawn as you turn the handle on the hand operated ones, or push the wheeled one. Take note of how much product you are using. Do a rough calculation. A normal flow rate would be 3 to 4 lbs. per 1,000 square feet of coverage. If you are using more than this, adjust the flow rate down from higher numbers to smaller. If using less, adjust the flow rate to higher numbers.
Tips & Warnings
Always wear safety gloves when operating a spreader. Don't inhale dust.
Never attempt to use your spreader if there is a breeze.
Water thoroughly after fertilizing, to avoid burning your lawn.
