This section provides an overview for fertilizer spreaders as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 10 fertilizer spreader manufacturers and their company rankings.
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A fertilizer spreader is a machine utilized to distribute fertilizers or compost.
Various shapes of fertilizers, including powder, granules, and liquids, can be accommodated. In the past, fertilizers and compost were manually spread, but with the introduction of fertilizer spreaders, the process has become highly efficient.
Moreover, the advent of fertilizer spreaders has enabled precise fertilization tailored to the growth of crops, allowing the application of the right amount at the right time. Consequently, it is considered one of the machines that significantly contributed to the advancement of agricultural technology.
Fertilizer spreaders are chosen and used during the pre-planting and post-harvest periods in the fields. The usage period does not differ from other agricultural equipment. While they can also be used during planting, it requires ensuring that there is enough space for the tractor to maneuver or sacrificing some of the crops in the path of the tractor.
Primarily used to efficiently fertilize fields, larger spreaders increase efficiency. The use of a tractor reduces physical strain even with large amounts of fertilizer. Tractors with cabins also allow for avoiding dirt, making them indispensable equipment in modern agriculture.
The advantages of fertilizer spreaders lie in their ability to efficiently distribute fertilizers and compost. The use of fertilizer spreaders reduces the burden on farmers. Additionally, one of the strengths is the ability to fertilize crops according to their growth.
One disadvantage of fertilizer spreaders is that they need to maintain a uniform flow of fertilizer to be effective. To fertilize fields with moist compost or dry chemical fertilizers, it is essential to spread them uniformly. Achieving quality fertilization involves adjusting the flow of fertilizer through valves and controlling the force of fertilizer dispersion, making it challenging for beginners. However, modern versions have added electronic control functions for flow adjustment, enabling fertilization even without advanced skills.
Fertilizer spreaders are primarily classified into "towed" types, which use the power generated when the tractor is running, and "mounted" types, which are attached to the tractor to utilize its power. While these are the main categories, further divisions are made based on the shape and purpose of the materials to be spread.
The manure spreader is mainly used for spreading compost. It has a container-type fertilizer tank with a conveyor belt at the bottom. During spreading, the conveyor belt moves, dispersing the compost to the rear. The rotating blades scatter the approaching compost to the surroundings.
They come in various sizes, ranging from small ones with a capacity of less than 1 ton to large ones with a capacity of 5 tons, providing a wide range of sizes. When used in paddy fields, it is essential to consider the need for significant towing force and the possibility of getting stuck with wheels. However, in dry fields, it efficiently allows the spreading of a large amount of compost at once.
Manure spreaders come in both self-propelled versions with an independent power source and crawlers attached, making them suitable for use in paddy fields. The advantage of crawlers is that they can be used even on soft fields. However, specialized transport vehicles such as trailers are required for movement.
The broadcaster has a cylindrical fertilizer tank, and a pendulum-like device swings left and right to spread the fertilizer. In addition to pendulum types, there are also types with rotating discs that scatter the fertilizer by rotating. One or two discs can be attached.
In larger sizes, some exceed 1 ton, requiring large tractors or the installation of counterweights.
The lime sower, commonly attached to the rear of a tractor, also has a type that can be attached to the front. It is mainly used when spreading powdered fertilizers. Due to its ability to spread in a linear pattern close to the ground, it is advantageous for certain applications.
However, compared to the previous two types, its fertilization range is narrower, resulting in relatively lower efficiency.
The slurry spreader is used primarily for spreading liquid manure from livestock. It can suck up from a manure reservoir into a tank and directly spread on the field.
The slurry spreader is like a machine with a vacuum truck mechanism, allowing it to spread liquid or semi-solid manure easily.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Brinly Hardy Co., established in 1839 and headquartered in Indiana, USA, is a manufacturer of lawn and garden tractors and ATV/UTV attachments. The company’s product lineup includes spike and plug aerators that enhance soil aeration, tow-behind carts that facilitate material transport around the yard, and lawn dethatchers that remove built-up thatch to rejuvenate lawns. It also offers ground-engaging equipment, lawn sprayers, and fertilizer spreaders, catering to residential homeowners and light-duty commercial lawn care needs. The company’s garden tractor plows prepare the soil for planting, lawn rollers flatten surfaces, and lawn sprayers evenly distribute fertilizers or pesticides.
Pequea is a US-based manufacturer of farm equipment founded in 1970 and headquartered in New Holland, Pennsylvania. The company mainly produces a wide range of agricultural equipment, including hay tedder and forage equipment, hay rakes, fertilizer spreaders, bale wrappers, and wood chippers. It also offers car hauler trailers, commercial deckover trailers, dump trailers, and other agriculture utility equipment. The company provides manufacturing services to meet client needs, such as paint coating, robotic bending, CNC milling, metal zinc plating, and assembly. It has dealers and distributors across North America and Europe, serving the residential and commercial sectors.
Hangzhou Ever-power Transmission Co., Ltd., established in 2006 in China, operates as an exporter, manufacturer, and supplier of speed reducers, planetary gearboxes, and helical gearboxes. The company specializes in producing customized variators, geared motors, electric motors, and other hydraulic products based on customers' drawings. It produces various types of mechanical and hydraulic transmissions, such as spiral and helical reducers, automatic transmissions, and drive shafts. Remarkably, 80% of its products are internationally exported, catering to markets including the United States, Germany, Japan, Australia, the Middle East, and other regions.
Loftness Manufacturing, established in 1956 and headquartered in Hector, Minnesota, United States, is an agricultural farming and small-farm equipment designer and manufacturer. The company's primary products include grain bagging equipment, fertilizer spreaders, and crop shredders designed for large-scale farming. Over time, the company has expanded its portfolio to include a vegetation management line that offers tools such as compact mechanical tree trimmers and various mulching attachments for use with skid steers and compact track loaders.
Teagle Machinery Ltd., established in 1996 and based in Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom is a manufacturer and distributor of agricultural machinery. The company's products include fertilizer spreaders for evenly spreading fertilizers across fields, tomahawk bale processors for processing bales of hay or straw, and cultivators for soil cultivation and soil preparation. It also offers specialized tools and equipment for grassland maintenance or management. The company primarily serves clients in the horticulture, agriculture, and farming sectors.
Kuhn North America Inc., based in Brodhead, Wisconsin and established in 2008 following the merger of Kuhn Farm Machinery and Kuhn Knight, is a manufacturer and distributor of agricultural and industrial products. The company offers machineries such as mixers, feeders, fertilizer spreaders, bale wrappers, and mergers used for crop, hay, forage, and livestock production. It also provides road maintenance and landscaping equipment, and CCI devices. The company's products are commonly used in farming, landscaping, road maintenance, and landscaping operations, as well as by agricultural cooperatives and government agencies in charge of environmental development.
Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 2 | 50.0% |
China | 1 | 25.0% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 25.0% |