All terrain vehicles are not just for fun, you can use them for doing many different jobs, especially if you have a large property or a small farm. An ATV spreader can save you a great deal of time and backache and distribute seed, fertilizer, manure, feed and salt.
An ATV spreader is also an ideal solution on golf courses and any difficult or uneven terrain and one of the great things is, they don't cost a lot. The average spreader costs around 0.
There are a number of factors to be considered before buying an ATV spreader. This is another occasion where you get what you pay for too. If you only want to fertilize grass and lawns in fall every year, you should be able to get away with a cheaper ATV spreader, but if you need one for multiple tasks and you're going to use it frequently for different applications, pay more and you will get a durable, well-made spreader.
Capacity is important. A 100lb capacity means you can fertilize 100,000 square feet of lawn before refilling. For lawn fertilization it is important that you plot your route before you start spreading!
Controlling an ATV spreader is important. If you are going to use one often, take a look at the on-off switch, is it going to stand up to continuous use, or fall apart quickly?
Calibration is essential; can you figure it out without a degree in math? Is the calibration easy to do without a fight?
If you are going to be using caustic products, you may want to consider a heavy duty plastic, PVC or stainless steel over metal, as, for example, if you use your ATV for salting a roadway it may eat through the metal. Can the hopper be taken out easily for washing or can be it all be hosed down - you don't want to be poisoning the livestock as you spread their feed!
Always look at how the ATV spreader will attach to your all terrain vehicle. Many people have a problem with attaching the spreader and have had to make special brackets themselves to accommodate the spreader. It may be an idea to talk to the company that made your ATV for their recommendations before you buy, chances are they'll know which ones are perfect for your vehicle. If you can buy one that works with your ATV, will you have to pay extra for a special hitch?
One of the main things that fail on an ATV spreader are the blades. Make sure they are heavy duty stainless steel - anything else will not give good prolonged service and may corrode after time. Flimsy blades will not be able to deal with multiple loads of heavy materials without warping.
Is the ATV spreader run on a sound motor? Are parts readily available when something breaks? Look at everything on an ATV spreader - especially if it's going to be an integral part of your little workhorse, and you want it to last for years. Flimsy tubular frames won't cut it, neither will a flimsy switch mechanism that's open to the elements.
You know it's going to rain while you're out there, does the ATV spreader come with a durable cover that will stay on in a storm and keep everything watertight as you work?
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