Choosing the Right Lime Spreader: Wet Lime Spreader, Redhawk, or Bulk Material Spreader?
Selecting the right lime and fertilizer spreader is crucial for achieving optimal performance, efficiency, and the best results in your fields. At Stoltzfus Spreaders, we often receive questions about the differences between our Wet Lime Spreader (WLS), Redhawk Ground-Driven Spreader, and Bulk Material Spreader (BMS). This blog post answers common customer questions about the advantages of each model to help you make the right purchasing decision.
Overview of the Spreaders
When it comes to managing materials like wet lime, chicken litter, and compost, choosing the right material spreader can make all the difference in achieving efficient coverage and optimal spread rates. This overview highlights key features of top-performing wet lime spreaders, ground driven spreaders, and bulk material spreaders, helping you match the right machine to your operation’s needs.
Wet Lime Spreader (WLS)
The Wet Lime Spreader series features a power take-off (PTO)-driven conveyor. Key details include:
- Conveyor: 24″ wide, PTO-driven.
- Spinners: Standard hydraulic spinners (15 GPM hydraulic flow required).
- Configurations: Can be set up with PTO-powered spinners to eliminate the need for tractor hydraulics.
- Ideal for: Spreading lime, particularly when cost is a key consideration.
Redhawk Ground-Driven Spreader
The Redhawk series features a ground-driven conveyor that matches the spread rate to the driving speed. Key details include:
- Conveyor: 24″ wide, ground-driven.
- Spinners: Standard hydraulic spinners (15 GPM hydraulic flow required).
- Additional Requirements: A hydraulic cylinder controls the press wheel, requiring another set of hydraulic remotes.
- Configurations: Can be set up with PTO-powered spinners.
- Ideal for: Spreading lime and as a fertilizer ground driven spreader due to the consistent spread rate, even with changes in speed.
Bulk Material Spreader (BMS)
The Bulk Material Spreader series is designed for high-capacity spreading with a wider conveyor and higher discharge rate. Key details include:
- Conveyor: 30″ wide for a higher volume discharge.
- Spinners: Hydraulic-driven.
- Configurations: Requires a constant driving speed unless equipped with Variable Rate Ready (VRT) technology.
- Ideal for: High-volume spreading of lighter materials.
Key Differences Between the Models
Understanding the distinctions between spreaders helps ensure that you select the right tool for your specific material flow needs. From conveyor type and hopper construction to spread rate control and target application, each model offers unique advantages for managing lime, fertilizer, and other bulk materials.
| Feature | Wet Lime Spreader (WLS) | Redhawk Ground-Driven Spreader | Bulk Material Spreader (BMS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conveyor Type | PTO-driven | Ground-driven | Hydraulic-driven |
| Conveyor Width | 24″ | 24″ | 30″ |
| Hopper Construction | Carbon steel | Corten steel | Carbon steel sides Corten pan |
| Spread Rate Control | Requires constant speed or VRT option | Correlated to driving speed | Requires constant speed or VRT option |
| Target Application | Primarily lime | Fertilizer and lime | High-volume/light materials or lime |
| Cost Considerations | Medium cost | Medium cost | Higher cost |
Pros and Cons of Each Model
Each spreader model offers its own unique balance of performance, cost, and material compatibility, all of which are key factors in determining how well it fits into your operation.
Wet Lime Spreader (WLS)
- Pros:
- Medium cost.
- Can be configured for use without tractor hydraulics.
- Ideal for lime applications.
- Will spread fertilizer, compost, and litter as well.
- Cons:
- Requires a constant driving speed for a consistent spread rate without the VRT option.
Redhawk Ground-Driven Spreader
- Pros:
- Spread rate is consistent regardless of speed changes.
- Corten Hopper.
- An ideal fertilizer ground driven spreader.
- Will spread lime, compost and litter as well.
- Cons:
- Fewer options.
- Slightly higher cost than the WLS.
- Requires two sets of hydraulic remotes.
Bulk Material Spreader (BMS)
- Pros:
- Higher capacity and discharge rate.
- Suitable for spreading a large volume of lighter materials.
- Will spread wet lime and fertilizer as well.
- Cons:
- Requires a constant speed unless equipped with VRT technology.
- Higher cost.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Spreader
To determine which spreader best suits your needs, consider the following factors:
- Type of Material: Are you spreading primarily lime, fertilizer, or bulk materials? The WLS is typically preferred for lime, while the Redhawk excels with fertilizer, and the BMS is ideal for large volumes of lighter materials.
- Consistent Spread Rate: If maintaining a consistent spread rate regardless of speed changes is important, the Redhawk or a VRT-equipped model may be your best option.
- Cost Considerations: The WLS offers a lower-cost solution for lime spreading, while the Redhawk and BMS provide more precision and higher capacity.
- Tractor Requirements: Ensure your tractor has the necessary PTO and hydraulic capabilities for the spreader you select. Consider whether you prefer PTO-powered spinners for simpler operation.
Customization Options
Stoltzfus Spreaders offers various customization options to ensure your spreader meets your specific needs:
- PTO Driven Spinners: Available on the WLS and Redhawk series, PTO driven spinners allows spinner operation without the need for hydraulics. This is perfect for older tractors or rental applications where multiple unknown tractors would be used.
- Variable Rate Technology (VRT): Removes the requirement to drive at a constant speed, allowing for either straight rate or variable rate control driven by your cab monitor.
- PTO-Powered Self-Contained Hydraulics: Available for both WLS and BMS models, this option eliminates the need to rely on tractor hydraulics.
Get Help Choosing the Right Spreader for Your Needs
Choosing the right spreader depends on the type of material you plan to spread, your desired level of control over the spread rate, and your budget. The Wet Lime Spreader is a cost-effective option for lime application and will support spreading of most other materials, the Redhawk provides consistent spread rates for fertilizer and lime thanks to the innovative press wheel design, and the Bulk Material Spreader offers higher capacity for light materials.
If you’re still unsure which spreader fits your operation best, please contact us for more information or a personalized consultation. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your farming needs.