? on broadcast spreader?

[farminghandyman]

I am new to broadcast spreaders, and the plan is to use for broadcasting seed and inter-seed it in a standing crop,

OK all the charts on this unit, say to open up to (example) 1/4" and depending on speed you put on X amount and if you double the speed you put on 1/2 of X, OK that is fine, and understand all of that. double the speed cut the amount per acer in half.

OK here is the question, say I want to put on we will say 20 pounds per acer and the chart says 1/4" open and drive 10 mph,

the ends of the field are rough and shakes one and bounces the tractor immensely at 10 mph, does any one know what the formula is to cut down the seed gate to reduce the flow by half so on can travel at 5 mph and put on the same amount,

It is not as simple as shut it down to 1/8" to cut the flow in halve. (the seed is about 1/16" in diameter)

by cutting it down in half by size appears to cut the flow by up to 3/4 or so,
(with quick experimenting),

(I will probably make a test gate to measure the flow through soon but if some one knew the formula it would be helpful for future use,

(I am just trying to make a chart to have to work by at different speeds depending on field conditions), or at lest not to have to a test on ever different combination), basically make on test at a given speed, and then be able to do a mathematical chart for quick or rough speed changes and opening chart.

[Bearfootfarm]

Those settings it gives are estimates.
Everything is variable, and will take some experimenting

I will probably make a test gate to measure the flow through

That's your best option.
And always make SMALL adjustments, or you'll lend up putting out too much

[francismilker]

I've found to absolutely not trust the guage on my 3-point spreader. The only way I do it is to have a good idea of what an acre is before I start of the total acreage of the plot I'm working on and just slightly open the discharge gate then I make multible passes over the same ground to ensure even distribution. It does take more fuel but I hate having bare spots on those rough areas like you're talking about.

[agmantoo]

Determining how to calibrate a broadcast seeder can be trying. The first thing needed is how to determine accurately the opening on the seeder. For a large tractor seeder I can use a drill index with a large number of drill bits in it. The drill bits are used as a gauge to determine the opening setting by closing the metering door against the bit. If I need to increase or decrease the opening, I insert another bit and close the door against the bit. Doing this I know by how much the opening changed. For a small seeder used to broadcast very small seed I need a more convenient and accurate method. I will post a pic at the bottom of this response to share how I mounted a micrometer to set the small seeder. Now for the setting of the seeder. Do not attempt to run the tractor past a comfortable riding speed but do maintain a speed you can constantly maintain. Watch the tachometer and always use the same tranny gear. Next step...get a sheet or something similar and spread it on a flat surface where the tractor can be driven. Set the opening on the seeder to your best guess and secure the stop for the opening. Close the opening and put some seed in the seeder. With the tractor a distance from the sheet start toward the sheet obtaining the speed referenced above and about 30 feet from the sheet open the seeder door against the stop and drive over the sheet. Go the the sheet and mark off a square ft in several places and get an average seed count. Research the seed you are sowing and get a seed count per pound. Multiply the average seed count times 43560 and get the seed count distributed per acre and see how that matches your intent to plant. Using the drill bits, increase or decrease the setting on the seeder and repeat the test until you get the setting to delivery the seed rate you want. I normally set the seeder to deliver 1/2 of the rate I want to sow then I run twice over the field with the second trip perpendicular to the first trip.

[farminghandyman]

thank you for the info,