Tar River SSP-250 User manual

Rel. 01/22
Poly Fertilizer Spreaders
SSP-250, SSP-400
Operator’s Manual

2
Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
TO THE DEALER:
Assembly and proper installation of this product is the responsibility of the Tar River dealer. Read manual
instructions and safety rules. Make sure all items on the Dealer’s Pre-Delivery and Delivery Check Lists in the
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual are completed before releasing equipment to the owner.
TO THE OWNER:
Read this manual before operating your Tar River equipment. The information presented will prepare you to
do a better and safer job. Keep this manual handy for ready reference. Require all operators to read this manual
carefully and become acquainted with all the adjustment and operating procedures before attempting to
operate. Replacement manuals can be obtained from your selling dealer. The equipment you have purchased
has been carefully engineered and manufactured to provide dependable and satisfactory use. Like all
mechanical products, it will require cleaning and upkeep. Lubricate the unit as specified. Observe all safety
information in this manual and safety decals on the equipment. For service, your authorized Tar River dealer
has trained mechanics, genuine Tar River service parts, and the necessary tools and equipment to handle all
your needs. Use only genuine Tar River service parts. Substitute parts will void the warranty and may not meet
standards required for safe and satisfactory operation.
Record your implement model and serial number in the space provide below. Your dealer will need this
information to give you prompt, efficient service.
Model Number: ______________________________________
Serial Number: _______________________________________
Date Purchased: ______________________________________

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Table of Contents
Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Technical Specifications ……………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Safety …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Safety Signal Words ……………………………………………………………………………………. 6
General Safety Guidelines ……………………………………………………………………………… 7
Safety Decal Care ………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Before Operation ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 8
During Operation ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 9
Highway And Transport Operations …………………………………………………………………… 10
Assembly ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12-13
Operating Instructions…………………………………………………………………………………... 14-15
Maintenance ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 16
Spreading Charts ……………………………………………………………………………………… 17-20
Torque Specifications ………………………………………………………………………………….. 21
Parts Breakdown ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 23-28
Options ...……………………………………………………………………………………………... 29
Warranty ………………………………………………………………………………………………... 30

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Introduction Introduction
Thank you for purchasing your Poly Fertilizer Spreader. The SSP-250 & SSP-400 each have bottom opening
gates to ensure constant and accurate material flow. The variable positioning gate openings and fin
adjustments allow material to drop on different positions of the spinning disc therefore giving a left-right-
center spread pattern.
Technical Specifications
• Durable no-rust Ploy Hopper
• Cat. 1 three point hitch
• Simple adjustable Left-Right-Center spread pattern
• Galvanized spin disc with multi-position adjustable fins
Model SSP-250 SSP-400
Capacity lbs. 575 860
Capacity Cu. Ft. 6.9 10.59
Hopper height 39” 43”
Spread Swath 49’ 49’
Weight lbs. 123 130

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Important Safety Information
Safety
It is important that you read the entire manual and to become familiar with this product before you begin using
it. This product is designed for certain applications only. The manufacturer cannot be responsible for issues
arising from modification. We strongly recommend this product not be modified and /or used for any
application other than that for which it is designed. If you have any questions relative to a particular
application, DO NOT use the product until you have first contacted us to determine if it can or should be
performed on the product.
Read and understand this manual and all safety signs before operating and maintaining . Review the safety
instructions and precautions annually.
Safety Signal Words
TAKE NOTE! This safety alert symbol found though out this manual is used to call you attention to
instructions involving you personal safety and the safety of others. Failure to follow these instructions
can result in injury or death.
This symbol means:
Attention!
Become alert!
Your safety is involved!
Note the use of the signal words, DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION with the safety messages.
The appropriate signal word for each has been selected using the following guidelines:
DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations typically for machine
components which, for functional purposes, cannot be guarded.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury, and includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed. It may also be used to
alert against unsafe practices.
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
moderate injury. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Important Safety Information
General Safety Guidelines
Safety of the operator is one of the main concerns in designing and developing a new piece of equipment.
Designers and manufacturers build in as many safety features as possible. However, every year many accidents
occur which could have been avoided by a few seconds of thought and a more careful approach to handling
equipment. You, the operator, can avoid many accidents by observing the following precautions in this section.
To avoid personal injury, study the following precautions and insist those working with you, or for you, follow
them.
Replace any DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION or instruction safety decal that is not readable or is missing.
Location of such decals are indicated in this manual. Do not attempt to operate this equipment under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.
Review the safety instructions with all users annually.
This equipment is dangerous to children and persons unfamiliar with its operation. The operator should be a
responsible adult familiar with farm machinery and trained in this equipment’s operations. Do not allow
persons to operate or assemble this unit until they have read this manual and have developed a
thorough understanding of the safety precautions and of how it works.
To prevent injury of death, use a tractor equipped with a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS). Do not paint
over, remove or deface any signs or warning decals on your equipment. Observe all safety signs and practice
the instructions on them.
Never exceed the limits of a piece of machinery. If its ability to do a job, or to do so safely, is in question -
Don’t try it!
• Keep safety signs clean and legible at all times.
• Replace safety signs that are missing or have become illegible.
• Replaced parts that displayed a safety sign should also display the current safety sign
• Safety signs are available from your Distributor or Dealer Parts Department or the factory.
Safety Decal Care

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Important Safety Information
How to install Safety Signs:
• Be sure that the installation area is clean and dry.
• Decide on the exact position before you remove the backing paper.
• Remove the smallest portion of the split backing paper.
• Align the decal over the specified area and carefully press the small portion with the exposed sticky
backing in place.
• Slowly peel back the remaining paper and carefully smooth the remaining portion of the decal in place.
• Small air pockets can be pierced with a pin and smoothed out using the piece of decal backing paper.
• Carefully study and understand this manual.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing, which may catch in moving parts.
• Always wear protective clothing and substantial shoes.
• Assure that all tires are inflated evenly.
• Give the unit a visual inspection for any loose bolts, worn parts or cracked welds, and make necessary
repairs. Follow the maintenance safety instructions included with this manual.
• Be sure that there are no tools lying on or in the equipment.
• Do not use the unit until you are sure that the area is clear, especially of children and animals.
• Don’t hurry the learning process or take the unit for granted. Ease into it and become familiar with your
new equipment.
• Practice operation of your equipment and its attachments. Completely familiarize yourself and other
operators with its operation before using.
• Use a tractor equipped with a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) and fasten your seat belt prior to
starting engine.
• The manufacturer does not recommend usage of tractor with ROPS removed.
• Move tractor wheels to the widest recommended settings to increase stability.
• Securely attach to towing unit. Use a high strength, appropriately sized hitch pin with a mechanical retainer
and attach safety chain.
• Do not allow anyone to stand between the tongue or hitch and the towing vehicle when backing up to the
equipment.
• Do not use the unit until you are sure that the area is clear, especially of children and animals.
Before Operation

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Important Safety Information
• Children should not be allowed on the machine.
• Clear the area of small children and bystanders before moving the machine.
• If using a towing unit, securely attach feeder by using a hardened 3/4” pin, a metal retainer, and safety
chains if required. Shift towing unit to a lower gear before going down steep downgrades, thus using the
engine as a retarding force. Keep towing vehicle in gear at all times. Slow down for corners and rough
terrain.
• Make sure you are in compliance with all local and state regulations regarding transporting equipment on
public roads and highways. Lights and slow moving signs must be clean and visible by overtaking or
oncoming traffic when machine is transported.
• Beware of bystanders, particularly children! Always look around to make sure that it is safe to start the
engine of the towing vehicle or move the unit. This is particularly important with higher noise levels and
quiet cabs, as you may not hear people shouting.
• NO PASSENGERS ALLOWED! Do not carry passengers anywhere on, or in, the tractor or equipment,
except as required for operation.
• Keep hands and clothing clear of moving parts.
• Do not clean, lubricate or adjust your equipment while it is moving.
• When halting operation, even periodically, set the tractor or towing vehicle brakes, disengage the PTO,
shut off the engine and remove the ignition key.
• Be especially observant of the operating area and terrain. Watch for holes, rocks or hidden hazards. Always
inspect the area prior to operation.
• DO NOT operate near the edge of drop-offs or banks.
• DO NOT operate on steep slopes as overturns may result.
• Operate up and down (not across) intermediate slopes. Avoid sudden starts and stops.
During Operation

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Important Safety Information
• Adopt safe driving practices.
• Keep the brake pedals latched together at all times. Never use independent braking with machine in tow
as loss of control and/or upset of unit can result.
• Always drive at a safe speed relative to local conditions and ensure that your speed is low enough for an
emergency stop to be safe and secure. Keep speed at a minimum.
• Reduce speed prior to turns to avoid the risk of overturning.
• Avoid sudden uphill turns on steep slopes.
• Always keep the tractor or towing vehicle in gear to provide engine braking when going downhill. Do not
coast.
• Do not drink and drive!
• Comply with state and local laws governing highway safety and movement of farm machinery on public
roads.
• Use approved accessory lighting, flags and necessary warning devices to protect operators of other vehicles
on the highway during daylight and nighttime transport. Various safety lights and devices are available
from your dealer.
• The use of flashing amber lights is acceptable in most localities. However, some localities prohibit their
use. Local laws should be checked for all highway and marking requirements.
• When driving the tractor and equipment on the road or highway under 40 kph (20 mph) at night or during
the day, use the amber warning lights and a slow moving vehicle (SMV) identification emblem.
• Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic.
• Be a safe and courteous driver. Always yield to oncoming traffic in all situations, including narrow
bridges, intersections, etc.
• Be observant of bridge loading ratings. Do not cross bridges rated at lower than the gross weight at which
you are operating.
• Watch for obstructions overhead and to the side while transporting.
• Always operate in a position to provide maximum visibility at all times. Make allowances for increased
length and weight of the equipment when making turns, stopping the unit, etc.
• Pick the most level route when transporting across fields. Avoid the edges of ditches or gullies and steep
hillsides.
• Be extra careful when working in inclines.
Highway and Transport Operations

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Important Safety Information
• Maneuver the tractor or towing vehicle at safe speeds.
• Avoid overhead wires or other obstacles. Contact with overhead lines could cause serious injury or death.
• Avoid loose fill, rocks and holes, they can be dangerous for equipment operation or movement.
• Allow for unit length when making turns,
• Operate the towing vehicle from the operator’s seat only.
• Never stand alongside of unit with engine running or attempt to start engine and/or operate machine while
standing alongside of unit.
• Never leave running equipment attachments unattended.
• As a precaution, always recheck the hardware on equipment following every 100 hours of operation.
Correct all problems. Follow the maintenance safety procedures.
Highway and Transport Operations

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Assembly
Hopper
1. Secure the spreader hopper support pan to the bottom of the hopper with the 4 carriage head
bolts and nuts.
2. With the hopper opening facing up, insert the Retainer Bushing through the center hole of
the hop- per. The bushing rim should be on the inside of the hopper against the metal bowl.
3. Turn the hopper upside down.
4. Slip the 2-hole (Top Shutter Plate Flow Control) Galvanized disc over the bushing and
against the hopper bottom.
5. Do the same with the 3-hole (Bottom shutter Plate Directional Control) Galvanized disc.
Important: See photo to be sure the discs are flipped the proper way.
6. Put the 4 3/8” washer over the Retainer bushing.
Secure everything in place with the spanner nut or snap ring.
IMPORTANT: Make sure both holes can be exposed after the discs are assembled. If
not assembled correctly, the openings will not line up when the gates are supposed to
be open.

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Assembly
Frame
1. Install the spin disc on the gearbox output shaft. Secure it in
place with the 8mm roll pin in the lower most hole, which is
closest to the gearbox housing.
2. Install the deflector shield on the inside of the frame. Bolt it to
the tabs welded in front of the lower hitch pins on the frame. Se
- cure it in place with the 10 x 25mm bolts, flat washers, and
Hex nuts.
3. Secure the Fixed Pivot to the deflector shield with an 8mm nut
and flat washer.
4. Loosely attach the left and right hopper support arms to the
frame using the M10 x 25mm bolts, lock washers and Hex nuts.
The notch end goes on the frame. Do not tighten.
5. Attaching the adjustment spreader lever. Slip the adjustment
lever through the scaled slot. Put the spring over the 10 x 70mm
bolt. Insert the bolt through the spreader lever and put the fiber
spacer next to the lever. Put the bolt through the frame and
secure in place with the 10mm lock nut. Compress the spring
by tightening the bolt and nut until there is resistance in moving
the handle up and down.
6. Installing the Threaded Adjustment Block. Slip the wing bolt
through the indication gauge and then through the scaled slot on
the frame. Thread the wing bolt through the solid block to
secure it to the frame.
7. Flip the hopper right side up and position it over the frame.
Slide center hole over the gearbox output shaft. Secure the back
of the hopper in place by slipping the large washer over a 10 x
35mm bolt and sliding it through hopper and then through the
frame near the top hitch. Secure it in place with a 10mm flat
washer, lock washer and hex nut. Insert the support bar and bolt
it in place with the 10 x 25mm bolts. The flat washers, lock
washers and hex nuts are tightened against the hopper supports.
8. Install the nylon dust washer over the gearbox output shaft and
slide it down until lit rests against the bottom of the hopper.
Install the agitator with the 8 x 50mm bolt and lock nut.
9. Attach the Tie Rod to the Top Shutter Plate and secure it with R
clips and 2 - 10mm flat washers.
10. Install the Directional lever to the Bottom Shutter Plate and
secure the end to directional disc with 2mm cotter pin and 8mm
flat washer and the R clip to the Fixed Pivot bolted to the
deflector shield.
Tighten all hardware to proper specifications. See “Torque
Specifications” Chart of page22.

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Operating Instructions
Attaching to the tractor
1. Back the tractor to the spreader carefully. Turn off the tractor and set the park brake. Be sure
there is nothing between the tractor and the spreader including people or animals. There is a
possibility of serious injury or death.
2. Slide the tractor lower arms over the welded pins on the spreader. Secure with lynch pins.
Next, connect the top link to the spreader and secure with the top hitch pin.
3. The spreader disc must be horizontal to spread material uniformly. Adjust the tilt by twisting
the Top Link Arm in or out.
4. Adjust the height of the spreader to approximately 28”-30” from the bottom of the spreader
disc to ground level, (Fig. 1).
5. Install the PTO on the spreader and then
the tractor. Be sure to secure both ends
with proper pins or bolts. Serious injury
or death can occur from improperly
secured PTO shaft. It may be necessary
to shorten the PTO. See instructions on
“Shortening a PTO Driveline”.
Shortening a PTO Driveline
1. With the implement attached to the tractor’s three point hitch, and the PTO driveline not installed, separate
the PTO driveline. Attach the implement end to the implement and the other end to the tractor PTO input
shaft.
2. Raise the implement by using the tractor’s hydraulic 3-point
hitch to it’s maximum lift height.
3. Hold the half shafts next to each other and mark them so each
end is approximately ½” from hitting the end of the telescopic
profiles.
4. Shorten the inner and out guard tubes equally.
5. Shorten the inner and outer profiles by the same length as the
guard tubes. Using a rat tail file, round off all sharp edges and
burrs. Grease the telescopic profile generously before
reassembling.
Fig. 1
Do not shorten too much, the proper overlap is a minimum of 1/3 the length of each
profile.

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Operation
Spreading Operation
Consider the following factors when determining material quantity distributed per acre:
1. Operating speed is determined by ground conditions. Faster speeds can be obtained on dry, even,
cleared land. Slower speeds are required for uneven ground. Making a practice run will help determine
the correct setting for spreading as conditions vary.
2. Type or material distributed, density, moisture content, etc.
3. Width of spreading area.
4. Spreader lever position.
Spreading with revolving vanes.
Since fertilizers vary with respect to weights and density; in order
to obtain a perfect spread pattern, it may be necessary to adjust the
vanes in order to compensate for these differences. The vanes are
usually set to the center position.
Spread pattern can be regulated by adjusting the Spreader Wings
located on the Spreader Disc, (See Fig. **) Loosen the bolt
“A” (do not remove) and remove Bolt “B”. Rotate the Spreader
Wings Clockwise to spread material more to the left. Rotate
Spreader Wings Counter-Clockwise to spread material more to the
right. Be sure to tighten hardware to proper torque settings. See
“Torque Specifications” Chart on page 21.
Left– Center – Right Spreader pattern
A simple adjustment of the lower lever allows direction of the spreader pattern towards the
right, center or left of the tractor.
Spreader
Wing
Counter-
Clockwise
Clockwise
Fig. 5

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Maintenance
• Proper maintenance is the responsibility of the owner/operator. Poor maintenance is an invitation to trouble.
• Operate the spreader in an area with adequate ventilation. Never operate the engine of
the towing vehicle in a closed building. Exhaust fumes may cause asphyxiation
(suffocation) leading to serious injury or death.
•
maintenance.
• Always use the proper tools or equipment for the job at hand. Maintenance area should be clean and dry.
Electrical outlets and tools are to be properly grounded.
• Use extreme caution when making adjustments. Securely block equipment before servicing.
• After servicing, be sure all tools, parts and service equipment are removed.
• Use personal protection equipment (PPE) such as eye, hand, hearing and proper mask to filter any
chemicals used.
• Check tightness of all hardware periodically, including; bolts, nuts, screws, pins. See page “Torque
Specification” Chart in page 21 for proper torque specifications.
• Inspect tires for damage, wear and tear, and pressure. Add the proper amount of air according to the tire
manufacturers specifications. Pressure specifications can be found on the tire.
• Use caution when inflating or servicing tires. Tires can be extremely dangerous if mishandled. Call on
trained professions to service the tires if necessary.
• Where replacement parts are necessary for periodic maintenance and servicing, genuine factory
replacement parts must be used to restore your equipment to original specifications. The manufacturer will
not claim responsibility for use of unapproved parts and/or accessories and other damages as a result of
their use.
• liability
for injury or warranty.
Service
Before operating spreader:
• Grease all exposed moving parts.
• Check air pressure in tires.
• Check all hardware for tightness.
• Replace worn or damaged parts.
Danger: Never attempt to perform maintenance on the machine without first stop-
ping the towing vehicle’s engine, setting the parking brake and removing the key
from the ignition. Always wear the proper protection (PPE) when performing ser-
vice. Refer to the chemical manufacturer for proper safety recommendations.

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Spreading Chart For Seed
NOTE: Spread widths of fertilizer will vary according to type.
Always check actual spread width and application rate.
Spread Chart settings are approximate - always make a trial run to check actual
application rate.
Type of fertilizer Spread width
ft.
Work
speed mph
Lever Position
0.25 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
Alfalfa & Clover 26
414 48 118
511 39 95
6932 79
7.5 7.5 26 63
Barley 28
490 107 151 186
572 86 121 149
660 71 100 124
7.5 48 57 81 99
Bluegrass & Bermuda
Grass 18
420.5 72
516.5 45
613.5 36
7.5 11 24
Brome Grass 18
4712 19
569.5 15
65812
7.5 4610
Fescue & Ryegrass 33
411 34 74
5927 59
67.5 22 49
7.5 618 39
Lespedeza 33
4511 22
53.5 918
637.5 15
7.5 2.4 612
Oats 28
445 71 131
536 57 105
630 48 87
7.5 24 38 70
Orchard Grass 12
414 21
511 17
6914
7.5 711

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Spreading Chart For Seed (continued)
NOTE: Spread widths of fertilizer will vary according to type.
Always check actual spread width and application rate.
Spread Chart settings are approximate - always make a trial run to check actual
application rate.
Type of fertilizer Spread width
ft.
Work
speed mph
Lever Position
0.25 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
Rice 33
487 140 253
570 112 203
658 93 169
7.5 47 75 135
Rye 33
486 135 186 227
569 109 149 182
657 90 124 151
7.5 46 72 99 121
Sudan Grass 33
437 58 92
530 47 74
625 39 61
7.5 20 31 49
Soybeans 40
4127 150 170 200
5102 120 136 160
685 100 113 133
7.5 68 80 90 106
Wheat 33
470 111 151 198
556 89 121 159
646 74 100 147
7.5 37 59 80 106

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Operation SPREADING CHART FOR FERTILIZER
NOTE: Spread widths of fertilizer will vary according to type.
Always check actual spread width and application rate.
Spread Chart settings are approximate - always make a trial run to check actual
application rate.
Type of fertilizer PTO Speed
(RPM)
Spread
width ft.
Work speed
mph
Lever Position
.05 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5
Coarse Grain Fertilizers 540 40
2.5 97 139 246 414 516 640 789 935
548 69 129 204 260 320 392 472
7.5 37 53 85 139 175 175 260 323
Medium Grain Fertiliz-
ers 540 40
2.5 85 122 175 329 467 597 739 825 945
551 73 105 170 236 303 376 417 478
7.5 43 62 73 113 163 198 253 286 325
Fine Grain Fertilizers 540 40
2.5 60 85 122 204 340 440 551 647 770
532 46 61 108 178 224 280 324 396
7.5 21 30 41 93 122 153 193 220 263
Ammonium 540 40
2.5 61 266 377 563 724 896 1052 1242
528 116 190 284 366 448 525 622
7.5 23 74 124 191 244 298 352 422
Urea (Carbamide) 540 40
2.5 77 110 303 458 669 818 1004 1171
541 59 150 231 300 411 500 590
7.5 26 37 37 150 221 275 336 392

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Spreader Poly SSP-250, SSP-400
Operation
SPREADING CHART FOR SEED
NOTE: Spread widths of Seed will vary according to type. Always check actual spread
width and application rate.
Spread Chart settings are approximate - always make a trial run to check actual
application rate.
Material
Spread
width in
feet
Tractor
speed
(MPH)
Pounds per acre (approximate) at control level seng indicated at control level
setting indicated
0.25 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5
Alfalfa & Clover 26
414 48 118
511 39 95
6932 79
7.5 7.5 26 63
Barley 28
490 107 151 186
572 86 121 149
660 71 100 124
7.5 48 57 81 99
Bluegrass & Bermuda
Grass 18
420.5 72
516.5 45
613.5 36
7.5 11 24
Brome Grass 18
411 34 74
5927 59
67.5 22 49
7.5 618 39
Fescue & Ryegrass 33
486 135 186 227
569 109 149 182
657 90 124 151
7.5 46 72 99 121
Lespedeza 33
437 58 92
530 47 74
625 39 61
7.5 20 31 49
Oats 40
4127 150 170
5102 120 136
685 100 113
7.5 68 80 90
Orchard Grass 33
470 111 151 198
556 89 121 159
646 74 100 147
7.5 37 59 80 106