TurfEx TS-300-1 Operating instructions

This document supersedes all editions with an earlier date.
October 1, 2018
Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01
TS-300-1 & TS-300-EG-1
Tailgate Spreader
Owner's Manual and Installation Instructions
Original Instructions
This manual is for TurfEx®TS-300-1 & TS-300-EG-1 tailgate spreaders
with serial numbers beginning with 170109 and higher.
CAUTION
Read this manual before installing or
operating the spreader.

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 3 October 1, 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION......................................................... 4
Warranty Registration ........................................... 4
Owner's Information Form .................................... 4
SAFETY ...................................................................... 5
LOADING.................................................................... 9
Certi¿cation........................................................... 9
Approximate Material Weights.............................. 9
MOUNTING THE SPREADER ................................. 10
Assembly Instructions......................................... 10
Receiver Mount Spreader................................... 11
WIRING INSTRUCTIONS......................................... 12
ELECTRICAL DIAGRAMS
Model TS-300-EG-1 ........................................... 13
Model TS-300-1.................................................. 16
OPERATING THE SPREADER................................ 17
Calibration........................................................... 17
Driving and Spreading on Snow and Ice ............ 19
Spreading Tips.................................................... 19
REMOVING THE SPREADER ................................. 20
MAINTENANCE........................................................ 21
Lubrication .......................................................... 21
After Each Use.................................................... 21
At the End of Each Season or
After Extended Storage ................................... 21
Storage ............................................................... 21
TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................. 22

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 4 October 1, 2018
INTRODUCTION
This manual has been prepared to acquaint you with
the safety information, operation, and maintenance of
your new tailgate spreader. Please read this manual
carefully and follow all recommendations. This will
help ensure pro¿table and trouble-free operation of
your tailgate spreader. Keep this manual accessible. It
is a handy reference in case minor service is required.
When service is necessary, bring your spreader to
your distributor. They know your spreader best and are
interested in your complete satisfaction.
NOTE: This spreader is designed to spread snow
and ice control materials only. Do not use it
for purposes other than those speci¿ed in this
manual.
Warranty Registration
Follow the directions on the TurfEx®Warranty
Registration and Customer Survey form included in
the spreader literature kit.
The registration form is also available online at
www.turfexproducts.com. Under "Support" select
"Warranty Registration."
OWNER'S INFORMATION
Owner's Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Date Purchased: _____________________________________________________________________
Distributor Name: __________________________________________ Phone:_________________
Distributor Address:___________________________________________________________________
Vehicle Model: _____________________________________________ Year: __________________
Spreader Model: _________________________ Serial #:__________________________________
Spreader Weight:_____________________lb/kg

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 5 October 1, 2018
SAFETY DEFINITIONS
NOTE: Indicates a situation or action that can lead
to damage to your spreader and vehicle or other
property. Other useful information can also be
described.
SAFETY
WARNING/CAUTION LABELS
Please become familiar with the warning and caution
labels on the spreader.
NOTE: If labels are missing or cannot be read, see
your sales outlet.
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.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious personal injury.

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 6 October 1, 2018
SAFETY
SERIAL NUMBER LABEL
Code De¿nition
YY 2-Digit Year
MM 2-Digit Month
DD 2-Digit Day
LL 2-Digit Location Code
XXXX 4-Digit Sequential Number
ZZZZZZ Assembly Part Number
Model No. 00000
Serial No. YYMMDDLLXXXXZZZZZZ
Model No. 00000
Serial No. 000000000000000000

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 7 October 1, 2018
CAUTION
Disconnect electric and/or hydraulic power
and tag out if required before servicing or
performing maintenance.
CAUTION
DO NOT leave unused material in
hopper. Material can freeze or solidify,
causing unit to not work properly.
Empty and clean after each use.
NOTE: Lubricate grease ¿ttings after each use.
Use a good quality multipurpose grease.
PERSONAL SAFETY
• Remove ignition key and put the vehicle in PARK
or in gear to prevent others from starting the
vehicle during installation or service.
• Wear only snug-¿tting clothing while working on
your vehicle or spreader.
• Do not wear jewelry or a necktie, and secure long
hair.
• Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from
battery acid, gasoline, dirt, and dust.
• Avoid touching hot surfaces such as the engine,
radiator, hoses, and exhaust pipes.
• Always have a ¿re extinguisher rated BC handy,
for Àammable liquids and electrical ¿res.
SAFETY
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Improper installation and operation could cause
personal injury and/or equipment and property
damage. Read and understand labels and this
Owner's Manual before installing, operating, or making
adjustments.
WARNING
• Driver to keep bystanders minimum of
25 feet away from operating spreader.
• Before working with the spreader, secure all
loose-¿tting clothing and unrestrained hair.
• Before operating the spreader, verify that all
safety guards are in place.
• Before servicing the spreader, wait for
auger and spinner to stop.
• Do not climb into or ride on spreader.
WARNING
Overloading could result in an
accident or damage. Do not exceed
GVWR or GAWR ratings as found on
the driver-side door cornerpost of
the vehicle. See Loading section to determine
maximum volumes of spreading material.
CAUTION
If rear directional, CHMSL light, or brake
stoplights are obstructed by the spreader,
the lights shall be relocated, or auxiliary
directional or brake stoplights shall be
installed.
CAUTION
During the hopper spreader installation
we recommend the addition of an OSHA
compliant Backup Alarm. This alarm is
required for OSHA governed employers.
CAUTION
• Do not operate a spreader in need of
maintenance.
• Before operating the spreader, reassemble
any parts or hardware removed for cleaning
or adjusting.
• Before operating the spreader, remove
materials such as cleaning rags, brushes,
and hand tools from the spreader.
• While operating the spreader, use auxiliary
warning lights, except when prohibited by law.
• Tighten all fasteners according to the
Torque Chart. Refer to Torque Chart for the
recommended torque values.
WARNING
Vehicles <10,000 lb GVWR: Obstructing
the visibility from the vehicle's rear camera
could result in serious injury or damage. An
auxiliary camera system shall be installed
if the vehicle's rear camera is removed or
blocked.

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 8 October 1, 2018
VENTILATION
BATTERY SAFETY
FIRE AND EXPLOSION
Be careful when using gasoline. Do not use gasoline
to clean parts. Store only in approved containers away
from sources of heat or Àame.
CELL PHONES
A driver's ¿rst responsibility is the safe operation of
the vehicle. The most important thing you can do
to prevent a crash is to avoid distractions and pay
attention to the road. Wait until it is safe to operate
Mobile Communication Equipment such as cell phones,
text messaging devices, pagers, or two-way radios.
CAUTION
Batteries normally produce explosive gases
which can cause personal injury. Therefore,
do not allow Àames, sparks, or lit tobacco
to come near the battery. When charging or
working near a battery, always cover your
face and protect your eyes, and also provide
ventilation.
• Batteries contain sulfuric acid which burns
skin, eyes, and clothing.
• Disconnect the battery before removing or
replacing any electrical components.
WARNING
Vehicle exhaust contains lethal fumes.
Breathing these fumes, even in low
concentrations, can cause death. Never
operate a vehicle in an enclosed area without
venting exhaust to the outside.
WARNING
Gasoline is highly Àammable and gasoline
vapor is explosive. Never smoke while
working on vehicle. Keep all open Àames
away from gasoline tank and lines. Wipe up
any spilled gasoline immediately.
SAFETY
CAUTION
Read instructions before assembling.
Fasteners should be ¿nger tight until
instructed to tighten according to torque
chart. Use standard methods and practices
when attaching spreader including proper
personal protective safety equipment.
TORQUE CHART
1/4-20 109 154
1/4-28 121 171
5/16-18 150 212
5/16-24 170 240
3/8-16 269 376
3/8-24 297 420
7/16-14 429 606
7/16-20
9/16-12
9/16-18
5/8-11
5/8-18
3/4-10
3/4-16
7/8-9
7/8-14 474 669
644 9091-8
1-12 704 995
1/2-13
1/2-20
11.9
13.7
24.6
27.3
43.6
26.9
53.3
93
148
49.4
69.8
77.9
106.4
120.0
8.4
9.7
17.4
19.2
30.8
35.0
49.4
55.2
75.3
85.0
M6 x 1.00
M12 x 1.75
M8 x 1.25
M14 x 2.00
M10 x 1.50
M27 x 3.00
M22 x 2.50
M30 x 3.50
M24 x 3.00
M20 x 2.5011.1
19.5
38.5
67
107
7.7
613
778
1139
1545
450
428
562
796
1117
M33 x 3.50
M36 x 4.00
2101
2701
1468
1952
325
M16 x 2.00 231 167
M18 x 2.50 318222
Recommended Fastener Torque Chart
Size Size
Torque (ft-lb)
Grade
5
Grade
8
Metric Fasteners Class 8.8 and 10.9
These torque values apply to fasteners
except those noted in the instructions.
Torque (ft-lb)
Grade
5
Grade
8
Size Size
Torque (ft-lb)
Class
8.8
Class
10.9
Torque (ft-lb)
Class
8.8
Class
10.9
Inch Fasteners Grade 5 and Grade 8
NOISE
Airborne noise emission during use is below 70 dB(A)
for the spreader operator.
VIBRATION
Operating spreader vibration does not exceed 2.5 m/s2
to the hand-arm or 0.5 m/s2to the whole body.

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 9 October 1, 2018
APPROXIMATE MATERIAL WEIGHTS
Material Density
(lb/ft3)
Rock Salt (Dry) 80–90
Weight of spreader and mount must be added to
struck material weight to determine total spreader
weight. Do not exceed maximum material capacity
as shown on the safety label (see Safety section).
Use only bagged rock salt with the spreader.
Other forms of spreading material are not
compatible with the tailgate spreader.
NOTE: If spreader and ice control material loading
is in doubt, weigh vehicle for compliance with
vehicle ratings.
LOADING
This manual covers vehicles which have been
recommended for carrying the spreader. Please see
your local dealer for proper vehicle applications.
CERTIFICATION
WARNING
Overloading could result in an accident or
damage. Do not exceed GVWR or GAWR
as found on the driver-side cornerpost of
vehicle.
WARNING
New untitled vehicle installation of a spreader
requires National Highway Traf¿c Safety
Administration altered vehicle certi¿cation
labeling. Installer to verify that struck load of
snow or ice control material does not exceed
GVWR or GAWR rating label and complies
with FMVSS.
CAUTION
Read and adhere to manufacturer's
ice-control material package
labeling including Material Safety
Data Sheet requirements.
WARNING
Do not overload vehicle. Use chart below
to calculate weight of material. Weights of
material are an average for dry materials.
CAUTION
Never use wet materials or materials with
foreign debris with any of these spreaders.
These units are designed to handle dry, clean,
free-Àowing material.

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 10 October 1, 2018
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
The spreader shall be installed according to
instructions supplied. Your local outlet is trained to
provide this service and service your spreader with
factory original parts.
1. Place the drive assembly on a Àat, level surface.
Attach the receiver mount to the drive assembly
as shown below using four 1/2" x 1-1/2" cap
screws. Tighten the fasteners according to the
torque chart.
2. Mount the support frame to the drive assembly
using the six supplied 5/16" x 1" cap screws and
the four supplied 5/16" locknuts. Tighten the
fasteners according to the torque chart.
MOUNTING THE SPREADER
3. Mount the throat support to the support frame at
the two lower holes by using the four supplied
5/16" x 1" cap screws and 5/16" locknuts. Tighten
the fasteners according to the torque chart.
Support Frame
5/16" Locknuts
5/16" x 1" Cap Screws
Drive Assembly
Receiver Mount
1/2" x 1-1/2"
Cap Screw
5/16"
Locknuts 5/16" x 1"
Cap Screws
Support
Frame
Throat Support

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 11 October 1, 2018
RECEIVER MOUNT SPREADER
The spreader shall be installed according to
instructions supplied. Your local outlet is trained to
provide this service and service your spreader with
factory original parts.
Insert the assembled unit into the receiver hitch and
secure with the supplied hitch pin and hairpin cotter.
MOUNTING THE SPREADER
4. Drill four holes in the hopper using the
support frame holes as a template. Place the
backing plate inside the hopper.
5. Fasten the hopper to the support frame by running
the four supplied 5/16" x 1" cap screws through
the backing plate, hopper, and support frame from
inside the hopper. Attach using the four supplied
5/16" locknuts. Tighten the fasteners according to
the torque chart.
Hopper
5/16"
Locknut
5/16" x 1"
Cap Screw
Hairpin Cotter
Hitch Pin
Receiver Mount
Receiver Hitch
CAUTION
During removal or mounting, securely grip
spreader to avoid dropping.
CAUTION
Before drilling holes, check to be sure that no
vehicle wiring or other components could be
damaged.

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 12 October 1, 2018
WIRING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mount the rear plug bracket on the back of the
vehicle. Locate the harness toward the center of
the bumper as it will reduce the amount of debris
getting onto the plug. Apply dielectric grease to
the plug.
2. Route the wires from the back to front using
zip-ties or clamps (not supplied). Do not secure to
brake lines, fuel lines, or near exhaust, engine, or
moving parts. Use the heavy-duty zip-ties along
the frame and lighter duty zip-ties everywhere else.
3. Drill a 3/4" hole in the ¿re wall near the steering
column. Be sure to check for wires and
components in the way (both sides of the ¿re wall)
before drilling the hole.
CONTROL AND HARNESS DIAGRAM – MODEL TS-300-EG-1
4. Run the data cable into the cab. Zip-tie the wire
under the dash so that it does not get in the way of
the brake or accelerator pedal. Leave enough of the
data cable outside of the dash so that the operator
can hold the control pendant in hand. Install the
pendant mounting base and bracket. Stick the
hook/loop fastener to the pendant and pendant
base.
5. Connect the harness to the back of the control.
Zip-tie loose control harness and move to the
engine compartment. Do not mount close to any
heater vents.
6. Connect power leads to the battery:
Red: POSITIVE (+)
Black: NEGATIVE (–)
Always connect to the primary battery if using
a dual battery system. Secure loose loom to
any other large or medium vehicle harness with
medium duty zip-ties to secure the wiring harness.
7. Push the ON/OFF button on the control to check
for power. When con¿rmed, turn power OFF. The
electrical portion of the installation is complete.
CAUTION
Before drilling holes, check to be sure that no
vehicle wiring or other components could be
damaged.
CAUTION
Do not alter, modify, or install additional
components in shaded areas shown below.
Failure to comply may interfere with airbag
deployment or cause injury to operator in an
accident.

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 13 October 1, 2018
Control Power Cable
Spreader Control
Switch Assembly
Vehicle Harness
Spreader Harness
CONTROL AND HARNESS DIAGRAM – MODEL TS-300-EG-1
WIRING DIAGRAM: MODEL TS-300-EG-1
IMPORTANT: Do not modify harness length. Any
modi¿cations will void warranty.
1. All external connections must have dielectric grease.
2. Read lead labels before attaching to power source
or ground.
3. No other devices may be spliced into wiring harness.
4. Any repairs to wiring harness must be done with
heat shrink butt connectors.
Spreader Harness
AB
43"
33"
9"
1"
Load View
4-Way Connector
Black
Red Blue
Green
Black Pos. A Red Pos. B
Load View
38"

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 14 October 1, 2018
Vehicle Harness
Battery Harness
Label "B (–)"
144"
3"
6"
Label "B (+)"
2"
189" ± 3"
Blue
Orange
Black
Red
M(+) Label
M(–) Label
CONTROL AND HARNESS DIAGRAM – MODEL TS-300-EG-1
HARNESS DIAGRAMS: MODEL TS-300-EG-1

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 15 October 1, 2018
CONTROL AND HARNESS DIAGRAM – MODEL TS-300-EG-1
HARNESS DIAGRAMS: MODEL TS-300-EG-1
Red Red
Red
Red
Red
Red
Black
Black
Black Black
Black
Black
Key Way on this End
Key Way
Key Way
Switch Circuts are:
Left – On
Middle – None
Right – On Load View
Control
Switch Assembly
Gate Switch
ON/OFF
Spreader Power
ON/OFF Spinner Speed
ON/OFF

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 16 October 1, 2018
ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM – MODEL TS-300-1
25A
Battery
Double Female
Remove jumper for use
with VAR-020 Variable
Speed Control Kit
3" Jumper
ON/OFF
Switch
Rubber
Switch
Boot
Wiring Harness
3/8"
Terminal
Ring
Fuse Holder
25A
Breaker
WIRING DIAGRAM: MODEL TS-300-1
IMPORTANT: In the off-season, remove the control
and store in a cool, dry place. The interior summer
temperatures could damage the circuit board and
void the warranty.
Wiring Instructions for Model TS-300-1
1. Install switch at desired location.
2. Run the spreader/vehicle harness from the rear of
the vehicle to the switch area. Attach the female
spade red wire to the switch. Leave the black wire
for Step 5.
3. Route the power harness from the battery to the
switch/control.
4. Attach the red lead to the POSITIVE (+) side of the
battery and the black lead to the NEGATIVE (–)
side of the battery.
5. Attach the female spade red wire on the switch
terminal. Using 3" double female black wire
jumper, attach the black wire from the power
harness to the black wire of the vehicle harness.
6. Install the rubber weatherproof boot on the switch
before ¿nishing the installation.
7. Insert dielectric grease on the terminals of SAE
plug at rear of vehicle.

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 17 October 1, 2018
Calibration Disclaimer
It is the responsibility of the person using this equipment to make sure that every type of material is properly calibrated
to perform as expected. This process should take place on a solid Àat surface away from drains and livestock areas in
order to achieve a safe and accurate reading for proper material distribution. Failure to do so may cause an over/under
application that could damage turf areas or give an ineffective pest control treatment. Any calibration charts contained
in this manual are given as a reference point only and should not be used as an absolute condition. Spending a few
extra minutes to properly calibrate will not only save on wasted materials and time but also protect turf and other
vegetation. Below are several points to be aware of before operating your spreader in the ¿eld.
Flow rates of chemicals can change for many reasons:
• Formulations vary within the same brand or even between brands
• Formulations vary between batches or dates of manufacture
• Humidity can cause the material to clump and Àow poorly
• Poor spreader maintenance can cause Àow changes
• Slide stop has moved or calibrated to another type of material
• Human error can cause rate miscalculation
Items needed for calibration:
• A way to catch the material for weighing
• A device to measure distance
• A scale to weigh your product
• A stop watch or other means to measure time
Conversion:
To convert pounds per 1000 square feet to pounds per acre, multiply your rate by 43.6.
To convert miles-per-hour (mph) to feet-per-minute (fpm), multiply miles-per-hour by 88.
Other important information:
• 1 acre is equal to 43,600 square feet (ft2).
• Ground speed is very important to keep in mind when doing calculations. Convert mph to feet per minute.
Use a level, open area of pavement to calibrate your spreader. Set the gate stop in the middle as a starting point.
Fill the hopper with the material you desire to use. Turn the spreader ON. Adjust spinner speed to achieve the
desired spread width. Record the spinner speed and the resulting spread width. The spinner ¿ns can also be
adjusted to change the spread pattern.
Determine the speed at which you will be driving while spreading in feet-per-minute (fpm). Determine the desired
application rate converted to pounds-per-square-foot (lb/ft2). Use the equation below to determine the
pounds-per-minute (lb/min) that the gate setting must allow.
Desired Application Rate (lb/ft2)x Spread Width (ft) x Speed (ft/min) = Pounds-Per-Minute (lb/min)
Open the gate using the switch mounted on the left of the control. Do not have the spinner ON during this step. Put a
bucket or other means of catching material under the spreader. Leave the gate open for one minute. Brush all excess
off the spreader and motor enclosure into the bucket. Weigh the bucket with material. Subtract the weight of the bucket
when empty. Record the result. Adjust the gate based on this result to achieve the required pounds-per-minute rate.
Once this setting is established, you are ready to spread. Record this information for future use.
Example: When spreading material XYZ:
Spinner Speed 5 [width = 14 ft]
Drive 3.5 mph [308 fpm]
Gate = 13
You can begin spreading with the vehicle speed, gate setting, and spinner speed used in your calculations.
OPERATING THE SPREADER: CALIBRATION (FOR REFERENCE ONLY)

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 18 October 1, 2018
Materials
Gate
Setting
Urea
46-0-0
Lesco
Tur f ace
Lesco
Shade Mix
Lesco Fert
30-0-10
Lesco
Insecticide
T
U
R
F
E
X
K
E
Y
S
E
T
T
I
N
G
1XXXX0.57
21.39 0.83 X 0.39 5.28
3 7.15 2.11 X 3.84 14.38
410.54 X 0.18 8.79 18.06
515.97 X 0.40 13.55 30.24
624.66 X 0.51 17.07 35.04
731.36 14.70 0.66 23.94 50.32
835.70 X 0.98 29.74 56.22
947.70 X 1.78 39.38 64.56
10 55.29 X 5.59 45.20 76.47
11 6 3. 3 9 37. 9 5 7. 2 7 5 3 . 22 8 2. 5 9
12 73.59 X 8.72 64.64 106.49
13 78.60 X 10.00 69.06 122.64
14 83.08 X 11.81 73.80 133.72
15 93.52 57.32 11.94 91.32 145.00
FLOW RATES ARE CALCULATED AT POUNDS PER MINUTE (lb/min)
13
357911
8
15 14 12 10
6
42
OPERATING THE SPREADER: CALIBRATION (FOR REFERENCE ONLY)

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 19 October 1, 2018
DRIVING AND SPREADING ON SNOW
AND ICE
Follow your vehicle owner's manual instructions for
driving in snow and ice conditions. Remember, when
you drive on snow or ice, your wheels will not get good
traction. You cannot accelerate as quickly, turning
is more dif¿cult, and you will need longer braking
distance. Wet and hard packed snow or ice offer the
worst tire traction. It is very easy to lose control. You
will have dif¿culty accelerating. If you do get moving,
you may have poor steering and dif¿cult braking,
which can cause you to slide out of control.
CAUTION
Drinking and then driving or spreading is
very dangerous. Your reÀexes, perceptions,
attentiveness, and judgment can be affected
by even a small amount of alcohol. You can
have a serious or even fatal collision if you
drive after drinking. Please do not drink then
drive or spread ice-control materials.
Here are some tips for driving in these conditions:
• Drive defensively.
• Do not drink, then drive or spread ice-control
materials.
• Spread or drive only when you have good visibility
for operating a vehicle.
• If you cannot see well due to snow or icy
conditions, you will need to slow down and keep
more space between you and other vehicles.
• Slow down, especially on higher-speed roads.
Your headlamps can light up only so much road
ahead.
• If you are tired, pull off in a safe place and rest.
• The spreader's size and location reduce driver
visibility to the rear of the vehicle. We recommend
an OSHA compliant backup alarm for all governed
employers.
• Keep your windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean to see around you.
• Dress properly for the weather. Wear layers of
clothing; as you get warm, you can take off layers.
SPREADING TIPS
• Spread ice melters with the storm to prevent
unmanageable levels of ice.
• Never exceed 10 mph (16 km/h) when spreading.
• For a heavier pass, drive slower.
• Never operate spreader near pedestrians.
• Calculate spread pattern when near vegetation.
OPERATING THE SPREADER

Lit. No. 75371, Rev. 01 20 October 1, 2018
1. Unplug the spreader harness from the vehicle
harness.
2. Remove the hitch pin from the receiver hitch.
3. Remove the spreader from the vehicle and stand
spreader in an upright position. This may require
additional support.
CAUTION
During removal or mounting, securely grip
spreader to avoid dropping.
REMOVING THE SPREADER
CAUTION
Empty the hopper before removing the
spreader.