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The importance of getting the fertiliser spreader set up properly on the tractor was discussed by Francis Quigley of Teagasc at Crops & Spreaders.
The first step for the farmer is to ensure the machine is the correct height above the top of the crop.
Francis also pointed out the need to ensure the spreader was level in order for it to spread evenly.
Francis believes general maintenance of the spreader is vital and the farmer should “check the machine over, just to make sure it’s in good working order”.
Check for wear
In particular, Francis recommends to “check the veins for wear”.
When this is neglected, spreaders often end up having “veins with up to an inch missing off the end of them”.
To ensure you are using the correct values to calibrate the spreader, Francis said: “It is a good idea to do a do a calibration test and do a tray test.
"These simple tests will allow the farmer to avoid inaccuracies due to manufacturer figures possibly being out of date."
For more on spreader setup, you can listen to Francis Quigley discuss the topic here.
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