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the manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of grease or oil to use. If the spreader does, in fact, contain belts, chains or conveyors, adjust the ten- sion to avoid slippage or other perform- ance issues. The owner’s manual will specify the proper deflection for these items, but make sure not to over tighten them, as this could lead to motor or gear- box damage. Additionally, before attempt- ing to adjust conveyors, make sure nothing is trapped underneath the belt, such as sand or other materials. Furthermore, units that contain engines or hydraulic systems require more maintenance than electric-, ground- or PTO-driven models. In fact, engines and hydraulic systems generally have com- pletely separate checklists, so review the routine maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual and address any compo- nent that’s due for service. This includes the oil, air filter, spark plugs, hydraulic fluid and more. Also, it’s a good idea to inspect all hydraulic hoses and fittings for any signs of damage or leaks so no hazardous fluids are spilled onto the turf. Calibrate the flow rate After completing the typical mainte- nance checks, it’s time to reestablish proper gate settings by calibrating the spreader. Al- though the unit may have been calibrated the previous season, this procedure should be repeated because application rates for each material can change from year to year. Therefore, if the gate settings go unchecked, an operator runs the risk of ruining the turf if too much of a certain material is spread. And if too little material is spread, the application may be totally in- effective. Manufacturers have various methods for calibrating their spreaders, but most are based on a number system. For instance, the owner’s manual often contains a chart with a list of numbers that correspond with various feed rates, which are given in pounds per 1,000 square feet. After decid- ing on a feed rate, the user then manually adjusts the gate height to the appropriate number setting. Sometimes this number is marked on the spreader itself, but more ac- curate systems use a key to create the size of the opening. Once the gate is in place, the user locks in the setting, so the gate cannot open past that position. Before taking the spreader to the turf, www.landscapeirrigation.com Application rates can change from year to year, so calibrate the spreader at the beginning of each season. Conducting preseason maintenance on a spreader can help keep it running efficiently for years to come. All photos courtesy of TurfEx the operator should also conduct a field test to verify the settings. Take the unit to a place where it can operate without the risk of damaging valuable turf. Then, run some material through the machine to make sure it appears to be working properly and spreading accurately. If the spreader contains an adjustable spinner, the field test is an ideal time for making modifications to it, as well. Al- though this feature isn’t found on all spreaders, being able to reposition the fins on some units can be a great help when fine tuning the spread pattern to achieve a consistent application. Before attempting to make adjustments to the spinner fins, run some material through the unit and take note of the spread pattern. Is the machine spreading heavier toward one side than the other? For example, heavy materials often tend to spread heavier toward the left side. This type of lopsided delivery can be corrected, but it will take a little trial and error. There are no specific guidelines for creating the perfect spread pattern, so keep reposition- ing the fins and running the unit until it starts spreading evenly. After undergoing the field test, the unit is finally ready to take on another season of dispersing seed, fertilizer and whatever else you have in store for the spring and sum- mer. Not only is the spreader configured to spread accurately and operate efficiently, but it’s also better prepared to run for years to come. Bruce Carmichael is national sales manager at TurfEx. Landscape and Irrigation 17 LI