Using and maintaining a spreader properly can benefit lawn care operators (LCOs) because the equipment can often be more reliable than a crew. “As a lawn care business grows, owners can either hire more people or buy better equipment,” says Ted Shackelford, president of C&S Turf Care Equipment, Canton, Ohio. “The really smart ones realize equipment can be more reliable and that they can grow their business without the headache of hiring employees.”
As efficient as today’s spreaders are, there is always room for improvement. Manufacturers and LCOs alike are interested in just how productive the machines can become. According to Glen Robert, owner of The Lawn Co., Shrewsury, Mass., some improvements could come in the variety of products spreaders are able to disperse. “Some spreaders can’t handle certain types of chemicals, particularly those that are ester-based, because the products can degrade the machine’s internal hoses or pump systems,” he explains. “Without this limitation, LCOs could choose from a wider variety of products.”
Another suggestion is more compact riding spreaders that can be used in smaller, tighter areas. “It would be nice to see more riding machines that can be used on lawns smaller than 3,000 square-feet,” Robert says. “Whether or not this would be practical, I don’t know, but for now we can only use our manual spreaders on areas this small.”
According to Shackelford, future advancements will aim to give a more even application to improve cost effectiveness and to generally provide a more durable machine. “LCOs are always looking for spreaders that will apply a product more evenly and will last forever,” he says. “Although nothing lasts forever, with constant updates, manufacturers can help them last as long as possible.”