Fertilizing your lawn or turf is a critical task for maintaining healthy, vibrant grass, and using the right equipment with the correct settings can make all the difference. The Andersons, a well-known name in the lawn care and turf management industry, manufactures high-quality fertilizer spreaders designed for both professional and home use. These spreaders, including models like the Anderson Model 2000, 2000 SR, LCO-1000, and Yard Star, are engineered to deliver precise and even applications of fertilizer, seed, and other lawn care products. However, to achieve optimal results, understanding and correctly applying Anderson fertilizer spreader settings is essential. This article delves into the intricacies of Anderson spreader settings, offering a detailed guide to help you maximize your lawn care efforts.
The Importance of Spreader Settings
Fertilizer spreaders are designed to distribute granular products evenly across a lawn or turf area. Incorrect settings can lead to over-application, which may burn your grass or waste product, or under-application, which can result in uneven growth and nutrient deficiencies. Anderson spreaders, known for their durability and precision, come with adjustable settings to accommodate different products and application rates. These settings are not one-size-fits-all; they vary depending on the spreader model, the type of material being applied, and the desired coverage rate.
The Andersons provides specific guidance for their spreaders, often including spreader setting charts on product labels or their website. However, because there are countless spreader models on the market, not every setting may be listed for your specific equipment. This is where understanding the principles behind spreader settings and calibration becomes invaluable.
Overview of Anderson Spreader Models
Before diving into settings, let’s briefly explore some popular Anderson spreader models, as the settings process can differ slightly between them:
- Anderson Model 2000: A rotary (broadcast) spreader with a painted or stainless steel frame, featuring a patented helical cone for adjusting spread patterns. It’s ideal for larger lawns and professional use.
- Anderson 2000 SR: A stainless steel version of the Model 2000, offering enhanced durability and a smooth, consistent spread pattern.
- LCO-1000: A rotary spreader designed for lawn care operators, with an 80-pound hopper capacity and a dual-rate setting mechanism compatible with both Anderson and JDL high wheel settings.
- Yard Star: A walk-behind broadcast spreader with a 50-pound hopper, perfect for homeowners. It features a 3-hole drop shut-off system and adjustable drop rates.
- SSD Drop: A drop spreader designed for precision application in smaller or more controlled areas.
Each model has unique features, but they all require proper settings and calibration to ensure accurate application.
How Anderson Spreader Settings Work
Anderson spreaders use a numbered or lettered scale to control the rate at which material is released from the hopper. For rotary spreaders, this scale adjusts the opening size at the base of the hopper, determining how much product is dropped onto the impeller, which then broadcasts it outward. Drop spreaders, like the SSD Drop, use a similar scale to control the width and rate of the drop opening.
The settings are influenced by several factors:
- Product Type: Fertilizers, seeds, and soil amendments vary in granule size, density, and weight. For example, a fine grass seed requires a different setting than a coarse fertilizer.
- Application Rate: This is typically listed on the product label in pounds per 1,000 square feet (e.g., 3 lbs/1,000 sq ft).
- Spreader Type: Rotary spreaders cast material over a wider area, while drop spreaders release it directly below, affecting the setting needed.
- Walking Speed: A consistent pace (typically 3 mph or a brisk walk) is assumed for most settings.
The Andersons often provides specific settings for their products on the packaging or website, but if your spreader model isn’t listed, you’ll need to use a conversion chart or calibrate it manually.
Finding Anderson Spreader Settings
The Andersons makes it relatively easy to find settings for their products:
- Product Label: Check the bag of fertilizer or seed for recommended settings. These are tailored to common spreader brands, including Anderson models.
- Website Resources: Visit andersonspro.com or andersonshomeandgarden.com, where spreader setting charts are available under product pages or in the “Spreader Settings” section.
- Conversion Charts: If your specific spreader isn’t listed, Anderson provides conversion charts to translate settings from one model to another. For example, if a product lists an Earthway Rotary setting of 12, you can find the equivalent Anderson Model 2000 setting on the chart.
For instance, the Yard Star spreader aligns with Earthway Rotary settings, while some Echo spreaders match Scotts Broadcast settings. These equivalencies help bridge the gap when exact settings aren’t provided.
Calibrating Your Anderson Spreader
Even with provided settings, calibration is recommended to account for variables like walking speed, terrain, and spreader condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide to calibrating your Anderson spreader:
For Rotary Spreaders (e.g., Model 2000, 2000 SR, LCO-1000)
- Weigh Your Material: Place 3–8 pounds of the product (e.g., fertilizer) into the hopper and note the exact weight.
- Set Up a Test Area: Mark a test strip, such as 10 feet wide by 50 feet long (500 square feet).
- Apply the Product: Set your spreader to a mid-range setting (e.g., 5 on a numbered scale) and walk the test strip at a steady pace.
- Measure Remaining Product: Weigh the hopper again to determine how much product was used (e.g., 3 lbs).
- Calculate the Rate: Use the formula:
Application Rate (lbs/1,000 sq ft) = (Amount Used × 1,000) ÷ Test Strip Area
Example: (3 lbs × 1,000) ÷ 500 sq ft = 6 lbs/1,000 sq ft. - Adjust as Needed: If the rate is too high or low compared to the label recommendation, adjust the setting up or down and repeat the test.
For Drop Spreaders (e.g., SSD Drop)
- Weigh Your Material: Start with 1–3 pounds of product.
- Measure Drop Width: Determine the width of the spreader’s drop area (e.g., 2 feet).
- Set Up a Test Area: Mark a strip, such as 2 feet wide by 50 feet long (100 square feet).
- Apply and Measure: Use a mid-range setting, apply the product, and measure the amount used (e.g., 1 lb).
- Calculate the Rate:
Example: (1 lb × 1,000) ÷ 100 sq ft = 10 lbs/1,000 sq ft. - Fine-Tune: Adjust the setting and retest until the rate matches the product label.
Calibration ensures your spreader delivers the exact amount needed, preventing waste or damage.
Practical Tips for Using Anderson Spreader Settings
- Start Low: If unsure, begin with a lower setting and increase gradually to avoid over-application.
- Helical Cone Adjustment (Rotary Models): On models like the 2000 and 2000 SR, the helical cone adjusts the spread pattern. For smaller granules (e.g., SGN 80), use a higher cone setting (e.g., 9). For larger granules (e.g., SGN 240), use a lower setting (e.g., 3). The default is typically 5 for standard-sized particles.
- Overlap Slightly: For rotary spreaders, overlap passes by about 6 inches to ensure even coverage. Drop spreaders require precise alignment to avoid gaps.
- Check Terrain: Uneven ground or obstacles may affect distribution, so adjust your pace or settings accordingly.
- Clean After Use: Residue can clog the hopper or impeller, altering future applications. Rinse and dry your spreader thoroughly.
Common Anderson Spreader Settings Examples
While exact settings depend on the product, here are some general guidelines based on typical Anderson products:
- Andersons 22-0-4 Fertilizer: For the Model 2000, a setting of 4–5 might apply 3–4 lbs/1,000 sq ft, while the Yard Star may use a similar range.
- Goosegrass/Crabgrass Control (SGN 80): Set the helical cone to 9 and the rate to 3–4 for precise application.
- Humic DG (SGN 240): Cone setting of 3, with a rate of 5–6 for broader coverage.
Always refer to the product label or Anderson’s resources for confirmation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Uneven Spread: Check the cone setting (rotary) or drop alignment (drop), and ensure the impeller or hopper isn’t clogged.
- Product Clumping: Use dry, free-flowing material, and consider a hopper screen to break up clumps.
- Inconsistent Rates: Recalibrate, as wear or damage to the spreader may affect performance.
Why Choose Anderson Spreaders?
Anderson spreaders stand out for their innovative features, like the helical cone technology for uniform patterns and durable stainless steel frames. They’re trusted by golf course managers, landscapers, and homeowners alike for their reliability and precision. Proper settings amplify these benefits, ensuring your lawn gets the care it deserves.
Conclusion
Mastering Anderson fertilizer spreader settings is a blend of science and practice. By understanding your spreader model, referencing provided charts, and calibrating for your specific needs, you can achieve professional-quality results. Whether you’re maintaining a putting green or a backyard lawn, the right settings will save time, money, and effort while promoting healthy, lush turf. Visit The Andersons’ website or contact their customer service for additional support, and take the guesswork out of lawn care today.