Granular Applicators

Overall functional performance of the Horstine TMA 4, 10 m (32 ft) airflow granular applicator was fair. Metering uniformity was very good. Distribution of granules on the soil surface was good when applying Avadex BW or low rates of Treflan on smooth fields in calm weather. Distribution was fair at high application rates of Treflan. Functional performance was reduced by inconvenient hitching, complicated calibration procedures, excessive boom bounce on rough fields, and poor trailer balancing. Durability of the Horstine during functional testing was poor.

The Horstine had a sufficient range of adjustment to suit recommended application rates for both granular Avadex BW and Treflan. Calibration procedure was complicated and inconvenient since the metering mechanism was driven by the tractor power take-off, rather than from a ground wheel. This meant that both the tractor ground speed in a specific gear and the metering drive sprockets had to be selected to suit specific application rates. The manufacturer's calibration chart was fairly accurate, since it read from 1.2 to 1.6 kg/ha (1.1 to 1.4 lb/ac) low for Avadex BW.

The chart was incomplete since it suited only two application rates for granular Avadex BW. Application rates were not affected by field roughness, field slope, or level of granules in the hopper. Application rate was not affected by changing the engine speed in the tractor gear for which the applicator had been calibrated. Changing tractor gears, however, necessitated recalibration.

The delivery of granules from the individual metering mechanisms was very uniform with a coefficient of variation less than 2%. Distribution across the spreading width was uniform on smooth fields, with a coefficient of variation of only 10% over the normal range of application rate for Avadex BW. Distribution patterns at higher rates of granular Treflan were less uniform. Distribution in the direction of travel was uniform with no detectable surging. Excessive boom bounce on rough fields and variation in boom height on rolling fields severely reduced distribution pattern uniformity, necessitating thorough soil incorporation to get uniform distribution in the soil. The tractor power take-off had to be operated at 540 rpm to obtain best distribution pattern uniformity. Operating at reduced power take-off speeds caused distribution pattern deterioration.

The Horstine applicator performed well on smooth soft fields with a maximum field capacity of about 13 ha/h (31 ac/h). Field capacity was significantly reduced on rough fields as slower speeds were required to prevent excessive boom bounce. The hopper held about 260 kg (570 lb) of Avadex BW which was sufficient to cover about 19 ha (48 ac) without filling, at common application rates. The hopper lid was weathertight. The hopper was of suitable height for easy filling from a truck box. The hopper emptied uniformly and was easy to clean.

The Horstine applicator was convenient to operate in the field and was very easy to fold into field or transport position, taking one man about one minute. The only marks left in the field were those of the tractor and trailer wheels, necessitating the need for a marker to avoid overlap and misses. Granules being discharged by the distribution nozzles could not be seen from the tractor seat, however, metering mechanism rotation could be observed. The metering drive could be conveniently started and stopped from the tractor seat.

Hitching was inconvenient due to the negative hitch weight. The rear of the applicator had to be jacked and the wheels blocked to prevent jack slippage. Since the hitch was not adjustable, the applicator could not be levelled with many tractors. The rear support wheel had to be removed to allow hitching and field operation with tractors having high drawbars. With the rear support wheel removed, the applicator had to be unhitched with caution and blocked to prevent it from tipping rearward. Towing the applicator with a filled hopper was hazardous, even at moderate transport speeds, due to swaying resulting from poor weight distribution.

Many mechanical problems occurred during the test. Interference occurred among the power take-off shaft, hitch and shaft transport bracket. The rear support wheel bearing had to be replaced twice, the right axle spindle broke during transport and the hopper bottom developed fatigue cracks.

Summary of Gandy Model 448-8SNF Granular Applicator (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.54 MB)

Overall functional performance of the Gandy Model 448-8SNF granular applicator was fair. Metering uniformity of individual hoppers was very good while distribution of granules on the soil surface was fair. Functional performance was reduced by calibration variation among hoppers and difficulty to accurately set application rate. Durability of the Gandy during functional testing was very good.

The Gandy had sufficient range of adjustment to suit recommended application rates for both granular Avadex BW and granular Treflan. The manufacturer's calibration chart was accurate for only one of the hoppers and the chart read high for the remaining three. Calibration variation among hoppers was 6 kg/ha (5 lb/ac) at 9 km/h (5.6 mph) at normal Avadex BW application rates. All hoppers could be set for uniform application, but each had to be individually calibrated and adjusted. Application rates were not affected by field roughness, level of granules in the hopper, or fore and aft slope, but were slightly affected by sideways field slope. Rotor speeds from 15 to 50 rpm had no effect on application rate but ground speed directly affected application rate.

Although the metering of granules from the orifices was very uniform across the width of each hopper with a coefficient of variation of only 4%, the distribution of granules on the ground was less uniform, resulting in a coefficient of variation of about 27%. Application rate in the direction of travel also varied, since the output from the orifices decreased as the rotor fins passed by the orifices. Thorough soil incorporation was necessary to get uniform distribution due to the variation in application across the spreading width and in the direction of travel.

The Gandy applicator performed well on hilly fields. Maximum field capacity was about 18 ha/h (44 ac/h). Field capacity was reduced on hard rough fields, as slower speeds were required to prevent bouncing. The hopper held about 455 kg (1000 lb) of Avadex BW which was sufficient to cover about 30 ha (75 ac), at common application rates, without filling. The hopper lids were not weathertight, allowing rain to leak into the hoppers. Hoppers were of suitable height for easy filling from the ground. The hoppers emptied completely in the field. Removal of the rotors and drives for thorough cleaning took about two hours.

Hopper settings were conveniently adjusted, but accurate application rates were difficult to achieve. Small adjustments of the cam gauge resulted in large changes in application rate and the calibration of each hopper was different. This, combined with changes in application rates, resulting from changes in forward speed, made accurate setting of application rates difficult.

The Gandy was convenient to operate and was fairly easy to fold into transport or field position, taking one man about 10 minutes. The end wheels left tracks in the field to aid lining up successive field passes. Granules falling on the field could not be seen from the tractor seat, however, rotation of the feed rotors could be observed. Drives for the two applicator halves could be separately engaged or disengaged from the tractor.

Hitching was convenient. Either open or closed centre tractor hydraulic systems could be used. Towing and turning in transport was convenient while backing in transport was awkward.

A few minor mechanical problems occurred during the test. A bearing lock collar loosened, bending a castor wheel fork. One hopper leaked granules. The rotor drive chains were overloaded and broke several times during the test.

Summary of Barber 11 m (36 ft) Granular Applicator (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.98 MB)

Overall functional performance of the Barber 11 m (36 ft) granular applicator was fair when used for distributing granular Avadex BW and granular Treflan. Metering uniformity was very good but distribution of granules on the soil surface was poor. The distribution on the ground was non-uniform in the direction of travel and banding of granules occurred across the width of spread. Its performance as a fertilizer distributor was not evaluated. Durability of the Barber, during functional testing, was excellent.

The Barber had a sufficient range of adjustment to suit recommended application rates for both granular Avadex BW and granular Trefian. The manufacturer's calibration chart was in error, indicating about 4 kg/ha (3.5 lb/ac) high at normal Avadex BW application rates on smooth fields. Application rates were affected by field roughness and were consistently 1.5 kg/ha (1.3 lb/ac) higher on rough fields than on smooth fields for the same feed screw setting. Application rates were not affected by ground speed or level of granules in the hopper but were slightly affected by field slope.

Although the metering of granules from the hopper discharge openings was very uniform across the spreading width resulting in a coefficient of variation of only 6%, the granules fell on the soil in bands below each opening, resulting in a coefficient of variation of 160%. The output at each discharge opening also surged as the screw flite passed the opening, resulting in varying delivery from each opening, in the direction of travel. Thorough soil incorporation was necessary to get uniform distribution in the soil, due to both the banding and the variation of application in the direction of travel.

The Barber applicator performed well on rough and hilly fields. Maximum field capacity was about 18 ha/h (44 ac/h). The hopper held about 455 kg (1000 lb) of Avadex BW which was sufficient to cover about 30 ha (75 ac), at common application rates, without filling. Hopper lids were weathertight. Hoppers were of suitable height for easy filling from the ground. The agitator and feed screw pulverized Avadex BW granules, resulting in incomplete emptying of the hoppers. Feed screw assemblies were easily removed for cleaning. The application rate was easy to adjust.

A calibration pan, which was provided with the applicator, aided in field calibration checks in calm weather, but in windy conditions, granules blew out of the pan. The acre counter which was used in checking calibration was about 10% in error.

The applicator was convenient to operate and was fairly easy to fold into transport or field position, taking one man about 10 minutes. The end wheels left tracks in the field to aid lining up successive field passes. Granules falling from each discharge opening were visible from the tractor. Drives for the two applicator halves could be separately disengaged from the tractor seat. They could only be engaged from the ground.

The hitch jack was inconvenient to reach in transport position. The jack lowering screw could also be inadvertently screwed out too far, causing the check valve to fall out. Transport maneuverability was good but transport position hitch weight was too large for safe towing behind a small truck.

No mechanical problems occurred during the test.

Summary of Beline Linear III Granular Applicator (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 1.14 MB)

Overall functional performance of the Beline Linear III granular applicator was fair. Metering uniformity of individual hoppers was very good but distribution of granules on the soil surface was poor. Functional performance was reduced by occasional meter plugging, calibration variation among hoppers, and trailer castor wheel shimmy. Durability of the Beline hoppers, during functional testing, was very good. Trailer durability was fair.

The Linear III had sufficient range of adjustment to suit recommended application rates for Avadex BW but slowing to about 6 km/h (3.7 mph) and interchanging meter drive sprockets was necessary to apply maximum rates of Treflan. The manufacturer's calibration chart was in error, indicating higher application rates than delivered by the hoppers. Calibration among hoppers varied with a typical variation of about 2 kg/ha (2 lb/ac) between the highest and lowest hopper when applying 12 kg/ha (11 lb/ac) at 9 km/h (5.6 mph). Application rates were affected by field roughness, and were about 1.5 kg/ha (1.5 lb/ac) higher on rough fields than on smooth fields. Application rates were not affected by level of granules in the hopper and only slightly affected by field slope. Ground speed directly affected application rate.

The delivery of granules from the meters was very uniform across the width of each hopper, resulting in a coefficient of variation of only 4%. However, most granules fell on the ground in bands below each spreader, resulting in a distribution pattern with a coefficient of variation of 95%. Distribution of granules in the direction of travel was uniform if meters did not partially plug. However, thorough soil incorporation was necessary to get uniform distribution in the soil, due to the banding.

The Linear III performed well on rough and hilly fields, but field speeds above 9 km/h (5.6 mph) caused castor wheel shimmy. Maximum field capacity was about 8 ha/h (19 ac/h). The hopper held about 182 kg (400 lb) of Avadex BW which was sufficient to cover about 12 ha (30 ac), at common application rates, without refilling. Hopper lids were weathertight. Hoppers were of suitable height for easy filling from the ground. Hoppers did not completely empty in the field but were easy to clean out by hand.

The control meter was easy to adjust, but uniform application rates were not possible since calibration of each hopper was different. Application rate was affected by ground speed, so accurate tractor speed was required when setting application rates.

The applicator was convenient to operate and was fairly easy to fold into transport or field position, taking one man about 5 minutes. The end wheels left tracks in the field to aid lining up successive field passes. Granules falling from the spreaders were not visible from the tractor, making it difficult to ensure applicator operation. Drives for the two applicator halves could be separately engaged or disengaged from the tractor.

Hitching was convenient. Towing at speeds above 16 km/h (10 mph) in transport caused castor wheel shimmy. Backing in transport or field position was impossible.

Some mechanical problems occurred during the test. Several welds on the trailer frame failed. Set screws on the meter drive loosened, causing application misses in the field.

Summary of Gandy Air-Spred 5516 Granular Applicator (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.92 MB)

Functional Performance: Performance of the Gandy Air-Spred 5516 was very good.

Meter Calibration: The manufacturer's metering system calibration charts were accurate for Avadex BW and Treflan QRS. The manufacturer's calibration chart for Heritage 5G was about 7% high over the normal range of application rates. An Eptam 10G calibration chart was not supplied.

Metering Accuracy: Delivery rates across the machine width were uniform. Delivery rate from individual metering orifices only varied from 12.4 to 13.1 lb/ac (13.9 to 14.7 kg/ha) when applying Avadex BW at 12.7 lb/ac (14.2 kg/ha) and 5 mph (8 km/h), resulting in a coefficient of variation of 1.5%. The variability in delivery rates from individual orifices was similar over the normal range of application rates.

Distribution Uniformity: Distribution uniformity was acceptable for all granular products used during the test. A typical range of application rates across the width of spread was 11.0 to 14.0 lb/ac (12.3 to 15.7 kg/ha) when applying Avadex BW at 12.6 lb/ac (14.1 kg/ha) and 5 mph (8 km/h), using a 30 in (762 mm) deflector spacing and a 22 in (559 mm) discharge height. Distribution when using Treflan QR5 was similar to Avadex BW. Distribution uniformity improved at higher fan pressures.

Effect of Field Variables: Field bounce, field side slopes and level of material in the hopper did not affect metering rates. Application rate varied about 3% in fore and aft field slopes of 10%. Application rate was dependent on forward speed. Increasing forward speed decreased the application rate.

Mounting on Tillage Tool: The Air-Spred 5516 mounted easily on an International Harvester 645 vibra-chisel cultivator. It took 2 people about 4 hours to initially mount the Air-Spred. Only slight modifications to the deflector mounting bars were needed to attach the deflectors to the cultivator. No problems occurred when transporting the cultivator and Air-Spred.

Hopper: The hopper was convenient to fill with an auger. Manual loading was inconvenient. The hopper held about 1290 lb (587 kg) of Avadex BW. The hopper emptied uniformly but was inconvenient to clean. The hopper was weathertight. No moisture entered the hopper during the test.

Ease of Operation and Adjustment: Application rate was easily set by adjusting a cam gauge on each meter. The meters could be controlled from the tractor cab. There was no meter rotation indicator. The fan speed could be adjusted by adjusting the hydraulic oil flow rate. The air pressure gauge indicated fan operation.

Operator Safety: The Air-Spred was safe to operate provided normal safety procedures were followed. All moving parts were well shielded.

Operator's Manual: The operator's manual clearly outlined applicator operating, maintenance and set up instructions and contained a well-illustrated comprehensive parts list. All calibration charts supplied were in SI (Metric) units of measure.

Mechanical Problems: No mechanical problems occurred during the 53 hours of testing.

Summary of Nodet Gougis Model MT12 Granular Applicator (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.84 MB)

Functional Performance: Performance of the Nodet Gougis MT12 was very good.

Meter Calibration: The manufacturer's Avadex BW metering system calibration chart was accurate.The Treflan QR5 calibration chart was 1.3 to 2.7 lb/ac (1.4 to 3.0 kg/ha) low over the normal range of application rates. The Eptam 10G calibration chart was 12.7 to 18.4 lb/ac (14.2 to 20.6 kg/ha) low over the normal range of application rates. A Heritage 5G calibration chart was not supplied.

Metering Accuracy: Delivery rates from individual outlet hoses varied from 11.9 to 13.2 lb/ac (13.3 to 14.8 kg/ha) when applying Avadex BW at 12.5 lb/ac (14 kg/ha) and 5 mph (8 km/h) resulting in a coefficient of variation of only 2.9%. The variability in delivery rates from individual outlets was similar over the normal range of application rates.

Distribution Uniformity: Distribution uniformity was acceptable for all the chemicals tested. A typical range of application rates across the width of spread was 10.4 to 18.6 lb/ac (4.6 to 20.9 kglha) when applying Avadex BW at 13.9 lb/ac (15.6 kg/ha) and 5 mph (8 km/h). Distribution when using Treflan QR5 was similar to Avadex BW. Slowing the power take-off speed to 405 rpm had little effect on distribution uniformity.

Effect of Field Variables: Metering was not significantly affected by field roughness, compaction in the hopper or side slopes. Application rate varied about 7% at fore and aft field slopes of 10%. Changing speed of travel did not affect application rate.

Hitching: Hitching the applicator was convenient. The hitch jack had insufficient adjustment for some tractors. The fan belt was conveniently adjusted to accommodate either 540 or 1000 rpm power take-off tractors. A power take-off adaptor was required for 1000 rpm power take-off shafts.

Hopper: The hopper was easily loaded from the back of a truck. Loading the hopper from the ground was inconvenient. A gate at the bottom of the hopper provided convenient hopper clean out. The hopper cover was not weathertight.

Ease of Adjustments and Operation: Operation of the applicator in the field was convenient. The single disc marker formed a clear noticeable mark in summerfallow fields. In soft fields with a heavy trash, the marker plugged and flipped backward. The application rate was conveniently adjusted by changing gears on the gear drive. A clutch activated from the tractor seat provided a convenient means of starting and stopping the meter shaft. A meter shaft rotation indicator was easily seen from most tractors.

Transporting: Folding the applicator into transport position was convenient. No bracket was provided for transporting the power take-off shaft when towing behind a truck. Removing the power take-off shaft was inconvenient. The MT12 towed well at speeds up to 45 mph (72 km/h).

Operator Safety: The Nodet Gougis was safe to operate if normal safety precautions were followed. All moving parts were adequately shielded.

Operator's Manual: The operator's manual clearly outlined applicator operation, servicing, calibration procedures and contained a well illustrated parts list. The operator's manual was prepared in both Imperial and SI (Metric) units of measure.

Mechanical Problems: Several mechanical problems occurred during testing. A set screw on the drive wheel sprocket was lost and the booms bent on several occasions.

Summary of Valmar Model CM240 Granular Applicator (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.81 MB)

Meter Calibration: The manufacturer's metering system calibration charts were accurate for Avadex BW. The manufacturer's calibration charts for Heritage 5G and Treflan QR5 were about 10% high over the normal range of application rates.

Metering Uniformity: Delivery rates across the machine width were uniform. Delivery rate from individual metering outlets only varied from 12.0 to 14.7 lb/ac (13.4 to 16.5 kg/ha) when applying Avadex BW at 13.7 lb/ac (15.4 kg/ha) and 5 mph (8 km/h), resulting in a coefficient of variation of 3.8%. The variability in delivery rates from individual outlets was similar over the normal range of application rates.

Distribution Uniformity: Acceptable distribution uniformities could be obtained when the deflectors were mounted horizontally at 16 or 20 in (405 or 510 mm) spacings and when the deflectors were mounted vertically at 16 in (405 mm) spacings. Increasing the length of straight hose preceding the deflector plates improved distribution uniformity. Variations in deflector discharge height, application rate and fan speed did not seriously influence distribution uniformity.

Effect of Field Variables: Field bounce, field slopes or level of material in the hopper did not affect metering rates. Application rate was independent of forward speed.

Mounting on Tillage Tool: The Valmar CM240 mounted easily on an International Harvester 40 ft (12.2 m) heavy duty cultivator. It took 2 people about 4 hours to initially mount the Valmar. No problems occurred when transporting the cultivator and Valmar.

Hopper: The hopper was convenient to fill with an auger. Manual loading was not as convenient. The hopper held about 1260 lb (573 kg) of Avadex BW. The hopper was weathertight. No moisture entered the hopper during the test.

Ease of Operation and Adjustment: Application rate was easily adjusted by setting the meter gear box and the sprocket ratio on the ground drive wheel. The meter feed rotor could be started and stopped from the tractor cab. Raising the cultivator also stopped the meters. There was no meter rotation indicator. The fan speed could be adjusted by adjusting the hydraulic oil flow rate. The fan control indicated fan speed.

Operator Safety: The Valmar was safe to operate provided normal safety procedures were followed. All moving parts were well shielded.

Operator's Manual: The operator's manual clearly outlined applicator operation, maintenance and set up and contained a well-illustrated comprehensive parts list. All calibration charts supplied were in both Imperial and SI (Metric) units of measure.

Mechanical Problems: No mechanical problems occurred during the 70 hours of testing.

Summary of Beline Computaire Granular Applicator (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 1.28 MB)

Meter Calibration: The manufacturer's metering system calibration charts using the original hopper bottoms were about 19% low for Avadex BW and 11-51-00 fertilizer and about 8% low for Treflan QR5 and Heritage 5G over the normal range of application rates. An updated and improved set of hopper bottoms was supplied for retest. The manufacturer's metering system calibration charts using the second set of hopper bottoms were about 4% low for Avadex BW and from 4 to 12% high for Treflan QR5 over the normal range of application rates.

Metering Uniformity: Delivery rates across the machine width were uniform. Delivery rate from individual metering outlets of the original hopper bottoms varied from 13.1 to 18.9 lb/ac (14.7 to 21.2 kg/ha) when applying Avadex BW at 15.4 lb/ac (17.3 kg/ha) and 5 mph (8 km/h), resulting in a coefficient of variation (CV) of 9.5%. Delivery rates from the individual metering outlets of the second set of hopper bottoms varied from 11.0 to 13.6 lb/ac (12.3 to 15.3 kg/ha) when applying Avadex BW at 12.1 b/ac (13.6 kg/ha) and 5 mph (8 km/h), resulting in a CV of 5.6%. The variability in delivery rates from individual orifices was similar over the normal range of application rates.

Distribution Uniformity: Distribution uniformities using the original set of hopper bottoms were unacceptable for all granular products tested. Distribution uniformities improved slightly with the second set of hopper bottoms. Increasing the length of straight hose preceding the deflector plates did not improve distribution pattern uniformity. Variations in deflector plate discharge height, application rates and fan speed did not seriously influence distribution uniformity.

Effect of Field Variables: Field bounce, field side slopes or level of material in the hopper did not affect metering rates. Application rate was independent of forward speed.

Mounting on Tillage Tool: The Beline Computaire mounted easily on a Friggstad 39 ft (11.9 m) heavy duty cultivator. It took 2 people about 4 hours to initially mount the Computaire. No problems occurred when transporting the cultivator and Computaire.

Hoppers: The hoppers were convenient to fill with an auger. Manual loading was not as convenient. Each hopper held about 620 lb (282 kg) of Avadex BW. The hoppers emptied uniformily but were inconvenient to clean. The hoppers were weather tight. No moisture entered the hoppers during the test.

Ease of Operation and Adjustment: Application rate was easily set by entering the appropriate information in the electronic computer controller. The meters could be controlled from the tractor cab. There was no meter rotation indicator. The fan speed could be adjusted by adjusting the hydraulic oil flow rate, however, there was no fan speed indicator.

Operator Safety: The Computaire was safe to operate provided normal safety procedures were followed. All moving parts were well shielded.

Operator's Manual: The operator's manual clearly outlined applicator operation, maintenance and set up and contained a well-illustrated comprehensive parts list. All calibration charts supplied were in Imperial units of measure.

Mechanical Problems: No mechanical problems occurred during the 60 hours of testing.

Summary of Flexi-coil Granular Applicator Attachment (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.94 MB)

Quality of Work: Laboratory tests were performed with Avadex BW and Treflan QR5. Metering accuracy was very good. The manufacturer's rate was accurate for Treflan QR5 and 9% high for Avadex BW at an average application rate. Operating the unit on uphill and downhill slopes did affect the metering rate. The meter could be accurately calibrated during a stationary meter rate check.

Uniformity of distribution of the application rate was good. At a rate of 12.3 lb/ac (13.8 kg/ha) with Avadex the application rates from the individual outlets varied from 10.2 to 13.8 lb/ac (11.4 to 15.5 kg/ha) resulting in a coefficient of variation (CV) of 7.4%. At a rate of 19.6 lb/ac (22.0 kg/ha) with Treflan QR5, application rates from the individual outlets varied from 17.6 to 21.5 lb/ac (19.7 to 24.1 kg/ha) resulting in a CV of 4.9%. Increases in fan speed and metering rate increased the CV of the individual application rates for Treflan QR5.

Spreading uniformity was good. An unacceptable CV (greater than 10%) could be obtained at various combinations of fan speed, metering rate and spreader spacing while spreading Avadex BW. The CV was acceptable (less than 10%) for spreading Treflan QR5 at all fan speeds, metering rates and spreader spacings used during the test.

Ease of Operation and Adjustment: Ease of filling and cleaning the granular material out of the tank was good. An optional auger supplied with the tank made filling convenient. Because of the high density of Treflan QR5 the tanks could not be completely filled or the load rating on the tires would be exceeded. Cleaning granular material out of the tanks was convenient through the clean out doors. The fill auger hopper or a container could be set below the clean out doors to collect the material.

Monitoring for the Granular Applicator Attachment was very good. The monitor gave a continuous readout for fan rpm, ground speed, meter shaft rpm or field area accumulation.

Ease of setting the application rate was very good. Changing from the coarse meter roller to the granular meter roller took one man approximately one half hour.

Ease of Installation: Ease of mounting the granular applicator headers and spreaders was good. Mounting the attachment on a 41 ft (12.5 m) John Deere Model 1600 heavy duty cultivator took two people one day to complete.

Power Requirements: Maximum power take-off horsepower requirement for the centrifugal fan was 5.0 pto hp (3.7 kW) at a fan speed of 3500 rpm.

Operator Safety: The Granular Applicator Attachment was safe to operate if normal safety precautions were observed. Safety equipment was used when filling or cleaning the tank to prevent exposure to granular material.

Operator's Manual: The operator's manual was very good. It contained useful information on safety, operation, maintenance, trouble shooting, assembly and parts.

Mechanical History: Seals were added to the cleanout doors and silicone was used to repair two leaks located near the meters. The metal container supplied for the meter calibration leaked granular material.

Summary of Gandy Orbit-Air Model 6216 (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 1.1 MB)

Quality of Work: Laboratory tests were performed with Avadex BW and Treflan QR5. Metering accuracy was good. The manufacturer's rate was accurate for Avadex BW and 14% low for Treflan QR5 at an average application rate. The manufacturer's charts did not include high rates for Treflan QR5 and Avadex BW. Uphill slopes caused an increase and downhill slopes caused a decrease in the metering rate.

Uniformity of distribution of the application rate was very good. Variation from the individual outlets for Avadex BW resulted in a coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.9%. Variation from the individual outlets for Treflan QR5 resulted in a CV of 1.4%.

Spreading uniformity was good. The CV was acceptable (less than 10%) for spreading Avadex BW at all combinations of deflector spacings and heights and fan pressures. Unacceptable CV's (greater than 10%) resulted at various combinations of deflector spacings and heights and fan pressures while spreading Treflan QR5.

Ease of Operation and Adjustment: Ease of performing routine maintenance was very good. The grease fittings were very easily accessible.

Ease of filling and cleaning the hopper was good. The hopper was filled during the test by hand with bagged chemical. The platform on the front of the unit provided adequate support for the person or persons filling the hopper. The mesh screen that prevented foreign material from entering the hopper was bent during the test from supporting bagged chemical while filling. The lid adequately prevented moisture from entering the hopper during the test.

Monitoring was good. The switch box in the tractor cab controlled the electric clutch to turn the metering wheels on and off. The switch box also contained two lights that indicated whether the metering wheels were turning and the system had air pressure.

Ease of setting the application rate was very good. The rate was adjusted by moving the lever on the adjustable speed control. Hydraulic flow to power the centrifugal fan was controlled by a bypass valve located in the hydraulic lines or the tractor hydraulic flow control.

Power Requirements: Maximum power take-off horsepower requirement for the centrifugal fan was 6.3 pto hp (4.7 kW) at a fan pressure of 12 oz/sq in (5.2 kPa).

Ease of Installation: Ease of mounting the granular applicator was good. Two people required four hours to mount the complete unit on a Victory Seed-o-vator Air Drill.

Operator Safety: The Gandy Orbit-Air was safe to operate if normal safety precautions were observed. Safety equipment was used when filling or cleaning the hopper to prevent exposure to granular chemical. Caution was required when carrying bagged chemical to the hopper to prevent slipping on the frame of the air drill.

Operator's Manual: The operator's manual was very good. It contained useful information on safety, operation, maintenance, trouble shooting, assembly and installation. Separate calibration charts and a parts list were also provided.

Mechanical History: The speed control driveshaft on the hopper was misaligned at the start of the test.

Summary of Morris 6028 Granular Herbicide Applicator (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 1.1 MB)

Quality of Work: Laboratory tests were performed with Avadex BW and Treflan QR5. Metering accuracy was very good. At a normal application rate the manufacturer's rate was 6% higher in Avadex BW and 5 percent higher in Treflan QR5. Level of material in the tank, field roughness, variation in fan speed or ground speed and field slopes had no significant affect on metering rates for both Avadex BW and Treflan QR5.

Uniformity of distribution of the application rate was good. Variation from the individual outlets for Avadex BW resulted in a coefficient of variation (CV) of 7.7%. Variation from the individual outlets for Treflan QR5 resulted in a CV of 6.6%. Distribution uniformity was affected by increases in metering rates and ground speed for both Avadex BW and Treflan QR5.

Spreading uniformity was good. The CV was acceptable for spreading Avadex BW and Treflan QR5 at a 24 in (610 mm) spreader spacing. The spreading uniformity was not significantly affected by variation in fan speed or metering rates. During dual operation the rate for the product applied by the air seeder was doubled in the overlap.

Ease of Operation and Adjustment: Ease of filling and cleaning the applicator was good. The access ladder and platform allowed safe filling of the unit with bagged chemical. The applicator was conveniently filled with bulk chemical by using the air seeder auger. The fan/auger hydraulic selector lever was in an awkward location. The front clean out door was difficult to remove.

Monitoring was very good. The Morris 6000 series air seeder monitor and the granular pressure gauge monitored the system.

Ease of setting the application rate was very good. Rate was adjusted by changing the range and quick change sprockets. The air seeder sprockets were used for the granular system. The unit was equipped with a rate check box and calibration chart to calibrate the application rate.

Ease of Installation: Ease of mounting the 6028 granular applicator attachment was good. Two people required seven hours to mount the granular tank and metering system onto the 6000 series air seeder frame. Two people required six hours to mount the distribution system onto the tillage unit. Initial set-up of the metering body was completed by the manufacturer. The cultivator shank did not permit the delivery hose to enter the deflector straight.

Power Requirements: The addition of the granular applicator to the 6130 air seeder did not increase the hydraulic flow requirements. Average and maximum horsepower requirements for the centrifugal fan were 10.9 hp (8.1 kW) and 18.1 hp (13.5 kW), respectively.

Operator Safety: The 6028 granular applicator was safe to operate if normal safety precautions were observed. A fold-down ladder, side handrails and platform were provided for safe access to the applicator tank. Safety equipment was used when filling or cleaning the applicator tank to prevent exposure to granular chemical. Tire loads would exceed the Tire and Rim Association's maximum load rating when the granular and air seeder tanks were filled with material.

Operator's Manual: The operator's manual was very good. The manual contained useful information on safety, operation, maintenance and trouble shooting. An applicator setup section was also provided.

Mechanical Problems: No mechanical problems were encountered during the test.