An adjustable deflector assembly for a broadcast spreader comprises: a first bracket secured to a support frame of the broadcast spreader on one side of a rotating fan of the broadcast spreader; a second bracket secured to the support frame of the broadcast spreader on another side of the rotating fan of the broadcast spreader; and a deflector mounted to the first bracket and the second bracket. The deflector is configured to be mounted at one of multiple discrete positions on each of the first bracket and the second bracket, such that a spread width of material distributed by the rotating fan is increased or decreased depending on which of the multiple discrete positions is selected.

A spreader assembly may include a hopper configured for receiving a spreadable material, a removable cartridge configured for sliding engagement with the hopper and having a material transportation mechanism configured for receiving the spreadable material from the hopper, and a spreader configured for receiving the spreadable material from the material transportation mechanism and spreading the spreadable material onto a target surface. One of the hopper and the cartridge may include a roller having a roller surface, and the other of the hopper and the cartridge may include a bearing surface configured for rolling engagement with the roller surface.

A spreader assembly may include a hopper configured for receiving a spreadable material, a removable cartridge configured for sliding engagement with the hopper and having a material transportation mechanism configured for receiving the spreadable material from the hopper, and a spreader configured for receiving the spreadable material from the material transportation mechanism and spreading the spreadable material onto a target surface. One of the hopper and the cartridge may include a roller having a roller surface, and the other of the hopper and the cartridge may include a bearing surface configured for rolling engagement with the roller surface.

An apparatus for combining planting implements enables an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. The apparatus is rigidly affixed to a conventional cultivating implement and comprises a support frame, a pair of brackets, and a connection bar. In combination, the support frame, pair of brackets, and connection bar provide a three-point connection whereby a conventional broadcasting implement may be attached thereto, thus enabling an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. In operation, at least a portion of the conventional cultivating implement is disposed behind the conventional broadcasting implement when the conventional broadcasting implement is attached to the support frame, thereby allowing simultaneous cultivation and broadcasting of constituents.

A seeding machine includes a seed metering system and a seed delivery system in communication with the seed metering system. The seed delivery system includes a housing having a first opening for receiving seed from the seed metering system and a second opening through which seed is discharged. The seed delivery system also includes a conveyor forming a loop with a fixed length and positioned within the housing. The conveyor is disposed around a first drive pulley and a second idler pulley. The conveyor is deformable in order to retain seed at any point along the fixed length.

A vehicle has a vehicle frame having a first end and a second end and a first siderail and a second siderail spaced laterally and each extend longitudinally from the first end to the second end. A caster wheel having a lateral axis is rotatably coupled to the vehicle frame towards the first end. Drive wheels defining an axis are rotatably coupled to the vehicle frame towards the second end. A prime mover coupled to the vehicle frame has a base and a vertical driveshaft, which is in operative communication with the drive wheels, extending from the base. The vertical driveshaft has a driveshaft axis closer to the second siderail than the first siderail laterally and closer to the caster wheel axis than the drive wheel axis longitudinally. The base is positioned vertically below most of the length of each of the first siderail and the second siderail.

A spread control assembly is provided that includes a spread control mechanism and a shut-off adjustment plate attached to a particulate dispersing apparatus. The; shut-off adjustment plate includes multiple exit openings that facilitate the dispersing of particulate material. The spread control mechanism pivotally attaches to the shut-off adjustment plate and includes multiple paddles configured to cover at least one of the exit openings in the shut-off adjustment plate when the spread control mechanism is in an activated position.

A spreader assembly to distribute materials on a ground surface, including a container to hold the materials, a frame affixed to the container, a beater assembly supported by the frame that receives the materials from the container and processes the materials to obtain processed materials, and a spinner assembly that receives the processed materials and expulses the processed materials from the frame onto the ground surface. The beater assembly includes a pair of rotating elements that blends the materials to produce the processed materials, and a deflector located between the pair of rotating elements configured to prevent the formation of agglomerates in the processed materials.

A seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

An apparatus for biological control of agricultural pests and for reducing damage to crops is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotatable container for holding biological organisms or material. The walls of the container include a series of openings through which the biological organisms or material can pass, dispersing the biological organisms or material over a target area when the container is rotated. An improved embodiment of the apparatus further includes a sleeve around the container for controlling the dispersion rate. The sleeve includes a second series of openings which, when aligned or partially aligned with the container openings, form gaps of variable size and shape through which the biological organisms or material can pass.