A variable speed motor driven conveyor of a spreader is controlled, to achieve more precise delivery of agricultural chemicals, using a proportional integral derivative loop when sufficient sensor data is available related to the ground speed of the spreader and the speed of the conveyor, and using stored parameters if sufficient sensor data related to the speed of the conveyor is unavailable.

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 spreader tool includes a hopper disposed above a base. The base includes a base opening that forms an egress. The spreader tool further includes an impeller disposed below the hopper. The spreader tool further includes a distribution gate that is positioned below the hopper and configured to selectively permit egress between the hopper and the base. The spreader tool further includes one or more motors that is operably coupled to a power unit and the impeller and the distribution gate. The one or more motors is configured to selectively rotate the impeller and the distribution gate. The spreader tool further includes a handle having a trigger assembly. The trigger assembly being configured to selectively command articulation of energy from the power unit to operate the motor to rotate the impeller and the distribution gate.

A broadcast spreader and methods of using the same. One method includes dispersing particulate material using a broadcast spreader having a hopper and an impeller by placing the spreader in a first configuration where a first set of through openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a first spread pattern, and shifting the spreader into a second configuration where a second set of through openings proximate the bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a second spread pattern. The first set of through openings includes a different number of through openings than the second set of through openings, and the first spread pattern is different than the second spread pattern.

A system and method are provided for subvehicularly accessed treatment of ground surfaces about a rail track occupied by a rail vehicle. A mobile treatment unit having a propulsion mechanism for subvehicular passage between the rails occupied by the rail vehicle includes a dispensing portion for expelling a treatment material therefrom onto regions of the ground surface about the rails. The mobile treatment unit is maneuverable between the rails and maintains height clearance for unobstructed passage beneath the occupying rail vehicle. At least one sensor unit is coupled to the mobile treatment unit, which acquires environmental feedback data about the mobile treatment unit. A control unit is operably linked to the mobile treatment and sensor units, and receives the environmental feedback data. The control unit controls actuation of the mobile treatment unit responsive to the environmental feedback and/or a maneuver control command.

A broadcast spreader broadly comprising a frame, a hopper, an impeller, a set of wheels, and an electric hub motor. The hopper is supported by the frame and configured to hold a particulate material. The impeller is rotatably connected below the hopper and is configured to receive the particulate material from the hopper and spread the particulate material over a surface. The wheels are rotatably connected to the frame for traversing the surface. The electric hub motor is at least partially positioned in one of the wheels and configured to drivably engage the one of the wheels to propel the hopper along the surface.

A fertilizer/chemical dispenser having intelligent dispensing logic, including: a frame sub-assembly; a first reservoir for containing chemical solids, wherein the first reservoir is associated with the frame sub-assembly; a first dispenser for dispending chemical solids; a second reservoir for containing chemical liquids, wherein the second reservoir is associated with the frame sub-assembly; a second dispenser for dispending chemical liquids; at least one ground-engaging drive wheel; an engine, wherein the engine is associated with the frame sub-assembly; and an image sensor, wherein the image sensor is in communication with a comparative database that enables the reduction and/or avoidance of nonapplication, misapplication and/or overapplication of lawn care chemicals.

A spreader with a material divider that is adjustable to change a stream of material which flows in an arbitrary manner to the centrifugal disk(s) to achieve a desired symmetrical or asymmetrical spread pattern.

An adaptable walk behind spreader for dispersing particulate material in different spread patterns. The walk behind spreader includes a spread control assembly configured to control flow of particulate material through first, second and third exit openings and onto a dispersing mechanism. The spread control assembly includes a first spread control member and a second spread control member. Movement of the first and second spread control members selectively inhibits the flow of particulate material through at least a portion of the exit openings, thereby altering the spread pattern of the particulate material dispersed from the spreader.

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.