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 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.

An agricultural implement and a metering apparatus for the agricultural implement to deliver a material to a material depositing apparatus. The metering apparatus includes metering roller, an integrated motor operatively connected to the metering roller, and a motor drive operatively connected to the integrated motor. A controller is operatively connected to the integrated motor and to the motor drive wherein the controller transmits a drive signal to drive the integrated motor and receives a status signal from the integrated motor. The drive signals drives the motor, which includes the roller coupled to a motor spindle, at a variable rate of speed to reduce pulsing. In one embodiment, the agricultural implement is an air cart.

Disclosed is an assembly for a dosing system of a spreader machine for distributing a granular material or the like, which comprises first and second members provided with first and second openings, respectively, and an actuator connected to at least one of the first and second members and configured to provide a driving force between the first and second members, thereby, adjusting an opening size of a dosing opening provided by an overlapping area between the first and second openings, wherein the relative movement is conducted by linear movement of at least one of the first and second members.

A seed metering and discharge system that generates and discharges a continuous stream of seed for downstream processing. A variable position gate is disposed at an output end of a bottom hopper of the system. During a measurement period, a commanded position of the variable position gate is adjusted in proportion to mass measurement signals received from load cells mounted to the bottom hopper. A top hopper refills the bottom hopper during a refill period when the variable position gate is commanded into a fixed position. The system regulates the continuous stream of seed, measured in real-time, so that the actual seed flow rate at the output end closely matches a target seed flow rate. The system operates iteratively between the measurement and refill periods during continuous discharge cycles.

The present disclosure provides a large-scale, self-propelled nutrient spreading vehicle for efficient and precise nutrient distribution. The nutrient spreading vehicle features a drive chassis supporting an engine, wheels, and a transmission, enabling self-propelled movement. A nutrient hopper stores nutrients, while a front-mounted spreader, controlled through an in-cabin user interface, allows for adjustable discharge of the nutrients. The vehicle's conveyor system transports the nutrients from the hopper under the vehicle cabin to the front-mounted spreader. The vehicle cabin is mounted above the conveyor system, providing operators with an unobstructed view of the nutrient discharge process, thereby enhancing control and precision. Additionally, the nutrient spreading vehicle accommodates interchangeable nutrient spreaders. Control systems with adjustable parameters allow dynamic adjustment of nutrient transport and spread characteristics.

A system and methods for monitoring and evaluating the performance of a lawn-care technician. A Technician Performance Module (TPM) is affixed to or embedded in a device or apparatus used by the technician, such as a sprayer or a spreader. The TPM comprises a plurality of sensors (e.g., GPS, gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, pedometer) which collect, store, and/or transmit an assortment of data as described below. The data may be transmitted wirelessly to a control box, which may be located in a nearby vehicle, such as a truck used by the technician at the site of the lawn-care services being provided. The data also may be transmitted wireless to a cellular or wireless gateway for transmission to system servers for storage and analysis.