Section 8: Troubleshooting
11/29/18
PTS500 & PTS700 (Pull-Type) Broadcast Spreaders 309-125M
23
Troubleshooting Chart
Problem
Cause
Solution
Field Skips
Not traveling parallel to the preceding pass
at half the spreading width away from the
pass.
Travel parallel to the preceding pass at half
the spreading width away from the pass
with slight overlapping of each pass.
Set spreader to disperse product at half
the rate and go over the field plot twice
using a 2nd pattern that crosses the first
pattern.
Wind is blowing the product around.
Spread product on a calm non-windy day.
Spreading width not suitable
Travel speed is incorrect.
Slow down to decrease spreading width
and speed up to increase spreading width.
Distributor vanes not adjusted correctly.
Readjust distributor vanes.
Wind is blowing the product around.
Spread product on a calm non-windy day.
Spreading pattern not correct
Gate openings not adjust correctly.
Readjust gate openings.
Distributor vanes not adjusted correctly.
Readjust distributor vanes.
Product won’t discharge
properly out the hopper
Product is too wet or humid.
Use dry product only.
Hopper exits are clogged.
Clean hopper exits.
Spreading chart is inconsistent
with actual discharge rate
Varying product size,
specific gravity
,
treatment, moisture content, inert material
in product, lumps, different mixtures, and
roughness of terrain can cause the chart to
be inconsistent.
Make adjustments to gate setting and
speed to achieve desired discharge rate.
Refer to “Calibrate Hopper Discharge
Rate” on page 12.
Uneven distribution of product
Spreader disc not parallel to the ground.
Readjust telescopic bar.
Spreader disc not properly cleaned.
Clean spreader disc & distribution vanes.
Spreading disc parts worn or damaged.
Replace spreader disc and/or vanes.
Roughness of terrain.
Slow down and decrease gate openings.
Wind is blowing the product around.
Spread product on a calm non-windy day.
Section 8: Troubleshooting