FT TRUCK MT
13
HOW TO CHECK A SPREAD PATTERN
Spread Pattern Test Kit
The test kit used for checking spread patterns contains the following items:
•
13 plastic pans (14” x 18”) with 5” sides
•
13 plastic test tubes with ¾” opening
•
1 test tube rack
•
1 tape measure
•
1 funnel
•
1 weigh cup to determine weight per cubic foot or five gallon bucket
Setting up the Test Area
The test area should be 250 feet in length and as wide as necessary, depending on the swath
width of the spreader to be checked.
Use the chart below to determine the interval that the pans should be placed. A swath width
from 30’-80’ will be sufficient to check most spreaders.
SWATH
NUMBER OF PANS INCHES
BETWEEN
WIDTH
NEEDED
EACH
PAN
(center to center)
30'
7
60"
35'
8
60"
40'
9
60"
45'
10
60"
50'
11
60"
55'
12
60"
60'
13
60"
Lay out test pans on a level area so the spreader can be driven into or with the wind. If the wind
is greater than ten miles per hour, a spread pattern check should not be attempted.
Position the pans so the spreader can be running at least 100’ before it reaches them and can
continue spreading 150’ beyond the pans. Place a marker at the beginning and end of the test
area as guides for the operator.
Level the pans and place them at essentially the same height. Place a marker at the center of
each pan so after the pans have been picked up they can be placed back in their original position
without measuring.
Diagram D
shows the area requirements for a 50’ spread pattern test.
ADJUSTMENTS
