3/9/2021

It’s no secret that fertilizer is a significant, yet crucial investment in the maintenance and longevity of your agronomic programs. It’s a cornerstone when it comes to growth, which is why ensuring that your fertilizer is spread properly, is just as important as the purchase. However, that task can feel daunting. There are a lot of things to consider and a lot of ground to cover when spreading fertilizer.  But fear not, Harrell’s professionals have got you covered.

Harrell’s offers our customers a variety of spreading options that are specific in regions across the US. These include: Spreader Trucks, Adams Spreaders and Contracted Spreading Services to ensure that your Harrell’s PROfertilizer® is spread evenly and effectively.

Spreader Trucks

Harrell’s Spreader Trucks are a sight to behold. They offer some of the most efficient and timely spreading, low impact & noninvasive maneuvering, and pinpoint accurate coverage in the industry. Each Spreader Truck is equipped with GPS to ensure that there will be no overlaps or missed areas over the application process, saving you time and funds. The cab of each truck is fitted with a computer screen to give the operator a visual of their progress, maximizing overall efficiency, and allowing them to apply product at an average of 25 acres per hour. Each truck is operated by a Harrell’s employee who knows it inside and out, so you can rest assured that the spread of your fertilizer is in the best of hands.

Utilizing the onboard computer, the operator calibrates the system to a set spread rate and maintains a consistent speed over the course of your turf. This uniformity ensures that nutrients are spread evenly, allowing for beautiful and full growth no matter where you look. Each spreader truck can hold a load of 2-4 tons of fertilizer, meaning they can run for hours without needing a refill, and don’t let that 2-4 tons fool you. Due to each truck’s smooth tread floatation tires, they can pass over your turf with the heaviest of loads and limited impact.

Adams Spreaders

In almost every region across the country, Harrell’s customers have access to a lineup of tow-behind spreaders which, past the initial set-up, need no special operation. These ground-driven spreaders adjust to the speed of the tractor towing them, keeping coverage consistent across the board. The spreader holds two tons of fertilizer, saving you time and allowing you to spread over many acres in one go. Adams Spreaders are also significantly smaller than the previously mentioned Spreader Trucks, giving you the freedom to fertilize smaller areas which a larger truck may not be able to reach. View the Adams 2-Ton Ground Driven Spreader Set Up and Operating Video.

Contracted Spreader Services

Depending on your region, Harrell’s customers can also take advantage of a variety of local contractor services to spread your fertilizer. This service is unique for several reasons. It directly supports your local community, it frees up your staff to work on other projects, and contracted services are still in and out in a day while leaving a thorough and even spread.

The trucks utilized by contractors are very different than the Spreader Trucks which Harrell’s offers, however, their similarities are in all the best of ways. Their spread rate is very thorough and allows them to cover turf in a timely manner, without any gaps in spread flow. They move very well up and down the turf, keeping an even pace as they spread. Though the trucks are large and carry a lot of fertilizer, the operators are always cautious to maneuver in ways which prevent damage to your turf.

Spreader Situation by Region

I recently had the opportunity to speak with the Harrell’s sales directors from each region, discussing the spreader services which they have to offer in their respective territories.

Across the board, the directors consistently praised the efficiency and reliability of each spreader service. Each one has a purpose, with its own advantages and disadvantages. Although all spreader options are not available in every region, each type of service fits the needs of the area well. Because as you know, agronomics and terrain vary from region to region.

The most widely available spreading service offered by Harrell’s, are the Adams Spreaders. These spreaders are loaned out to Harrell’s customers across the Midwest, South Central, Coastal Plains, and Southeast regions, as well as the state of Florida. Making the means to spread your Harrell’s PROfertilizer® easily accessible, with the help of your Harrell's sales representative.

Harrell’s Spreader Trucks are available in the Midwest, Coastal Plains, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic. Due to the efficiency, accuracy, consistency, and most of all the availability of the trucks, making sure that you schedule out your service ahead of time is an absolute necessity. They are a hot commodity come spreading season. Tyler Otero, sales director Mid-Atlantic region, summed the benefit of the Spreader Trucks up nicely, “…it’s in and out in a few hours and can cover the whole place. An average sized golf course, just the fairways, he can do in a couple hours.” The Spreader Trucks have a lot of ground to cover. Tyler went on to say, “the truck can only be in so many places at once, so the toughest thing with the truck is just scheduling it out. Everyone wants to put their fertilizer out between April and June.”

In regions where either Adams Spreaders, Spreader Trucks or both, are not readily available, sales directors work with local contracting services to assist in spreading fertilizer. It may take a little longer to apply, but the consistency and even spread you would see with a larger spreader, are always maintained. John Keeler, sales director Northeast region, said, “We contract the services for our customers through a local company, utilizing equipment the courses have on hand.”

In season, Harrell’s drivers spread thousands of acres of fertilizer every week, across the country. Whether it’s a big spreader truck, an Adams Spreader, or through the services of a local contractor, the Harrell’s sales team and drivers are always ready to assist in your next big spread. If you’re looking to schedule out for one of the spreading services, we recommend you contact your Harrell's representative as soon as you can, to schedule your next application.