The Starting Point: Adams Spreader
1. LaSalle Agri’s first spreader was an Adams Spreader. Although it was a quality machine, we quickly realized its design was not sustainable enough to handle our product at such high volumes. After some time, three limitations became clear:
a. Shortage of Space: The spreader couldn’t hold enough of our product.
b. Loading Efficiency: We found ourselves bringing an additional piece of equipment alongside the spreader just to load.
c. Less Compaction: There wasn’t enough flotation to minimize soil compaction in the fields.
The Redesign
2.The three limitations prompted us to recondition our spreader to enhance efficiency and productivity. As a team, we engineered a solution that satisfied the needs of our customized operations.
a. New Axles & Spindles: We built heavy-duty axles and spindles.
b. Bigger Tires for Better Flotation: We started with 900mm wide tires, moved to 1050mm wide tires, and finally our new design of 1250mm wide tires helped reduce soil compaction immensely.
c. Tire Location: We moved the tires inward, so they did not sit out too far.
d. Innovative Hitch System: We reconfigured the front end of the spreader for a pintle hookup system that’s off the 3-point hitch of our tractor. It hooks up to the spreader through a quick coupler system, which we will expand upon. One key thing to note is that LaSalle Agri received an award for the innovation of this hitch!
e. Increased Volume Capacity: We added 16 inches to the side of the spreader and rubber around the top, increasing volume to about 40,000 pounds per load.
f. Modified Spinners: Through intense testing, we added a more durable chain that allows the newly modified spinner to run at the perfect speed to maximize spreading volumes.
Continued Improvements to Enhance Performance: The Coupler System
3.The coupler system works in about 30 seconds. We built it so that the tractor can be uncoupled in 30 seconds from the spreader and coupled back up in 30 seconds. This allows us to operate with one tractor during the loading and unloading stages of the fertilizer into the spreader, eliminating compaction, and maximizing efficiency. A bonus is that our spreader operators have a chance to stretch their legs to prevent fatigue.
The Importance of Spreading Our Own Product
4.Many of the farmers we work with do not have equipment for the proper application of our product at high volumes. To ensure the product is spread evenly across the fields and to achieve the best results, we custom spread for farmers. Our key objectives are met through this process with our custom scale, higher volumes, better flotation, and a quick connect and disconnect coupler system.
Wrap Up
5.To maximize efficiency, we use one tractor, one spreader, and one operator to spread 40 tons an hour, but this is just the beginning as we continue to innovate here at LaSalle Agri with future designs! The next spreader will be built to amplify all modifications.
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