Calibrating a Scotts DLX spreader is an important step to ensure accurate and efficient spreading of materials such as fertilizers, seeds, or other granular substances. While there may not be a specific guide for this particular spreader, you can follow a general rule of thumb to determine the appropriate spreader setting.
To begin, gather the material you will be spreading and enough of it to cover an area of 1,000 square feet. This will serve as your calibration area. It is important to note that different materials may require different spreader settings, so consider the specific instructions or recommendations provided by the manufacturer of the material you are using.
Next, set your spreader to a low setting, typically around one-fourth of the spreader setting range or less. This ensures that you start with a conservative setting and can make adjustments as needed. It is better to start with a lower setting and gradually increase if necessary, rather than risking over-application.
Now, evenly distribute the material over the calibration area. Pay attention to the spread pattern and coverage to determine if any adjustments are needed. Walk at a consistent speed while operating the spreader to maintain an even application.
After spreading the material, measure the area you covered. This can be done by measuring the length and width of the calibration area and multiplying the two measurements together. For example, if your calibration area is 20 feet wide and 50 feet long, the total area would be 1,000 square feet.
Next, determine how much material you used to cover the calibration area. This can be done by measuring the remaining material in the hopper or by using a scale to weigh the material before and after spreading. Subtract the weight or volume of the remaining material from the initial amount you placed in the hopper to calculate the amount used.
Now comes the calibration calculation. Divide the amount of material used by the area covered to determine the application rate. For example, if you used 5 pounds of material to cover 1,000 square feet, the application rate would be 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
Adjust your spreader setting based on the desired application rate. If you want to apply the material at a rate of 4 pounds per 1,000 square feet, for instance, you would adjust the spreader setting accordingly. It may take some trial and error to find the correct setting, so it is recommended to perform another calibration test after making adjustments.
Remember to always refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your spreader and the material you are spreading. This general calibration method should serve as a starting point, but individual circumstances may require additional adjustments.
In my own experience, calibrating a spreader can be a bit time-consuming initially, but it is well worth the effort. By ensuring accurate spreading, you can avoid under or over-application of materials, which can lead to uneven growth or waste. Taking the time to calibrate your spreader will ultimately result in healthier and more vibrant plants in your garden or landscape.
