Smart Choices.

Find out which finer details are right for you.

• Standard ground drive SAM Spreaders 

  Ground driven Spreaders have a floor speed that is directly proportional to your forward speed (driven from a chain off the wheel). 

   

  Should I go for a Standard ground drive Spreader (400mm wide floor mat) or a Combo Spreader (800mm wide floor mat)?

  SAM Fertiliser Spreaders (400mm wide mat) are capable of spreading all processed fertiliser including superphosphate, urea and lime.

  SAM Combo Spreaders (800mm wide mat) are capable of spreading all processed fertiliser including; superphosphate, urea and lime. And they will also spread most organic products like chicken and pig manure, screw-pressed effluent and sand.

   

  Is there anything the Combo Spreaders won’t spread well?

  In general your product needs to be fairly free-flowing to spread properly. A good test is to dig a spade into your product from the side, if it falls in on itself then it should flow through the machine nicely.

  At the other end of the scale, anything too wet e.g. effluent, may leak out the sides of the bin.

• Standard ground drive SAM Spreaders + proof of placement

  What is proof of placement and how do I get that?

  Proof of placement means you are able to record and retain proof of what you have been spreading, where you spread it, how much, and when. Different councils may have slightly different regulations for how to comply.

  Proof of placement can be achieved in a number of ways. A standard ground driven SAM Spreader can achieve proof of placement with any GPS mapping systems e.g. Topcon, TracMap or similar. Or, if regulations allow, manually recording what you have been spreading, where you spread it, how much and when, may also be sufficient.

  When using the computer controlled models you manually key into your screen what you are spreading and the rate. The details will be recorded in your mapping program. While you are spreading the mapping program will record the track of the spreader in the paddock, to be uploaded to a cloud based server or local computer for later reference. Both Topcon and TracMap offer a hosting service to store your maps.

  We offer two integrated proof of placement options that can be purchased at the time of your build. The e-Spreader and Topcon Control. These replace the manual chain drive with a hydraulically driven floor controlled from a screen in your cab (both have integrated load cells).
   

  Why would I want to add load cells to my standard ground drive Spreader?

  Load cells are integrated with all computer driven spreaders. They give an accurate measure of the weight of fertiliser in the bin. It is the only way to get true accuracy.

• Computer controlled drive SAM Spreaders (hydraulically driven)

  I’m thinking about buying a computer controlled SAM Spreader - what is this?

  Any of our Spreader models can be manufactured with computer control installed to replace the standard ground drive. This computer operates a hydraulically driven floor-belt. Application rates are adjusted easily from the screen inside your cab. 

  The screen requires a few quick inputs from you;  fertiliser density, spread width and spread rate, followed by a quick calibration step. Then you are away.

  Computer drive needs be added to your machine at the time of build. They cannot be retrofitted to Spreaders.

  There are two options: the simple, accurate e-spreader; or the more advanced Topcon control.

   

  What is the e-Spreader?

  Any SAM Spreader can be upgraded to an e-Spreader at the time of build. The floor speed is controlled from a screen in your tractor cab. This replaces the manual drive. You can set your rate easily from in your cab and get your spread rate very accurate. 

  The SAM e-Spreader is easy to calibrate and every e-Spreader is load cell ready. Fitting scales is the only way to get true accuracy because you are weighing your product. This technology means the correct application rate is applied regardless of changes in forward speed.

  It also integrates easily with third party GPS systems such as TracMap. You can see how many hectares you have covered from the screen and the weight you have applied. This live data means proof of placement is easy. If you are already using a third party tracking system you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Border control is included.

  If you already have an ISOBUS compliant tractor or want the likes of sectional control and the ability to store and report your date check out Topcon control.

   

  What are the advantages of having a computer drive?

  • Application rates can be set from the screen inside the cab
  • Spreaders can travel very slowly while spreading at a very high rate (spreading shavings into sheds etc.).
  • The integration of load cells gives pinpoint precision on the weight of fertiliser in your bin at any time (Optional extra)
  • Border control gives protection for your headlands
  • Spreaders can be unloaded without moving forward
  • It is easy to extract information for proof of placement record keeping
  • Proof of placement mapping can be included with the Topcon computer control option, or by utilizing your existing GPS with the e-Spreader

   

  What are the disadvantages of computer drives?

  • Higher purchase cost
  • Tractor must have higher oil flows (approximately 90 litres per minute)
  • Most suited to operation behind one tractor as the power supply is hard-wired. Unless you
  • Operators require more training
  • Electronics fitted on computer controlled Spreaders require more care i.e. no waterblasting near computer enclosure.

   

  Can I add computer control to my Spreader without adding load cells?

  Yes you can. This is called Volumetric rate control.

  Computer control can be used as a simple rate controller. Either by entering a known product density or selecting the fertiliser product from a pre-defined list. 

  Spreader functions like spinner speed and border control are all monitored and operated through your screen.

  The benefit of volumetric rate control is that you are saving on the cost of the load cells. However you are not getting the added benefit of a continuous double check of the weight of product in your bin.

   

  Why would I go for the Topcon computer control with integrated load cells (using my tractors own ISOBUS screen)?

  This is Dynamic or Static rate control. It includes integrated load cells and can be managed from the tractors own ISOBUS screen.

  This set-up includes fully hydraulic floor speed and rate control. It measures the weight of product in the Spreader on the go. The floor speed is automatically adjusted to achieve the correct application rates dynamically (on the move).

   This advanced control means extra precision. The accuracy of rate is as high as 99% of the target rate. You are getting automatic rate calibration and gaining maximum value from what you are spreading. 

  Most new tractors are ISOBUS compatible, meaning the system can plug straight into your tractor and can be controlled from your existing console. This can save the cost of a second display.

  Border control functionality is included. Border control when switched on reduces spinner speed on the right-hand disk which decreases your spread width on that side.  This is helpful for spreading beside boundaries and waterways.

  An auto shut-off function (sectional control) is also available at headlands or cross over areas, meaning no areas will receive a double application.

   

  Why would I go for full Topcon computer control with integrated load cells, X25 screen and GPS aerial?

  This is Dynamic or Static rate control. It includes load cells, a GPS aerial and our Topcon X25 screen for inside the cab of your tractor. 

  This set-up also gives you the above functionality (computer controlled rate application, border control, sectional control) as well as a GPS aerial for proof of placement, light bar and field mapping of your jobs. 

  Record all your spreading details for improved traceability and record keeping.

  This set-up also means you can swap tractors easily by simply swapping the screen across.

   

  Can I use my own GPS aerial?

  Just call us up and let us know what kind of aerial you are using and we will let you know if it is compatible. 

   

  What is TAP?

  TAP stands for Topcon Agricultural Platform. It stores your inputs for mapping and proof of placement reporting. It is all about easy access to your data. There will be an upgrade cost for this. Call us and we can talk you through it.

   

  What is variable rate spreading?

  This means changing spread rates automatically on the move from preplanned fertiliser mapping uploaded to the computer. Call us anytime if you want to chat further about this add-on.

   

  Who are Topcon and why are they so good?

  Topcon are an international tech company who bought RDS out in 2012. Their technology has been proven in international markets for decades. 

  They have engineering, manufacturing and development facilities in Europe, the United Kingdom and Australia. There are over 2,000 Topcon employees worldwide, including a large research and development team, so their products are always innovating. The computer control system has been well tested in the field and has been popular on farms for years.

  Elements are customisable to suit your individual needs. The set-up integrates well with our Spreaders by being ISOBUS compatible, intuitive to use and fully integrated with load cells.

   

   

   

• How much of each fertiliser type will my SAM Spreader hold?

  4 Tonne Spreader - 3.2m3 (Fertiliser), 4T (Superphosphate 1.3/m3 density), 5.5T (Lime 1.7t/m3 density), 2.6T (Urea 0.8T/m3 density).

  
  5 Tonne Spreader - 3.9m3 (Fertiliser), 5T (Superphosphate 1.3t/m3 density), 6.6T (Lime 1.7T/m3 density), 3.1T (Urea 0.8T/m3 density), 

  
  6 Tonne Spreader - 4.6m3 (Fertiliser), 6T (Superphosphate 3T/m3 density), 7.7T (Lime 1.7T/m3 density), 3.7T (Urea 0.8T/m3 density)

  
  8 Tonne Spreader - 6.5m3 (Fertiliser), 8T (Superphosphate 1.3T/m3 density), 10T (Lime 1.7T/m3 density), 5.2T (Urea 0.8T/m3 density)

   
  9 Tonne Spreader - 7.6m3 (Fertiliser), 9T (Superphosphate 1.3T/m3 density), 11T (Lime 1.7T/m3 density), 5.9T (Urea 0.8T/m3 density)