Abstract: A broadcast spreader and methods of using the same. One method includes dispersing particulate material using a broadcast spreader having a hopper and an impeller by placing the spreader in a first configuration where a first set of through openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a first spread pattern, and shifting the spreader into a second configuration where a second set of through openings proximate the bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a second spread pattern. The first set of through openings includes a different number of through openings than the second set of through openings, and the first spread pattern is different than the second spread pattern.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader and methods of using the same. One method includes dispersing particulate material using a broadcast spreader having a hopper and an impeller by placing the spreader in a first configuration where a first set of through openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a first spread pattern, and shifting the spreader into a second configuration where a second set of through openings proximate the bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a second spread pattern. The first set of through openings includes a different number of through openings than the second set of through openings, and the first spread pattern is different than the second spread pattern.

Abstract: An adaptable walk behind spreader for dispersing particulate material in different spread patterns. The walk behind spreader includes a spread control assembly configured to control flow of particulate material through first, second and third exit openings and onto a dispersing mechanism. The spread control assembly includes a first spread control member and a second spread control member. Movement of the first and second spread control members selectively inhibits the flow of particulate material through at least a portion of the exit openings, thereby altering the spread pattern of the particulate material dispersed from the spreader.

Abstract: Handheld spreaders and methods of operating the same. The spreader can include a cup to hold particulate material and having an open upper end, a scoop assembly provided proximate the open upper end of the cup and including a scoop for directing particulate material being dispersed from the cup, and a sifter assembly removably coupled to the scoop assembly for metering an amount of the particulate material being dispersed from the cup. When the sifter assembly is removed from the scoop assembly, the scoop remains attached to the cup to direct particulate material being provided into the cup via the open upper end. The method can include opening the cup by removing the sifter assembly from the scoop assembly, placing particulate material into an open interior of the cup, closing the cup by replacing the sifter assembly, and dispersing the particulate material through the sifter assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing spreading of particulate material over a surface by a spreader. One step of the method includes receiving a selection of a type of the spreader. An additional step includes receiving a selection of a type of the particulate material to be spread by the spreader. An additional step includes obtaining data indicative of a travel speed of the spreader, with the data being received from a sensor associated with the spreader. An additional step includes determining an operational attribute of the spreader. The determination is based on (i) the type of the spreader, (ii) the type of the particulate material, and (ii) the travel speed of the spreader. A further step includes presenting the operational attribute.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader and methods of using the same. One method includes dispersing particulate material using a broadcast spreader having a hopper and an impeller by placing the spreader in a first configuration where a first set of through openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a first spread pattern, and shifting the spreader into a second configuration where a second set of through openings proximate the bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a second spread pattern. The first set of through openings includes a different number of through openings than the second set of through openings, and the first spread pattern is different than the second spread pattern.

Abstract: A dual-impeller spreader capable of independently a flowrate of particulate material about two halves of the spreader's coverage area. The spreader includes a frame, a hopper, and wheels rotatably connected to the frame via an axle. A first impeller is fixed to a first impeller shaft rotatably coupled to the axle via a first gear train, and a second impeller is fixed to a second impeller shaft rotatably coupled to the axle via a second gear train. A first shut-off control selectively opens and closes a first set of hopper exit openings located above the first impeller, while a second shut-off control selectively opens and closes a second set of hopper exit openings located above the second impeller. The first shut-off control and the second shut-off control selectively open and close the respective openings independent of each other.

Abstract: An improved bag spreader and methods of the using the same. The bag spreader includes a bag that holds particulate material, a base removably coupled to the bag and including an exit opening to permit the particulate material to fall therethrough, an impeller below the base and configured to receive the particulate material leaving the exit opening and spread the particulate material, and a fastener circumscribing the base and securing the bag to the base. The methods include removably securing a bag to a base using a single cable tie, filling the bag with particulate material, and turning a hand crank causing the impeller to spin and spread the particulate material.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader and methods of using the same. One method includes dispersing particulate material using a broadcast spreader having a hopper and an impeller by placing the spreader in a first configuration where a first set of through openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a first spread pattern, and shifting the spreader into a second configuration where a second set of through openings proximate the bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a second spread pattern. The first set of through openings includes a different number of through openings than the second set of through openings, and the first spread pattern is different than the second spread pattern.

Abstract: Handheld spreaders and methods of operating the same. The spreader can include a cup to hold particulate material and having an open upper end, a scoop assembly provided proximate the open upper end of the cup and including a scoop for directing particulate material being dispersed from the cup, and a sifter assembly removably coupled to the scoop assembly for metering an amount of the particulate material being dispersed from the cup. When the sifter assembly is removed from the scoop assembly, the scoop remains attached to the cup to direct particulate material being provided into the cup via the open upper end. The method can include opening the cup by removing the sifter assembly from the scoop assembly, placing particulate material into an open interior of the cup, closing the cup by replacing the sifter assembly, and dispersing the particulate material through the sifter assembly.

Abstract: A broadcast spreader and methods of using the same. One method includes dispersing particulate material using a broadcast spreader having a hopper and an impeller by placing the spreader in a first configuration where a first set of through openings proximate a bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a first spread pattern, and shifting the spreader into a second configuration where a second set of through openings proximate the bottom portion of the hopper permit the particulate material to pass therethrough and fall onto the impeller to thereby be distributed in a second spread pattern. The first set of through openings includes a different number of through openings than the second set of through openings, and the first spread pattern is different than the second spread pattern.

Abstract: A spread control assembly is provided that includes a spread control mechanism and a shut-off adjustment plate attached to a particulate dispersing apparatus. The shut-off adjustment plate includes multiple exit openings that facilitate the dispersing of particulate material. The spread control mechanism pivotally attaches to the shut-off adjustment plate and includes multiple paddles configured to cover at least one of the exit openings in the shut-off adjustment plate when the spread control mechanism is in an activated position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing spreading of particulate material over a surface by a spreader. One step of the method includes receiving a selection of a type of the spreader. An additional step includes receiving a selection of a type of the particulate material to be spread by the spreader. An additional step includes obtaining data indicative of a travel speed of the spreader, with the data being received from a sensor associated with the spreader. An additional step includes determining an operational attribute of the spreader. The determination is based on (i) the type of the spreader, (ii) the type of the particulate material, and (ii) the travel speed of the spreader. A further step includes presenting the operational attribute.

Abstract: A dual-impeller spreader capable of independently a flowrate of particulate material about two halves of the spreader's coverage area. The spreader includes a frame, a hopper, and wheels rotatably connected to the frame via an axle. A first impeller is fixed to a first impeller shaft rotatably coupled to the axle via a first gear train, and a second impeller is fixed to a second impeller shaft rotatably coupled to the axle via a second gear train. A first shut-off control selectively opens and closes a first set of hopper exit openings located above the first impeller, while a second shut-off control selectively opens and closes a second set of hopper exit openings located above the second impeller. The first shut-off control and the second shut-off control selectively open and close the respective openings independent of each other.

Abstract: A particulate dispersing apparatus is provided that includes a vessel configured to contain particulate material having a ridge circumferencing an inside of the vessel, an insert having a similar shape as the vessel and when inserted into the vessel adapted to engage and removably attach to the ridge, and a dispersing mechanism that disperses the particulate material.

Abstract: A spread control assembly is provided that includes a spread control mechanism and a shut-off adjustment plate attached to a particulate dispersing apparatus. The; shut-off adjustment plate includes multiple exit openings that facilitate the dispersing of particulate material. The spread control mechanism pivotally attaches to the shut-off adjustment plate and includes multiple paddles configured to cover at least one of the exit openings in the shut-off adjustment plate when the spread control mechanism is in an activated position.

Abstract: A spread control assembly is provided that includes a spread control mechanism and a shut-off adjustment plate attached to a particulate dispersing apparatus. The shut-off adjustment plate includes multiple exit openings that facilitate the dispersing of particulate material. The spread control mechanism pivotally attaches to the shut-off adjustment plate and includes multiple paddles configured to cover at least one of the exit openings in the shut-off adjustment plate when the spread control mechanism is in an activated position.