Modified/homemade tailgate salter for 425

11406 Views 24 Replies 14 Participants Last post by Mike X485, Dec 27, 2011

tooldad

Discussion Starter · Dec 8, 2011

I grew up in the snow plowing business with my dad living in Nebraska. Last year I got a 425 with a blade and started doing a restaurant. Then I added a blade to my truck.

this year I took on more jobs myself and to get the good money you have to do full service. I have hired a few of my students to clean the walks while I take care of the lot.

Salting is also included as part of full service. My dad has this 200# salter. It works great, only problem is I need 400# per lot. Also I don't like the thought of throwing salt off my truck or even tractor.

Last year I got a dirtworks 3pt hitch with the trailer. So since I am toting the tractor for the walks, why not use the 3pt trailer. Solves one problem of not salting too close to truck or tractor.

Still not a big enough hopper, so I made one. Then a couple of guys I worked with helped me to get the box mounted to the trailer.

I will add a few flashing lights, paint and sheet metal to inside hopper and I will be ready to go.

Now if we can just get more than a dusting of snow!

See less See more

6

1 - 20 of 25 Posts

POENY

· #2 · Dec 8, 2011

That is a good looking and good size salt spreader! Nice design.
:thanku:for the pics!

mikestoy

· #3 · Dec 8, 2011

Great idea. All wood, not rust from the salt............:thThumbsU

Nothing like designing and creating something yourself.

stladrill

· #4 · Dec 8, 2011

mikestoy said:
Great idea. All wood, not rust from the salt............:thThumbsU

Nothing like designing and creating something yourself.

:ditto:

Good job! :thThumbsU

See less See more

Aksarben96

· #5 · Dec 8, 2011

Hope it works as planned, Since your doing large parking area compared to most of us doing just a driveway or two , be sure to check your blade edge for wear , perhaps a squeegee rubber edge or a heavier commercial grade rubber or nylon blade edge would be a good investment for use on either the plow truck or the Deere.

See less See more

tooldad

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 8, 2011

The parking lots will be cleared by the truck. The 4-5ft walks are what we clear with the tractor.

the walks wont take as long, so when I get half the lot done, then my help with the tractor will start salting that half while I complete the other half.

Trying to be as efficient as possible. I could also hook up the salter to my truck just for parking lot use, and then reload in the equip trailer if needed.

hope that clarifies.

See less See more

derekbroerse

· #7 · Dec 8, 2011

mikestoy said:
Great idea. All wood, not rust from the salt............

...but the wood will rot from the moisture. You need to paint or otherwise seal up that wood, and keep a tarp over it.If you've done this before, then you know not to leave leftovers in it unless you like giant rocks made of salt--remember, salt is hydroscopic and will suck moisture from the air. I'd keep a broom handle around to poke it if it gets clogged up.

Should work for your needs.

You have commercial snow plowing insurance I'm assuming?

See less See more

tooldad

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 8, 2011

the box is not complete by no means. I will post more pics when done. I plan on kilz primer then oil based safety yellow. Lining the inside with galv sheet metal. Adding safety lights to the back.

Yes I do have proper insurance. I am working through a larger company that services all of their maintenance needs.

See less See more

derekbroerse

· #9 · Dec 8, 2011

tooldad said:
the box is not complete by no means. I will post more pics when done. I plan on kilz primer then oil based safety yellow. Lining the inside with galv sheet metal. Adding safety lights to the back.

Yes I do have proper insurance. I am working through a larger company that services all of their maintenance needs.

Sounds like a good plan.

Glad to hear you have the commercial insurance. Far too many people playing around in this business for beer money without realizing that one careless move by a complete stranger can take away everything... whether it had anything to do with you or not.

See less See more

8086bruce

· #10 · Dec 8, 2011

Great set up and nice work.:fing32:

Sergeant

· #11 · Dec 8, 2011

POENY said:
That is a good looking and good size salt spreader! Nice design.
:thanku:for the pics!

:ditto:

slkpk

· #12 · Dec 8, 2011

Looking good and try to get us some video of it in action.slkpk

Brad

· #13 · Dec 8, 2011

Very nice! Really enjoy reading about a members idea that they bring to reality. Turned out well!

Dunkelstar

· #14 · Dec 9, 2011

Will it feed down to the hopper tube well enough without an agitator? Motion/vibration from moving will shake the salt up and feed it, but enough for a good spread pattern?

tooldad

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 9, 2011

It is now lined with sheet metal. I will post updated pics tonight. Almost got a chance to use it last night but storm stayed north. It will hold at least 8 bags - 400#.

derekbroerse

· #16 · Dec 9, 2011

The storm was supposed to come right thru here. I presalted all my lots and sidewalks... then the wind fizzled out and we got very little... hate it when that happens.

As mentioned, a vibrating motor for the hopper will help a lot of you don't get the flow you want... you can even use cheap bulk salt then.

See less See more

tooldad

Discussion Starter · #17 · Dec 11, 2011

The spreader does not have a vibrator, however it does have an auger. the original spreader hopper was just a bolt on with a 3" tube. So happens a 3" PVC pipe works well too! Also weight of salt is on trailer not on spreader motor or framework.

Got all lights added tonight. Waiting for paint to dry and will post final pics.

However, here's some updated pics

See less See more

5

derekbroerse

· #18 · Dec 12, 2011

That is really coming together nicely.

The vibrator motor we are referring to just helps the salt slide down the incline without bunching and backing up. If you experience jams, they are a cheap solution.

rollin coal

· #19 · Dec 12, 2011

Cool, do you have a heater in your cab?

tooldad

Discussion Starter · #20 · Dec 16, 2011

The heater is on the wish list for maybe next season. We will have to see what the current snow season brings us.

Most of the time I will be in the big truck with heat. My 18yr old help can put up with a cab.

Actually just making the "shin guards" helped a lot. Last season I used it for a small restaurant with the shin guards and plowed most of the time in just a hoodie, gloves, and bib overall pants.

Just having the cab makes a big difference. Well for now. Baby steps towards a heater.

See less See more

1 - 20 of 25 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.