Dual-impeller spreader with dual shut-off controls

摘要

A spreader 100 includes a frame 102, a hopper 104, and wheels 110, 111 rotatably connected to the frame via an axle 116. A first impeller 112 is fixed to a first impeller shaft rotatably coupled to the axle via a first gear train 114, and a second impeller 113 is fixed to a second impeller shaft rotatably coupled to the axle via a second gear train 115. In a second embodiment, a first shut-off control (108, fig 3) selectively opens and closes a first set of hopper exit openings (126, fig 9) located above the first impeller, while a second shut-off control (109, fig 3) selectively opens and closes a second set of hopper exit openings (127, fig 9) located above the second impeller. The first shut-off control and the second shut-off control selectively open and close the respective openings independently of each other. The first and second shut off controls may abut each other and be configured to move together. A method of operating a broadcast spreader is also disclosed.