Knowing Your Machine

High Flow vs. Standard Hydraulics

We always ask what type of skid steer you have.  This is so we can help you choose the best Top-Spread model to fit your needs.  Our biggest concern is hydraulic flow.

Hydraulic Flow

This is the most important piece of information.  Auxiliary hydraulic flow is what operates the whole machine.  There are two different types of flow options.  The first is standard flow.  This is what most people (including us) operate.  This ranges from 12-26 gpm on most skid loaders.  The second is high flow option.  These have larger tips and sometimes an extra relief tip compared to standard flow tips.  High Flow ranges from 25-35 gpm.

Our machines (the ones in our videos) all have 20 gpm of flow.  This is what we usually like to see.  Some of our customers operate with 16 gpm.  This is on the low end.  It will take longer to grind your material and won't throw as far, but will still process.  When customers have high flow machines, there is a substantial difference.  The machine grinds faster, throws material farther, and wears easier on the machine.  In a time difference, a 5x6 bale takes about 2.5 minutes to run through on standard flow.  High flow, you can grind that same bale in under 2 minutes.

Top-Spread works well on standard flow, and this is what most people use.  If we were to make a recommendation when upgrading your skid loader, be sure to get the high flow option.  It isn't that much more of an investment to get a lot more performance.  You are able to add high flow later, but it is expensive to switch out pumps, hoses, and tips.  We make our machine simple to convert.  If you upgrade, all you have to do is change the hydraulic tips and you are ready to go.

How Do You Find Out What Your Machine Has?

Wondering what kind of flow your machine has?  We find RitchieSpecs to be a pretty reliable site for information on most any piece of equipment.  It almost always lists hydraulic flow under specifications for each equipment model.  You can also contact your dealer and they will be able to tell you what type of hydraulic flow you have.  Or ask us!  We will be able to tell you.

If you would like to check out more specs on Top-Spread,

visit our Models Page to learn more.

Have questions about your hydraulics?  Post a comment or connect with us on Social Media.

                 

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Fix it Yourself Agricultural Equipment

Farm Equipment

Here at Top-Notch Machine, most of us are life-long farmers.  As the old saying goes, "if you are using a piece of equipment, it will either wear or break."  We understand the rigor our equipment goes through and the need for simple equipment.  We designed Top-Spread to have as few parts as possible.  We know that if something does wear out or break, it will most certainly happen after hours and probably in the dark.  We also know that farmers are able to fix most anything themselves to get up and running again in no time.  We work to eliminate extra equipment needed to repair or replace any parts and make things faster for you.

Bearings, Bushings, and Chain

The first thing we did was have all of our nuts be universal.  You only need a 3/4" wrench to tighten or change anything on Top-Spread.  This is a tool you probably have on you all the time.  Next, there are only common sized wear parts on our spreaders.  This means you can find them at most any farm store, dealership, or in your own stock.

Common Wear Parts:

• 4 1 1/2" Bearings for patent pending twin rotors
• 67 heavy detachable chain
• 5" cup knives

If you wish to have the same factory parts, you can order them from us as well.

Regular Maintenance is Key

The key to longevity with any machine is maintenance.  The bearings and bushings need to be greased regularly.  Running metal on metal wears out the parts much faster and will drag the machine.  Another maintenance task to check frequently is to tighten the apron chain to have about 3" of slack.  Loose chain is very likely to catch and break.  Additional Top-Spread maintenance tips can be found in the manual.  By performing these simple tasks regularly, you will increase the life of your Top-Spread and prevent unnecessary wear and breaks.

Check out More Top-Spread Specifications

Want to learn more details about our bale processor?  Check out our models and resources sections on our website.  Here you can view specifications, other maintenance details, and read our owner's manual where our one year limited warranty is described.

Interested in chatting with us about Top-Spread maintenance?  Leave a comment, connect with us on social media, or contact us directly at the shop by calling (641) 228-1101.

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