Experimental Chicken Manure Spreader Requirements.docx

Experimental Chicken Manure Spreader Specifications and Vendor Requirements

A 6 ton, 185 cubic foot capacity chicken manure spreader custom fabricated for experimental applications of chicken manure to two 30 inch wide, 11 inch high, raised beds simultaneously with a custom designed split chute for material delivery. The material delivered to the bed tops must be centered on the bed top and a in a swath no wider than 28 inches. The spreader must be able to travel in the 18 inch middle the growers typically use. The machine will need to deliver between 45 and 80 pounds of material to each of the two beds per 100 feet. The delivery rate must also be variable to accommodate experimentation. The machine must also be able to spread on non-bedded fields with even distribution over varying swath width, with removable hydraulic spinners. The spinners will be twin dished type 24inches in diameter with 6 blades per spinner, specifically designed for even broadcast of material and accurate placement when required. The machine must have a material divider below the chain, that is adjustable for proper placement on the spinners, and that will accommodate the split chute for the bed top application. The machine must have a 24 inch hydraulically powered 304L stainless steel feeder chain, adjustable gate, and stainless steel floor. The wheels must be 96 inches center to center and have 11.25 x 28 row crop tire and have a heavy duty 12,000 pound rigid axle and 8 bolt hubs and spindles. Rate of material disbursement should range from 50 lbs per acre to 3500 lbs per acre. Hopper 120" long and 96" wide and shall have a 185 cubic foot capacity, 52 degree slope sides , and inverted V design. A pintle ring hitch with adjustable height is required to hook to tractors of varying make and model. The unit must be able to accept the addition of a variable rate control system at some point in the future should experimental design require the addition. A device either roller or scraper must be added to the underside of the machine and mounted in such a way as to facilitate the removal or compaction of any crown material from the raised bed top, this device will be tested in the field and modified as needed. This device must also be removable or able to be secured in an up position for transport when not in use.

The vendor must have the shop facilities and experience to custom fabricate and make necessary modifications to this machine and must be within travel distance of the Ft. Pierce USHRL so modifications may be approved. They must also provide onsite support and modifications at whatever location in south or central Florida the experiments are taking place and be available on an as needed basis for the evolving design once this machine is deployed to the field. Field support and modifications are inevitable and essential with a never before constructed piece of equipment. They will also be able to provide timely warranty service of any standard parts used in the fabrication of this machine. We are also attempting to finish construction deployment and calibration in time for the upcoming planting season to be able to provide stakeholders data on the experiments as soon as possible.