Minnesota-based Loftness has added a new model to its line of fertilizer and lime spreaders: the 12-ton L1230, which can handle variable- or fixed-rate spreading tasks.
The L1230 debuts the brand’s new hydraulic fixed-rate drive system, which allows for spreading like an old-school ground drive mechanism. It combines hydraulic drive with sensors to detect actual ground speed and adjust the spreading rates accordingly.
A controlled spinner drive works with the speed sensor to allow the operator to set the spinner speed from the cab to match the desired spread. The dual stainless steel spinners can provide a spread width of 40 to 90 feet for fertilizer.
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Loftness says the hydraulic fixed-rate system reduces maintenance steps and improves reliability and accuracy while preventing accidental damage as seen in conventional ground drive systems. Such damage can occur when a spreader is reversed with the drive system engaged.
For variable-rate spreading, the L1230 is available with plug-and-play compatibility for controllers from all tractor brands as well as ISOBUS systems.
The spreaders can be ordered with single row-crop wheels, which have an adjustable track width from 60 to 134 inches and offer 37 inches of ground clearance under the body. Alternatively, it can be equipped with a walking beam tandem axle setup that lowers the overall height for easier loading.
The hooper uses a 24-inch belt-over-chain design for smooth feeding of both fertilizer and lime. An integrated agitator minimizes problems with fertilizer clumps and improves material flow. The stainless steel hopper has 50-degree sloping sides with no internal gussets or braces to keep fertilizer sinking down to the feeder chain.
The L1230 can be equipped with a number of options including an integrated scale, roll tarp and/or steerable hitch.
