Step-by-Step Calibration & Adjustment Process
This guide walks through the manual calibration process step by step. It explains how to measure application rate, assess results, and make controlled adjustments where needed.
Step-by-Step Calibration & Adjustment Process
This guide walks through the manual calibration process step by step. It explains how to measure application rate, assess results, and make controlled adjustments where needed.
Applies to: All Cresco push and tow spreaders
This guide does not cover: Calibration principles, theory, or model-specific rate charts. See Calibrating Your Cresco Spreader
Before Starting
Before Starting
What You Will Need
What You Will Need
Tip: Choose a test area where material can be collected or assessed easily, and where you can work at a steady walking pace.
Choose a Starting Point
Choose a Starting Point
Begin by selecting a reference setting for your spreader.
Use the Calibration Reference Tables to find a typical starting setting based on:
- Your spreader model
- The material type
- Your target application rate
See also: These settings are intended as a guide only. They are designed to help you get close on the first pass, not to replace adjustment.
Measure a Test Area
Choose a test area of known size. This can be a measured section of lawn or hard surface, a marked-out strip, or any area where you can apply material evenly and consistently.
Knowing the area size allows you to compare how much material was applied against your target rate. Keep this area consistent if you need to repeat the test.
Prepare and Weigh the Material
Before spreading:
- 1.Place the material you plan to use into a container
- 2.Weigh it using your scales
- 3.Record the starting weight
This allows you to calculate how much material is applied during the test pass.
Apply Material Over the Test Area
Apply Material Over the Test Area
Set the spreader to your chosen starting setting. When applying:
- Walk at a steady, natural pace
- Avoid speeding up or slowing down mid-pass
- Keep the spreader moving consistently
Important: Do not make adjustments during this pass. The goal is to observe how the starting setting performs.
Re-Weigh and Check the Result
After completing the test pass:
- 1.Weigh the remaining material
- 2.Subtract this from the starting weight
- 3.Calculate how much material was applied to the test area
- 4.Compare this figure with your target application rate
At this stage, you are not looking for perfection — only whether the result is reasonably close.
Make Controlled Adjustments
Make Controlled Adjustments
If the result is higher or lower than expected, make a small adjustment to the spreader setting.
- Adjust gradually, not dramatically
- Make one change at a time
- Avoid chasing exact numbers
Important: Small changes often have a noticeable effect. Over-adjusting can make results less consistent, not more accurate.
Repeat the Test
If an adjustment was made, repeat the test using the same area and method.
In most cases, one or two adjustments are sufficient. Results that are close and consistent are preferable to repeated fine-tuning.
Once you are satisfied with the result, avoid recalibrating unless material or conditions change.
Record Your Final Setting
Record Your Final Setting
Once calibration is complete:
- 1.Record the final spreader setting
- 2.Note the material type and conditions
- 3.Keep this information for future reference
Using the same material under similar conditions with the same setting will usually produce consistent results.