The Three Big Questions in Choosing a Hydroseeder
1. Is a paddle or jet agitation the best choice for me?
Below we list the advantages and disadvantages of both types to help you decide.
2. What sized unit should I get?
We share our thoughts about choosing the right size on this page.
3. What brand of hydroseeder should I buy?
This is actually the least important question. All major manufacturers make a good product. We try to build great machines that perform well and are affordably priced.
The Pros and Cons of Jet Agitated Systems
Advantages
- Jet agitated hydroseeders are very affordable. Starting with a jet unit can keep costs low and profits high.
- Easy to use — one person can run them. Learning curve is only minutes.
- Close to maintenance free. Run for years doing little other than changing engine oil.
- Jet systems rarely clog. Passages are large and there are few bends. Clogs are usually from doing something the operator knew they should not do.
- Easy to service. Only moving parts other than the engine are the impeller and ball valves.
- Jet systems pump a fairly thick slurry. More powerful units are close to paddle machine slurry.
- Clean up is fast: put 50 gallons of water in and spray it out.
- You can see how much material is left in the tank while spraying.
Disadvantages
- Work best with paper mulch. A wood-paper blend can be used with care in 300 gal and larger. Not a good choice for 100% wood mulches, BFM's or Flexterra.
- You can't load full bales — break mulch up to basketball size or smaller.
The Pros and Cons of Paddle (Mechanical) Systems
Advantages
- Easier to load — drop full bales in without breaking them up.
- Can run a slightly thicker slurry for more material in less time.
- Most units can run any product including 100% wood mulches, BFM's and FGM's.
- Paddle machines with a gear pump can pump through more hose, up to 500 feet.
- Can spray further through a platform gun.
Disadvantages
- More complex drives and more service.
- One person can run one but two people is better when seeding.
- Gear pump units need more daily maintenance (e.g. greasing pump twice a day, agitator shaft bearings).
- Metal tanks can eventually have rust; fixing requires sandblasting and coating with coal tar epoxy.
- Gear pumps lose power over time; gasket removal or rebuild may be needed.
What Size Machine Is Right for You?
Choosing a size is not always easy: a smaller machine gets you into the field with less expense; a larger machine gets jobs done faster. Consider the kinds and size of jobs you'll do. You can do big jobs with a small machine and small jobs with a big machine, but larger jobs go faster and more efficiently with a larger machine. Another consideration is budget.
For primarily residential work we suggest at least a 300 gallon machine. Some operators are very productive with a smaller unit plus a water tank for quick refills. A landscaper who does a handful of jobs a year may be better off investing less in size; an extra hour per job can still be effective compared to subbing out.
What Are the Differences in HSM's Models?
Jet Agitated Hydroseeding Systems
HS-300-E8 — Oval tank, 16" opening, 8 HP Honda recoil start, aluminum pump.
EH models (e.g. HS-300-EH, HS-500-EH) — Custom molded tank with bale tray, 13 HP Honda electric start, sand cast aluminum pump (328 GPM, 40 PSI). Advantages: bigger engine, electric start, premium pump, easier loading.
XPW models (HS-300-XPW through HS-1000-XPW) — 19 HP Kohler Command Pro, 4"×4" cast iron pump (640 GPM, 63 PSI), bale buster standard, dual lids on 300 & 500 gal. Advantages: larger engine, larger pump, bale buster, dual lids.
ZX models — 27 HP Kohler, 740 GPM, 87 PSI, front platform and gun standard, 1½" hose, bale buster. Advantages: platform and gun, more power, spray 40% faster.
Paddle Agitated Hydroseeders
Hybrid Series — Best of jet and paddle. Load full bales, thicker slurry, easy to run by one person. Not recommended for 100% wood, BFM, Flexterra.
T Series (HM-400-T, HM-500-T, HM-750-T, HM-1000-T) — Affordable, thick slurry, handles wood mulches, BFM's, Flexterra. Belt drive, Bowie gear pump, can pull from pond/stream (hose optional).
HARV-E Series — Pump and paddles driven hydraulically; no belts/chains/gears. Pump and paddles reversible. Reversing can clear clogs or free a stuck bale.
HARV Series — Same as HARV-E plus full platform, multi-position gun, 50 gal flush tank, electric rewind hose reel standard. Options can be added to HARV-E.