Broadcast spreader

A broadcast spreader, comprising:

• a hopper adapted to store granular material and including a discharge port through a bottom surface thereof;
• a gate assembly, including
• a hopper plate that is secured to the hopper, the hopper plate having a central opening that is in registry with the discharge port defined through the bottom surface of the hopper, and
• a gate secured to the hopper plate and adapted for sliding movement relative to the hopper plate, the gate including one or more openings that can be placed in registry with the central opening defined by the hopper plate and the discharge port for allowing flow of the granular material through the discharge port, and then through the hopper plate and the gate;
• an auger assembly positioned below the gate assembly, including an auger received in an auger tube, with the granular material passing from the hopper through the discharge port, and then through the hopper plate and the gate into the auger tube;
• a means for rotating the auger within the auger tube;
• a fan rotating about an axis for receiving and distributing the granular material passing from the hopper through the discharge port, through the gate, and through the auger assembly as the auger rotates within the auger tube;
• and
• a means for rotating the fan;
• an auger chute that is secured to the auger tube and adapted for rotational movement relative to the hopper, said auger chute directing the granular material onto the fan;
• a gate linkage secured to the gate and facilitating sliding movement of the gate between an open position and a closed position;
• a dial bracket;
• and
• an adjustment dial secured to the dial bracket and adapted for rotational movement with respect to the dial bracket;
• wherein the gate linkage includes a vertically extending projection for contacting and engaging a face of the adjustment dial;
• and
• wherein a depth of the adjustment dial varies based on its rotational position, such that a user can rotate to the adjustment dial to a desired setting, and then advance the gate linkage forward until the vertically extending projection of the gate linkage contacts and engages the face of the adjustment dial to open the gate to a predetermined position to control the flow of the granular material to the fan.