Patent ID: 8474735

Claim:
A broadcast spreader, comprising: a hopper adapted to store granular material and including a discharge port through a bottom surface thereof; a gate including one or more openings that can be placed in registry with the discharge port for allowing flow of the granular material from the discharge port; an auger assembly positioned below the gate, including an auger received in an auger tube, with the granular material passing from the hopper through the discharge port and through the one or more openings defined by 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; a means for rotating the fan; and an auger chute that is secured to the auger tube and adapted for rotational movement relative to the hopper; wherein the auger assembly further includes one or more housing sections, with the auger tube enclosed in the one or more housing sections, but adapted for rotational movement with respect to the one or more housing sections.