Manure Spreader Advice

[The Deerslayer]

Looking for some of that guidance we all come to enjoy here on TBN. I am considering the purchase of a ground driven manure spreader in an attempt to keep the byproduct of our two horses in check. I have been looking for awhile at used ones, as the frequency of use does not seem to justify the purchase of new IMO. I recently came across a used (approx. 12 year old) Mill Creek 27G (holds 28 cu. ft.)that appears to be in great shape (garaged and no rust). Asking price is $550. Any feedback on the unit, brand, and asking price will be welcomed (curious as to what they may go for new). Also, is there anything I should pay particular attention to when looking it over? Thanks to all in advance.

 

[super55]

Price seems very reasonable. I have seen a lot of old 40-50's spreaders that needed work go for that much listed locally. The size looks about perfect for handling what 2 horses can dish out.

As to what to look for. Manure spreaders are pretty basic but the one thing I noticed with a lot of the older ones was to make sure the apron moves freely and you don't have any chains binding. Definitely hook it up to something and tow it around a bit if he lets you sling a little **** even better. For the price and for being as new as it is I don't think you will find a much better price. Brand new H&S manure spreaders of similar build and quality go for about over 1500 dollars I believe for a slightly larger 25 bushel spreader.

 

[kneedeep]

For 550 anything that works or is repairable is a deal!!:thumbsup:

 

[The Deerslayer]

For 550 anything that works or is repairable is a deal!!:thumbsup:

Thanks to both of you for the feedback......apparently someone else thought it was a great deal as well. It was bought off CL and the person reposted it for more than double what they paid for it. Too bad, I really could have used it vs. trying to make a few bucks. Lesson learned.....don't hesitate next time.

 

[Ken45101]

We had a small spreader similar to the Mill Creek. We took it back for a full refund. It plain would not work for manure with a lot of hay or straw mixed in, especially if we waited to get a decent load before spreading it. I was constantly manually unjamming it. The manufacture kind of hedged and said it really was for manure with a lot of shavings in it. (And I guess fresh and not packed down.)

For just two horses, I think you would be better with a wheel barrow and using a landscape rake to spread it out.

 

[msch2112]

I got a big ole 1950's spreader pto driven. It's nice turning it off and on in the cab and it'll spit anything out.

 

[crazyal]

We had a small spreader similar to the Mill Creek. We took it back for a full refund. It plain would not work for manure with a lot of hay or straw mixed in, especially if we waited to get a decent load before spreading it. I was constantly manually unjamming it. The manufacture kind of hedged and said it really was for manure with a lot of shavings in it. (And I guess fresh and not packed down.)

For just two horses, I think you would be better with a wheel barrow and using a landscape rake to spread it out.

A coworker has a small pto driven spreader that does the same thing. He says the belts just slip and he's always unclogging it. I'm not sure if it could be set up with a chain or if that would put too much stress on other parts. He has a dozen beef cows so hay is always mixed in. He bought it used (like new) so there's no returning it. I would look for one that didn't use belts.

 

[MoKelly]

OK. I cannot resist. If you want a good manure spreader, just find any politician. They are experts in the field.

MoKelly

 

[oldnslo]

OK. I cannot resist. If you want a good manure spreader, just find any politician. They are experts in the field.

MoKelly

Yeah, but look at what the maintenance cost is for the rest of us tax payers..

 

[Ken45101]

OK. I cannot resist. If you want a good manure spreader, just find any politician. They are experts in the field.

MoKelly

LOL. Yes, when we picked ours up in mid November, I commented that they must have been very busy leading up the the elections