John Deere series 51 spreader wood

[Joe Batt]

I received a free series 51 spreader. The previous owner said that it "ran when parked", but the wood is bad enough that I don't want to try it until I replace some of it.

I'm not restoring it for show. I need to use it.

Are there kits? Patterns? Is it all 1"?
Preferred material? Hard wood? Treated pine? Here in Indiana, ash is cheap. I have a bunch of hard maple drying. Should I wrap the new wood with metal? What about composite deck boards?
I'm not sure how much of this is original. Should I just use commodity carriage bolts where they fit or is there special fastening hardware?

I'm not afraid to do the work, but I'd rather not take it apart then have it set for a year while I gather the parts. My barn is too messy for that.

Any experience is welcome. Thanks!

 

[DJ54]

Years ago, on other brands 1 X 6 yellow pine T&G boards much like siding was used on floors & sides. I'm sure you've noticed new spreaders have the poly-vinyl floor and metal sides.

If you have any Amish in your area, especially that build lawn furniture out of the poly-vinyl dimensional lumber, you might get with them and see if they would sell you some for at least the floor if it needs done. It's not cheap but should last a lifetime.

I've seen a lot of old spreaders rebuilt by Amish and guess they used T&G siding, again if you have any in your area that sells refurbishes equipment like that, you might talk with them and see what they use. They may even sell you some.

Most important thing is to keep them out of the weather if you have the room. I brush the inside of the bed on my New Idea spreader with used motor oil in the summer when it's hot so it will soak in good. Probably not EPA approved but...

The bolts, I'd use stainless steel carriage bolts, or at least Gr. 5. Should be able to get them through McMaster-Carr. If you don't have one, a decent battery powered 3/8" impact driver can save a lot of work on a project like that.