Not really true. I can probably count on one hand the amount of times I've actually loaded BELOW the beaters and there is absolutely no issue. Look on all of the manufacturers web sites and watch the youtube videos if you don't believe me. The beaters bite off what they can throw, and nothing just falls over the top - that's just not how they work. Plus, the endgate usually knocks the top off the pile anyway if you operate it correctly. Raise the liftgate so it's just above the top of the beater, and no more. I've actually run with the endgate raised only a foot or so on really wet loads.
Again, it all depends on what you bed with, or are spreading. I have an old gelding that's not real fond of first cutting Rye Grass(36" or more, tall). He pulls it out of the feeder, and tramps it in. When cleaning the paddock with the Bobcat, and maybe getting a little too much on, above the beater evening up the load. Most of the time it will drag/pull off, over top of the beater, whatever comes with it, being long and stringy, and a lot tougher than straw. Even cleaning up the hay off the barn floor in the spring, and getting some of the first cutting on top, and too high, it will drag off large portions, as there is no weight on top to hold it down/back. Mine does not have a slop gate, so nothing to knock it down.
What I get out of ther stalls is a different story. I usually get the straw early in the season, right when they make it, and get the clipped straw, last to be put in the barn. Somewhat uniform in size, and shakes out, and spreads great. That is all handloaded, so no larger chunks.
I've also learned that this Pequea sure isn't designed like the ole' New Hollands, that were made to spread about anything that was put on them. Multiple speeds, where the Pequea has two speeds. Fast, and real fast..., LOL... More in line with horse owners I guess that load nice fluffy stuff, or fine sawdust bedding, or just pure poo..., which it spreads just fine.
I just have to adjust to what I'm loading.
