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

 

[RiderWriter]

Deerslayer, Millcreek spreaders have gotten great reviews from other folks here on the Forums. For example, there's one on this thread: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/115410-manure-spreader-suggestions.html

An important thing to note is unlike the kind of spreader Crazyal is referring to (probably a drop-spreader type of model), Millcreeks DO handle hay and straw mixed in with your horse's bedding. You can find more information on them in general by visiting Millcreek Manufacturing Co., Quality Horse Manure Spreaders, Compact Manure Spreader (there's a video) and/or www.facebook.com/MillcreekSpreaders.

As it seems to have been well-taken care of, I think for $550 the one you have found is a steal!

 

[jack43]

The best way to check a manue spreader is to fill ut up,turn on and let your wife follow behind real close to check it out.I did this,not a happy wife. Jack

 

[crazyal]

It looks like the Millcreek uses a drive chain. Much better than a belt.

 

[sparky]

I bought a used Millcreek 75 some time ago. Don't remember what we paid. The deck is composite so it will not rot, chain driven and works well. We compost our manure for a few months, then spead and dont have any issues with hay or bedding mixed in. The only thing I had to do was replace the bearings on the blade.

 

[EverythingAttachments]

I've sold Millcreek Manure Spreaders for years. They are made by Amish up in Pennsylvania. If you properly maintain a Millcreek Spreader, it should last a lifetimel!