Spreader Manure Spreader Question: Type of Wood

cowboydoc · Apr 10, 2003

As long as you treat it it will work Rich. Even though the wood is pressure treated you still need to treat it with something so the manure and urine doesn't soak into it. It's the same with decks. Decks are made of pressure treated wood but you still need to treat them every year or so to make them last. We just always used the oak and treated it ourselves. We'd wash them down real good once a year and treat them again. We have spreaders 20 years old that the wood is still like brand new.

RichZ · Apr 10, 2003

Thanks, Richard! I'll use oak when I have to replace the bottom of my manure spreader!

Anonymous Poster · Apr 10, 2003

I'm sure this is enviromentally incorrect these days. There are 3 old manure spreaders here on this place. All 3 spend most of their time outdoors - dad always said they are better off washing off outside in the rain than indoors rusting. All have original wood.

One is a New Idea, from the early 50s. One is a Minnesota from the late 50s. And the other is a JD 4 steel wheel model with the moving slat floor - I wish I knew the model # and age on that one!

Anyhow, every year or 2 dad would paint on some used motor oil before hauling loads. Only care they ever had.

--->Paul

MrP · Apr 10, 2003

This will be a working spreader. I bought it from my neighbor when he sold his tractor. It died on the 3rd use. The floor is rotted and has some holes. I figured I would replace the floor and chains at the same time.

BTW: Anyone have a good source for spreader chains? It is a strange size 59 3/4" with 16 slats and the slats are 14" on center. I have not been able to find the chains anywhere without having to do a custom order.

Back to the speader floor: I figure I will use oak, I have some laying around from fencing. Althought, the TREX idea sounds good, it is kinda pricey.

Here's another pic.

Egon · Apr 10, 2003

Can't help on the chains but can the sprokets be changed to use a chain that's available.

If you got the oak for the floor why not use it. I'd soak it in used motor oil and then about once a year clean it up and soak it again. Do both sides of the floor.

I know this is not kosher with some agencies but it will work well and be quite cheap.

Egon