Spreader Manure Spreader

Happyman · Feb 20, 2009

I need some help brethern

My farm is in central Virginia (between Richmond and Charlottesville) and I can't seem to find any place that rents manure spreaders. I compost the manure and stall shavings from our 4 horses and give bucket loads to our neighbors for their gardens. This time of year nobody needs the compost and my pile is getting too large to store. My plan has always been to spread it over our pastures when I had extra. I was even going to buy a nice 80 bushel Pequa PTO powered spreader (about $3200). But since I was laid off in November that expense is not in the books. I was hoping to rent a unit but can't find anyplace that does that. Seeders, balers, bush hogs, tedders and everthing BUT manure spreaders are available for rent.
Does anybody in the central VA area have one I can rent (I can pick it up with my trailer)? Or do you know of any used ones for sale? I only need about 50-125 bushel unit in size.
HELP....I'm about to choke on composted manure

davkir · Feb 20, 2009

This may not be helpful, but most of the farmers around here have at least one. I don't own one.
Three of us get together at least twice a year and have a "Spreading party". It goes a lot faster with friends and extra tractors, trucks.
Do you ride with any one that has a spreader that might like to share the work?

Happyman · Feb 20, 2009

There is a nearby farmer I buy hay from that offered to spread the manure for me. I may take him up on the offer, but he's been such a great guy and very helpful all the time that I feel a bit like I've been taking advantage of his kindness and I need to find a way to even things up with him.
He would be my last choice if nothing else becomes available.

medicshawn · Feb 20, 2009

I sent you a pm.

davkir · Feb 20, 2009

Sounds like a perfect solution. When we do it together it's quite a sight. Sort of like a manure spreading convoy going door to door!
Around here, it is VERY difficult to find young people that want to help with this sort of thing and IMPOSSIBLE to find any kids that want to help with haying.
Of course I can't speak for anyone else, but farmers seem reluctant to ask non family members for help. There are lots of times they could use an extra hand to drive, cut, rake tedding...etc.
Sounds like there could be a great opportunity for a little barter. I BET there is something you could do for him that he would appreciate if only to spread HIS manure.

MarkLeininger · Feb 20, 2009

I bought a used one a few years ago, only $350. I had to do a little work on it and it's not pretty but works great. It's an old New Idea, probably about 100 bushel. There were quite a few for sale on ebay when I bought mine, takes awhile to find one that's close.