Spreader Manure Spreader

[Eric_Phillips]

The unfortunate passing of my wifes uncle has opened the opporunity for me to aquire some tractor implements for next to nothing. One thing is an old manure spreader. I know these things have a lot of moving parts. This one has been sitting for probably 10+ years in the field. The wooden bed is still in very good condition. Would there be any hope of freeing up the mechanics without buying all new parts? It is PTO not wheel driven. If I had a picture I would post it. I am wondering from others who have worked on spreaders if the mechanisms are robust enough to handle sitting outside in western NY for many years?

Eric

 

[Farmwithjunk]

It 's been said that John Deere always stood behind every product they made.... EXCEPT their manure spreaders.

A spreader is built to operate in the harshest of environments. They can take a lot of abuse. Best way to refurbish one is to first clean it up. (pressure wash????) Then disconnect the driveline just beyond the PTO shaft. Get the shaft freed up and working. Then connect the next mechanism in the chain of events. Get that working. Keep going until you're all the way through everything. One step at a time.

I've seen some wasted old manure spreaders brought back to life. If the wood is still intact, good chance everything else is salvagable.

And for the record, some old manure spreaders are worth many dollars these days. (People will collect anything won't they?)

 

[Eric_Phillips]

Farmwithjunk,
Thanks for the info. That sounds encouraging to try to at least bring home. The first big question will be if I can get it dislodged from the weeds. I have no idea what the wheel bearings are like.

Eric

 

[AndyMA]

Most of the parts on a spreader are either standard or can be found. Those you can't find can usually be easily made. I've looked at a number of older spreaders and I think once you see it you 'll find it's not all that complicated.

Andy

 

[roxynoodle]

There are a lot of people using those old spreaders. I haven't seen one yet that can't be fixed, it is more a matter of how much money are you willing to put in it? Since the wood is still good, I would give it a try.

 

[roxynoodle]

Ok, as of today I am the proud new owner of an old manure spreader. It had been sitting out for 7 years and everything worked fine. I'm going to oil it up good and grease before I put it to use tomorrow though. By the way, all the used oil you get from your tractor works good for this. So unless some zerks need replaced looks like I don't have any repairs up front.

 

[mjarrels]

I have an old new idea that is probably 50 years old (ground driven) and still works fine... I would hesitate to fill it with 2 tons of manure but it still works fine for spreading leaves in the fall. Oak wood bed is still intact.