Spreader manure spreaders

farmerdick · Feb 9, 2004

I'm thinking seriously of purchasing a small (50 - 75 bushel capacity) manure spreader for spreading partially composted animal manure and bedding. I have brochures from some of the manufacturers but do TBN participants have any recommended models, or models that have been a problem ?
Also, and comments on ground driven v. PTO driven ? I've been told that ground driven is less expensive and ok for this size. [I will be using a Deere 4310]. I want a spreader that will be durable, it will likely be stored outside.

cowboydoc · Feb 9, 2004

What do you want to spread ie horses, cattle, both? How much? How many head? etc.

Knight9 · Feb 9, 2004

I've heard good things about Millcreek Spreaders but I've never used one. They seem to be the only line most dealers in our area carry. Course that may not be a good thing.

Kevin

RonL · Feb 9, 2004

Around here we re-elect our manure spreaders every two years. Would like to send them all your way but I don't think they'll go for it.

RonL

sweettractors · Feb 9, 2004

We have several good used New Idea PTO and Ground Drive spreaders and 1 small IH Ground Drive spreader--however--because of size limitations--I can only ship the smallest of the group--Prices range from $895 to $1500--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *1 Hour South of the NFM Show in Louisville, Ky*

jimg · Feb 9, 2004

LOL! What more can be said! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

HayDR · Feb 9, 2004

Nomad manure spreaders?

Casimir · Feb 9, 2004

I have a Mill Creek Spreader about that size. It just holds two FEL scoops (60 inch bucket), which means quite a few trips when the pile gets too big before we spread /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. However, since it is ground driven, we can pull it behind our <font color="green"> Gator </font> or even a riding lawn mower. It would be a pain to have to load it, then hook up the tractor, empty it, and unhook again to load it with the FEL, and I can't afford another tractor right now.

So far, we like it. It came with a poly floor, so it won't rot or rust out (20 year guarantee on the floor). The others I looked at around here all had wood or sheet metal floors, which looked like a maintenance problem down the road. Seems to be well constructed elsewhere, as well. Cost was about $1450.

Rusty · Feb 9, 2004

I have had a Millcreek Model 25 Compact Spreader since 1995. It is ground-driven and rated at 25 bushel/28 cubic feet heaped. The ground drive works OK, but I have stalled the apron drive in freezing weather. At that point, I can drag the spreader with the wheels locked. I bought it when I had only a garden tractor w/o pto. I use it to tidy up after three horses with sawdust bedding. I usually get two to three days of cleaning per spread. I am happy with the unit and it seems to be holding up well. The only complaint that I have is that it has very little ground clearance, which is a problem as I spread over snow until it gets too deep. Good luck with your decision!

farmerdick · Feb 10, 2004

Thanks for the information. In response here is some additional information:
We have a draft horse, llamas and sheep. The manure is primarily horse and llama manure and bedding (straw and shavings) with occasionally sheep bedding.
You cannot spread in the winter in Maine (illegal and could run off), so ground clearance and freezing shouldn't be a problem.
I don't want to small a unit, such as 25 bushel, would require filling to frequently. Do want a jack stand so I can load the spreader with the tractor FEL and then attach spreader to tractor.
The political manure doesn't seem to improve the pasture much here.