Spreader manure spreaders

[farmerdick]

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]

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

 

[Knight9]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[HayDR]

Nomad manure spreaders?

 

[Casimir]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Egon]

" The political manure doesn't seem to improve the pasture much here. "

Probably leaches out critical mineral content and offsets any items added for better pasture.

Egon

 

[cowboydoc]

If you aren't emptying it everyday I would go with a pretty big spreader. I don't know about there but here you can go to farm sales and get older manure spreaders for $200-500. It sounds like the more you could fit in the better. I have hauled around a full size spreader with my 4600 no problem so I don't think you'd have any problem with the 4310. Do you have much hilly ground where you have to spread?

 

[yooperdave]

I was going to add that an arrogant Architect or Developer is also a highly effective way of spreading loads of manure /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif.

(They probably say that about engineers also).

Yooper Dave

 

[Egon]

Yooper; surely you have heard the age old saying of the fellows with the hard hats and dirty hands when they hear an Engineer is about to visit.

BSc
MSc
PHD

Where the first refers to what you were saying.
The second means more of the same.
The third refers to piled higher and deeper.

Egon

 

[farmerdick]

Thanks for your suggestions. I will not be spreading frequently, probably would try to do 1 acre sections at a time. I will look for a used larger unit. Land is not flat so size/weight will be a factor, as will PTO HP required.