Spreader Manure Spreaders

[Scrounger]

In my quest for a better lawn, I'm thinking manure spreader.

Does anyone know if you can rent a small manure spreader to be used behind a Kubota BX series tractor. OR If anyone has heard of a service where natures best is delivered right to the house in a small spreader. I'm not even sure where you can buy manure, but I know someone must sell it.

 

[Z-Michigan]

If you're planning to use it just once or twice a year, I think buying one will be more than it's worth. How many acres are you planning to spread on? If less than 2, I really wouldn't bother with a spreader. You could just dump a couple piles by hand and then move it around with a chain harrow or maybe a landscape rake. For a BX, a 4'x4' chain harrow would be just fine (you could pull a larger one, but why bother) and would have some other uses like dethatching the lawn and incorporating conventional fertilizers.

As for finding it, most people with horses will have it free to give away, at least if you ask nicely. You can come take some of ours if you want. Farmers may be willing to spread, but probably not in the quantities you're looking at - think 10 tons and up for what they would be interested in spending time on.

 

[Scrounger]

I'm only planning to spread on grass, trying to make the soil better, so between my lawn and a few neighbors, you're looking at about 4 acres only. Dragging a chain section might mess up the lawn.

I would think that cow is better than horse manure, but I just want to help the lawn more than plan ole Scott's fertilizer.

 

[vallyfarm]

Odds are that lime will do more for you. Get the soil PH checked, and lime accordingly. I am a farmer, have and use 2 different manure spreaders. I would NEVER spread it on my yard. I am thinking you are single. My o'lady would run me up a flag pole if I put the poo where the kids play. Plus the fresh air quality would suffer. If you need to, get some good top soil...not the sand/compost crap that comes in a bag, but the real thing. But, again, I would never put manure spread on my lawn. Neibor's kids stick something in their mouth, mother-in-law stopping by, etc. I do spread in the field just behind the house, and to either side, but not where I walk to check the mail. Every time it rains the lawn will "slick up" if you know what I mean. Mike

 

[Scrounger]

Not single, but trying to do anything to get the lawn thicker. I was thinking of the dried manure not the good moist stuff. Have it work right into the soil.

Maybe I should just lime the heck out of it and then hit the fertilizer.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Have you had the soil tested? If you are lacking something the test will tell you so you don't waste money on tons of fertilizers if you only need some nitrogen and lime.As for your first question, there are small spreaders for sale that you pull behind a ATV or large garden tractor. I don't know their cost but I don't think they would be too expensive. However, like Valley I would not even think about spreading manure (dried or wet) on my lawn where Ava plays. She is always finding things out there and picks it up to ask what it is.

 

[Mike120]

Just find a dairy farm, there are quite a few in your area, and they'll probably be quite happy to fill the bed of your pickup. Get a 55 gallon drum and put two hose connections on it, top and bottom, with a large mesh screen on the top. Fill said barrel with nature's finest and close the lid. Attach your garden hose to the bottom and another hose to the top. Turn on your water and apply the "tea" to your lawn. When the water turns clear...refill the barrel.

I agree with everyone else that said "test your soil". Manure can help grass, but you're wasting your time if the ph and other components are all out of wack. Ask the dairy farmer when he fills your pickup, he can tell you the best place to send your soil sample for testing.