Spreader Manure Spreader

MFL · Dec 27, 2006

Evening Everyone,

I'm in the market for a small manure spreader and wondered if anyone has any real-world experience with the different models available out there. The three I've been looking at are the Newer Spreader, the 4 horse model from Millcreek and the model 600 from Country Manufacturing. I'm leaning towards the Newer Spreader, but I'm worried that the design might jamb with too much shavings in the mix.

I've search on this topic and haven't found anything specific about use and reliability on spreaders, so if anyone has any experience, good or bad, I would appreciate hearing it.

Thanks.

vallyfarm · Dec 27, 2006

If you have more than a rabbit, they are junk! Find an OLD spreader. They were ground drive, and are hard to break. Parts are cheap too. New Idea has always been the best spreader made. I bought one for $100.00 a few years ago to fix up and look pretty on the farm, our real spreader broke, so I just hooked up the wheel drive. Pulls easily, and holds up to 30 gats. 10 sheep with lots of hay in the pack. Also have 25 beefers too. Did it all,never a problem. A new spreader loke you are looking at would die after 1 day of what I put this spreader through. You will probably need to put some new wood on the floor and sides, a little grease, and you'll have a spreader ready for another 50 years. For the cost of one of those new ones, an old one will be in just as good condition, and none of the problems. I'm not kidding...if you plan to USE one of those new ones, plan to buy one every year or two. They will also do a much poorer job while they do work. Mike

Ranch_Hand_Supp · Dec 28, 2006

I have two customers that own a Newer Spreader and I have seen them in action. It does not like hay bale strings, hay/straw or any size peace of wood/limb. The drive wheels are narrow..... it don't like soft ground.

The model 600 from Country Manufacturing I think is Ok.

I like the MillCreek spreaders the best and not just because I sell them. I like the rear beaters, the tires are more mud freindly, no problems getting parts when needed [so far], you can get them with the spray in truck bed liner etc.

Jinma Dealer, Ranch Hand Supply , Compact Jinma Tractors

I saw these spreaders at a show this past spring and I really like the way they were made. Conestoga Distributors and am considering becoming a dealer for them.

Manure spreaders live a hard life. If you find a old used one and can ID what brand it is ... call a dealer and see if you can get parts for it. I have had problems in the past for some of the old stuff.

Ronald
Ranch Hand Supply

farmerjim · Dec 28, 2006

i have an old new idea ground drive spreader and it's great will spread everything that has a pretty solid consistancy, it will spread the more looser chicken manure but would do better w/ a rear pan. you cant go wrong w/ any new idea spreader plus you can find parts for them, if you have an older model. some customers of mine just purchased a new h&s 25 bushel, its ground drive and has a poly floor and is about 6ft long. its very well built, and h&s is a reputable manufacturer. they also have make larger capacity models. check this link.
Manure Spreaders

MFL · Dec 28, 2006

Thanks for the input, guys! I have also heard great things about the New Idea spreaders, but it's a little bit of over-kill for me. All I have to worry about is 4 horses and 10 acres. But you never know. I probably won't buy until the Spring so I'll keep my eyes open for a good deal on a used one.

The info on the Newer Spreader kind of confirms what I was worried about. The last thing I need is to spend time clearing clogs! Sort of defeats the purpose of getting a spreader. The Millcreek is starting to look like the way to go. I'm going to try and find a local dealer and go give one the once-over. I'll let you guys know how it turns out.

Thanks again.

Arbo · Dec 28, 2006

I have a Millcreek that I bought used last year. It had some issues that resulted from neglect by the previous owner. I use mine for four horses, and a small flock of chickens. It works great now that I have all the bugs worked out of it. I can run straw bedding or shavings with no problems. If you get baler twine in the bedding, it will wrap the twine around the beaters real quick. Keep it lubed properly, and it will work great. I pull mine with a JD420 garden tractor.

Billy_S · Dec 28, 2006

I have a Mill Creek spreader and have had it for several years. Ground driven. Small. Replaced a chain and painted the inside of the box 1 time. I recommend it.

ETA: Looking at their website back when I ordered the chain, it looks like the box of the new models may be quite a bit better than mine.

vallyfarm · Dec 28, 2006

The old ground driven spreaders are about the same size as what you are looking at. These were made to be pulled by Farmall Cubs and the like. I mean no offence to anybody, but the New Idea I bought was from my neibour who bought it new. I talked with her over the holidays, and asked me about how its working. This machine was bought in the early 1950s and is still on its ORIGINAL chains. This is over 50 years of work, and NOTHING has broken...nothing. Mike

Farmwithjunk · Dec 29, 2006

Some of the older spreaders are starting to draw big bucks as collectors items, re-affirming my opinion that there's someone out there to buy ANYTHING you have for sale.

I've still got an older NEw Holland spreader. They've always built a good spreader too. (Don't recall model #) It's pto driven. It takes minimal HP to operate it. On slick or muddy ground, it takes a hefty tractor to handle it LOADED though.

MFL · Dec 29, 2006

Thanks again, guys. Good info. I thought I'd relate what happened today when I started checking on finding a used spreader. I checked the Market Bulletin for Georgia and it didn't have any listings at all for manure spreaders. Next I started calling around to some of the local implement dealers and seed and feed guys to see if maybe anyone had a line on one. Not only did I NOT find one, but a couple of guys I spoke to basically echoed what has been said here about the rock solid New Idea and NW spreaders. One guy I've bought some things from before was trying to be tactful, but basically said I was a little nuts to think I'd find a used New Idea spreader in decent condition. He said the only way I'd get one is if I found an estate sale from a dead farmer or a pile of junk from a completely played out one. He said the things never break down or wear out!

I'm going to keep my eyes open, but it looks like if I want a speader in the near future, I'll have to go new. Wouldn't it be great if all the stuff we buy now could live up to this kind of rock solid dependibility! I'm going to try and go see a Millcreek tomorrow, if I can find the time.

MFL