Spreader Worried about the manure spreader

[OrangeGuy]

40 years ago when NH shipped its manure spreaders completely disassembled, I used to set them up for my father's farm equipment dealership. I asked why the tongue and groove floor boards were not painted. He said that NH did not paint them because the wood needed to breath. Painted floor boards would trap moisture and rot prematurely. Additionally, the apron slats would quickly remove the paint.

Clean it after use, especially if you are not going to use it for awhile, and put it under a roof to extend the life. Make sure you shut off the PTO and the tractor anytime you have to service/adjust/scrape manure off the paddles. Manure spreaders were/are notorious for farm accidents.

OrangeGuy

 

[Soundguy]

The wood can breath from the bottom. I didn't advocate 'hot-dipping the trailer.. just painting exposed surfaces.

I've had great luck with asphalt painted trailer decks. So far our painted decks at work are outlasting our untreated 'breathing' decks by 3-1 in years..

If I were using.. say cedar or cypress I might leave them completely virgin...

Soundguy