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Which Manure Spreader Should You Buy?
Posted by Ryan Crist at 2015-03-12 20:54:33
I'm looking around for an older ground driven manure spreader. This will be my first one. What's your thoughts on the best models to look at for pulling behind a forecart. Thanks for your ideas. Ryan
Response by Dale Wagner at 2015-03-13 01:07:33
Why buy one to go behind a forecart? Get one with an axle on both ends they handle better. I had one of both - same size and model but a tractor and horse model.
Response by Bill Smith at 2015-03-13 06:40:12
As usual, I agree with Dale. I'd find a New Idea horse drawn, on steel or rubber- doesn't matter, or if you could find a real solid one with a good apron chain a McCormick 200 which was the best shredding and spreading design I've ever seen. If you want new, I like the looks of the DS Welding which I've seen up close.

A trailer type behind a forcart is okay, but a dedicated machine is just easier. Lots lighter too.
Response by Neal in Iowa at 2015-03-13 07:49:23
I prefer my John Deere L (tractor - M is the horse spreader) over the New Idea from a purely noise factor. The L&M use a different mechanism to drive the apron chain. The New Idea and several others use a star cam and the arm that drives apron chain clanks when it returns to the center of the star.

As far as results, I doubt that there is much difference.

I agree that a 4 wheel spreader is better than a 2 wheel with a forecart. I have modified my L by adding an axle at the hitch pin on the tractor tongue with a platform for a seat over The tongue. This provides a shorter turning radius than the forecart (but longer than a horse spreader due to longer wheel base. There is also minimal tongue sway compared to the forecart.

Case, Minni-Moline and Minnesota also made ground drive spreaders. Figure on $500 to $1,000 for one in using shape.

Neal
Response by Dris Abraham at 2015-03-13 08:26:56
What ever you buy if you buy used please make sure it is sound and safe. You should decide on type and new or used based on what your work load will be on the machine. That should dictate your purchase.
Response by Vince Mautino at 2015-03-13 08:55:28
I have a JD 40 spreader. I tried it once with a fore cart and did not like the way it handled. One with a front axle would be better and the levers to actuate the chain and beater bars would be more accessible.
Response by Larry Barr in michigan at 2015-03-13 10:21:10
I pull a mill creek behind a forecart and it does a good job on straw or shavings . I have a team of mini mules , it makes them lean into the collars a bit but it does a very good job . The only disadvantage is it is a one speed apron .
Response by Steve in PA. at 2015-03-13 15:22:26
Larry, how many bushel is your spreader and how big are your mini mules
Response by Klaus Karbaumer at 2015-03-13 21:54:16
I pull my old 4-wheeled manure spreader behind a forecart because while loading I can park the horses somewhere else without having to watch them and because hooking up to the forecart is much easier with the short hitch on the 4-wheeled type than with the two-wheeler.
The size of the manure spreader one can pull is determined by the available horse-power.
Response by T Payne at 2015-03-14 08:21:26
I have two wheeler New Idea spreaders because that's what is around here for ground drive spreaders when it's time to buy, not just the spreader, but parts. The forecart or a tractor can pull them. Only very rarely do I need to hook the H to it, but I am glad when I do that it's easy.
Response by Larry Barr in michigan at 2015-03-14 14:07:02
Steve i think it is a 10 or 12 bushel
Response by Brian at 2015-03-15 08:50:27
I have a John Deere Model L (two wheel) and am happy with it. Klaus brings up a good point in that with a 4-wheel you do have the option of parking the horses somewhere else while loading. My girls stand and wait without any problems so not really a concern, but something to consider nonetheless. When I was looking around for mine, I guess the biggest consideration was what was available in good condition reasonably close to me and could I get parts for it if I needed. So I wasn't focused solely on any specific model.
Response by jwaller at 2015-03-27 07:44:58
Four wheel is lots nicer to use. Do have a small 2 wheel Oliver ground drive that I did put behind the forecart a few times. Preferred actual horse spreader. Oliver is nice behind a Ford tractor.

Last year, picked up a Minnesota 220 PTO spreader. Used it behind A JD last fall but seemed a bit heavy on the draw bar, even with draw bar pulled into the shortest setting/hole. This spring have been using 730 Case. Have to admit cab, heat and radio is more comfortable.

A nice feature of the PTO spreader is that I could never fork a load on and live to tell about it.

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