Suggestions for a Spreader

[Steven Q]

Hi,

Hope the spring finds you all well. I am currently in the market for a Manure Spreader and hoping for suggestions on which models I should be on the look out for.

Basically what I am needing is a spreader for horse manure, as well the lady across the street has a 40 head cow/calf operation and has not done anything with her manure for the last few years aside from pile it in the way and complain about the help she has been receiving, as I am the new help, I am going to spread it on the fields, I would like to put my horses to task, instead of using a tractor, thereby keeping my horses working and helping a neighbor.

I have been talking to a guy about a Cockshutt, but he has hesitation in regard to the weight of the cow manure on the apron. I am looking for a spreader that can be loaded by tractor, as I work full time and can rationalize working the horses to spread it, but not the time loading by hand. I have enough horse power that I could run a team, 3 abreast or within the next year when a couple of my younger horses reach a level of physical maturity could run a larger hitch.

I have looked online and haven`t really been able to find too much info on spreaders, any guidance would be appreciated.

Steve

[Does’ Leap]

Steve:

I just finished spreading our first 25 loads of compost with our Lancaster spreader. It is an outstanding machine. Gone are the days when we would say a prayer to the spreader God, spread a couple of loads, jam up the spreader, have to unload it with a pitch fork, bring the spreader back to the shop, repair the beaters, bed chain, tensioner, etc., etc.

Now we heap composted manure with loader and off we go. I started spreading 3 abreast yesterday until I bent my neckyoke and then have been spreading with the team. You can spread all day, up and down hills with 3 but a team in good shape will spread a lot of loads.

Lancaster spreaders are made in PA and run about $3500.

George

[chrisf.]

I’ve got a new idea 10A. I like it a lot. I loaded as much on it as I could and have had no trouble with it yet. Make sure your apron chain is in good shape and you shouldn’t have trouble. Parts seem to be easy enough to find for these spreaders as they were made for a long time. Good luck.

[karl t pfister]

We’ve got a new idea spreader I think its a 10 ? but it needs parts so infrequently I don’t know the number for sure . It was new in 1972
and been used every year spring and fall some years , 20 plus loads other years 100s plus .great tool ! keep the oil on the chains and grease her and go . If the manure is heavy uncomposted set the bed chain speed on slow
,if the stuff is composted and dry or like the 30, 14 yd dump truck loads i got from a riding stable mostly shavings I set the bed chain speed on high and let the stuff fly.
I love spreading hate the rocks, I make the horses walk no trotting when the sh– hits the “fan” (beaters)

We also have a new holland pto spreader that requires a motor fore-cart ,it does a good job too, probably spreads it more evenly but it’s a whole different world .Last week in the 70 degree heat the teams were over heating what with having to work with their winter clothes still not shed out . Happy sh– shooting ! !

[Steven Q]

Thanks for the suggestions, I will keep those in mind for the future, I will have to put a $3500. spreader onto the wants list, near the top of the needs list is a spreader within budget which is pitiful right now.

Basically, I see two options, spreader 1 is the Cockshut, the seller had some reservations regarding the apron strength and cow manure. Priced at $300.00, could be a steal or it could be junk. The owner said he still uses it,but has two.

The second being a McCormick, it is at a dealer and has been for awhile so should be negotiable, the starting price was $1600.00, it is down to $975.00, not sure how much lower it could go.

Has anyone got any insights on these spreaders? Will likely invest in a good spreader in the next couple years or so, just things are tight right now.

Thanks again for you insight.
Steve

[nihiljohn]

I have an IH 101. It is 2 a wheel spreader that I can put on a hitch cart or tractor. 3 head works well when loading with a tractor as they dont get much time to rest after a load. I’ve got 40 loads out so far this spring, mostly with 3 some with just a pair. It must be one of the last ground drive units they made as all of the chains are modern roller chain other than the apron. If you get an older spreader, just bit the bullit and put in a new apron. Or make the loads smaller and just keep at it. Been there. Done that. It was worth it. I also have a full sister to the IH that you show. Old and tired but still works. I kinda like the looks of the Cockshut and it has a seat.

[karl t pfister]

i’m voting with nihiljohn for the cockshut A) if it is working that’s great load it “light and often “and it might work for you
B) it has a seat
C) always thought the idea of the tin sides was great , can’t remember if they had a metal
bed or not
D) price (hard to know if that’s a pro or a con as you said
One thought of warning, manure spreaders are noisy things especially for horses the first time ,as they pick up speed they sound like something chasing them , the faster they go the faster it goes and so on . Pardon me if a manure spreader is the only thing your “kid broke mother approved ” horses have never pulled , I really don’t mean to belittle anyones knowledge ! Good luck, Karl

Oh Yeah E) It has the best name in town Cockshutt ,What’s the origin of that ??

[mitchmaine]

@karl t pfister 34012 wrote:

It has the best name in town Cockshutt ,What’s the origin of that ??

james cockshutt, cockshutt plow company, 1880’s somewhere in canada, maybe ontario

[karl t pfister]

Thanks Mitch, did they all have tin sides and a steel bed or had the one I saw already fell into a family of ” fixer upper farmers ” ??

[mitchmaine]

hey karl, my neighbor has a four wheel cockshutt, all steel on rubber. nice machine. and our international is four steel wheeled with a steel body. not to old i am guessing. the amish are making spreaders with extruded plastic beds and bodys. sure would like to have one of those. imagine it. a new spreader. like i’d died and gone to heaven or something

[Livewater Farm]

Mitch I am in heaven every morning spreading a load with my 3year old new lancaster spreader 4 wheels on rubber should last my life and a few more had a 10a for years needed a rebuild probably 40 years old plus spent the $$ ON A NEW SPREADER DO NOT REGRET IT . HOOK UP AND GO
Bill

[Jay]

We have just finished spreading all our manure and wood ash to boot in the last 4 days, using a NI10A (that came from Billy A comment above) and a Pequea 2 wheel spreader on a forecart. I completely rebuilt the NI a couple of years ago when I got it – new wood – locust – etc. etc. It works great. The borrowed Pequea seems a little heavier even empty, but draws very easily and not have as much draft as I would have expected when in gear and spreading. It also spreads a little wider and more evenly. I am very tempted to look into a 4 wheel version. We spread all at once since we borrow the tractor/loader and go at it with 2 teams and spreaders. We managed about 40-50 loads/day with about 1/4mile travel to the field from the manure and ash piles. The horses sure like the steady work after a winter of no snow and therefor no sleigh rides. Jay

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