quick question- I am looking for getting a spreader for my 4 stall barn, horses in at night and bad weather. Looking at newer spreaders but a friend has a loyal 23 bushel spreader used but in good condition for sale. Price will be slightly less for the used one. And no assembly. Anybody use either one. Looking for practical experience with them. Thanks
Also rode brand completely restored is an option
Newer Spreaders are ground driven, and can be towed by ANYTHING - we use a little JD zero-turn mower. Newer Spreaders can be moved by hand, right INTO the stall, so that you can shovel directly into the spreader. Newer Spreaders work great on poop and shavings/sawdust, but not so great on massive quantities of hay or straw. A little hay scattered in the poop/bedding is okay, but a whole âfluffed upâ flake at once is going to bind up and you will have to pick it out by hand. When not in use, you can stand a Newer Spreader on end, like a wheelbarrow, and it takes up the same space as a wheelbarrow.
A 23bu spreader is a good size for a 4-stall barn, but⊠is it PTO or ground driven? What are you going to pull it with? Where are you going to park it when not in use? It will last infinitely longer if it is stored empty and under cover. Do not ever store it with poop in it! How are you going to shovel into it? Bring it into the aisle? Or dump wheelbarrows/buckets over the side?
How many âbeater barsâ does each one have? The older models (My 20 year old and a 30 year old spreaders are great. Each has 3 beater bars. Newer spreaders have 2 or even 1. Those do not spread manure; they just push it out the back, so it falls in clumps on the ground. The more beater bars, the better.
The part to go first are the chains, Have the chains and the bars been replaced recently? How long ago? People can paint things so they look new when, in reality, they are rusted to paper thinness. The chains and bars go first because they sit in manure (and urine).
Tires â How old are they? How is the PTO or ground drive?
All things being equal, the old one (what is the brand?) is the better deal. especially if it is an âInternational.â
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If you have a new newer spreader with the agitator, I promise you it chops that stuff up into a fine mulch!
I love my 1950s International ground drive for my 6 horse barn. I replaced the floor and painted when I got it, 6 years ago, and I have had zero problems.
I am going to look at the used one. Called ( an acquaintance for the past 20 years has it - well respected trainer and judge) and it is only 6 months old. Had bought it for when their other one was down and now that the old one is restored they are selling their spare. Is ground driven and can manage heavier shavings and hay in it. Iâm not planning on putting pure hay in it but I have a couple of pigs who like to pee on their hay so it happens
