First post but long time “lurker” :o
Wondering what kind of muck buckets do you use and how long do they last? Currently using the tubs from Wallyworld and they last about 6 months. Seems like a waste but they are under $6. Do you think using a cart will help them last longer?
IMO nothing beats products from Dan’s Saddlery. We have muck buckets that are over 13 years old. Perfect shape, (I was thinking about this the other day when using) handles have never pulled out etc. Worth every penny.
As are their feed tubs and water buckets. Have been smacking their water buckets against a stone wall for years to break up the ice in them. EXTREMELY durable.
Quality costs a bit more but quality lasts a LOT longer.
I ordered ours from here;
http://www.kbchorsesupplies.com/stable-farm/barn-stable/buckets-tubs/dan-s-muck-basket.html
This is the link to Dan’s website. Click on Dan’s Dealers. You might be able to buy locally.
Yes, never use any thing other than Dan’s muck buckets - worth every penny!
^^^^^^^ Yes! Dans!
The Fortiflex muck buckets last twice as long as Walmart.
I have a Fortiflex that has lasted 16 years. On the other hand a cheaper one just cracked in the cold. I like to buy things once and have them last…
Family Farm and Home is new in our area and carries Tuff Stuff buckets and muck tubs. I have been very happy with the muck tubs for the past 3-4 years. No cracks or pieces broken off in cold or rough handling. They have flex even cold. Stiff muck tubs split or shatter in our experience. I also use the Tuff buckets in winter for ease of ice removal. Couple wacks with big-face rubber mallet lets everything slide out while dumping. Rubber mallet does not crack the sides like a hammer will.
I change back to Fortiflex buckets for summer because they are really stiff. That flex allows horses to crush Tuff buckets by rubbing on them. Then muzzles won’t fit in for drinks!
Fortiflex all the way, they are the only thing that stands up to cold weather and beating on the dumpster to clean them out.
Farm and Fleet carries Little Giant brand. They used to be good, then they changed design, and now they are total crap. We have some of the older ones going on 16 years, most of the newer ones last about 16 weeks. Anything to save a buck I guess, yet another product ruined.
Sorry - dumb question… whats the purpose of a muck bucket? Doesnt it make more work, than to just dump the poop into a wheelbarrow?
[QUOTE=SquishTheBunny;9035684]
Sorry - dumb question… whats the purpose of a muck bucket? Doesnt it make more work, than to just dump the poop into a wheelbarrow?[/QUOTE]
Not a dumb question. The need for one comes down IMO the size, scope, setup of one’s operation. As far as the intended purpose and name.
There can be a number of reason why people use them. My background with horses and farms since I was born has always been on the “professional” business end of horse ownership and care taking. Pretty much always a barn full of horses. A lot of activity in the barn at any given time during working hours.
Stalls are picked out several times a day. Going down the isle with a wheelbarrow would/can interfere with horses coming and going etc. Easier just to carry a muck bucket and go stall to stall. Can be left outside the stall without interfering with other activities. Looks “neat” enough also.
But even in a 1 horse operation there are plenty of uses other than just picking stall. Trash, place by the farrier or vet to throw stuff in. Quick clean out of a trailer. Can be used as a temporary water tub/tank, etc.
Lot of uses, handy to have around. Quicker and easier than getting and lugging a wheelbarrow around a lot of small tasks.
Gumtree, have you bought them recently. A local supplier said that they had stopped ordering and selling Dan’s products because the quality control was so poor. I, like you, have some ancient ones, and am very unhappy at their unavailability.
They are now made in TN, and the sipping would be astronomical.
I have found Fortiflex a poor substitute.
Some people feel they are safer, should a horse run into one, rather than a wheelbarrow.
If you are in the right part of the country, look for the blue, food-grade barrels. Slice them in half or in thirds, drill/melt 4 holes and use some bits of rope to make handles, and you are in business. These are cheap and just about indestructible.
I use the Wallyworld ones but they last me more than six months. I get a year or more out of them. Maybe I don’t use mine as heavily?
I find it easier ti clean a box stall neatly into a muck tub, then empty the tub into a spreader. Hoisting a wheelbarrow to dump is way too hard. Throwing directly from stall floor to spreader leaves a muck trail across that distance, so you have to pick it up again.
I find tub use to be 99% cleaner, holding everything neatly for dumping, plus I save time only moving bedding stuff one time. Smaller load in tub is pretty easy for me to handle getting dumped neatly into the spreader.
I do use a tub cart in one barn. Cart is easier to get tub up the big step to reach spreader for dumping the tub. The cart has air filled tires, a wide track, wide handle, so it is easy to manage loaded.
I use muck buckets in the stall, then pull them out and put them in the front loader. My manure pile is up a hill (I know, but it’s the only spot right now) and it’s so much easier than pushing the wheel barrow.
I tie about a 3 foot loop of baling twine on one handle and pull them along–much easier than carrying them.
I have 2 Fortiflex muck buckets. One of them is 21 years old. I’ve worn the rope handles off of it, so now it serves as my horse show/travel bucket instead of my daily use bucket. No cracks, nothing, and I’ve beaten the heck out of it over the years. When I bought the new one a couple of years ago, I paid around $18 for it from Tractor Supply. I suspect it will last just as long.
Thank you all! Will definitely give each a try. Hate wasting money and throwing more into the landfill.
My Fortiflex muck bucket is 23 years old. I use it with an Apple Picker muck cart now, but until this year it has been dragged around.
I still use the Walmart ones, although they have gotten flimsier over the last few years. I have a collection of 14-16. I fill them through the week and then load them in the back of the truck and drive them up to the utility easement and dump them off the back of the truck. I don’t have a manure spreader or a tractor and it’s worked well for 20 years. How fast I replace them depends on how much freeze thaw we get. Some last longer than others.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
