Mistakes To Avoid When Looking For Used Manure Spreader For Sale
During difficult economic times, many large and small scale farming operations are selling off their equipment like used manure spreaders at record low prices. Oddly enough a volatile economy may become the best time for you to expand your farm equipment lineup by buying used manure spreaders or some manure spreader parts.
The economy like everything else will eventually rebound and those farming enterprises that are prepared can seize renewed opportunities while others are still quaking under their blankets. Read this article to discover some good tips on buying used manure spreader for sale.
Hints on what to look for in used manure spreaders
Manure spreaders are some of the most powerful and most valuable pieces of machinery in the farming industry. Fondly called “honey wagons”, or “muck spreaders”, these workhorses are some of the most common farm equipment found on any size farm or livestock ranch.
Manure spreaders are separated into three main categories: tanker-like wagons with spray nozzles for liquid based wastes and solid waste discharge bins that fling out manure from either the side or from the rear using PTO or ground-driven devices.
Both of these types of used manure spreaders can be pulled behind a moving vehicle but some units must be powered with a PTO shaft. A tractor with a PTO uses a specially designed spline driveshaft that provides mechanical power for a manure spreader attachment.
Other manure spreader drive mechanisms use a ground-driven manure spreaders use a beater-shredder that rolls along the surface of the ground and uses the momentum an ATV, tractor or truck to distribute the dried or partially dried manure.
Most ground-driven manure spreaders can also double as load wagons for moving loose soil, and other materials around the farm. Most spreader floors are made from polyethylene, marine plywood, or steel with rust resistant steel sides.
Mistake # 1 – Don’t forget to check out the physical size. The standard idea is that the larger the discharge bin or tank the manure spreader has, usually the larger its application area. While there are other factors that determine overall rates, size is the main one. But the larger the size the more horsepower you need to pull it. So you may to compromise between the actual size of the spreader and its capability to apply materials.
Mistake # 2 – Check out the drive mechanism. Is it a tanker sprayer or injector that sprays out liquid or slurry manure? Is the spray or injector system difficult to maintain in-house or do you need to have access to specialized tools or dealer equipment. Is it a PTO driven? Does your tractor have enough power to make it work properly? Is it ground-driven? Is the drive device self-maintaining or do you need professional help to keep things going?
Using the hints mentioned above you should able to find small used manure spreaders that match your farm needs and budget.
