Manure Spreader Maintenance

Manure Spreader Maintenance

4 Important Tips For Maintaining Your Spreader

It’s a manure spreader, it’s meant to be outside – how much maintenance does it require? That’s a natural question and one we hear frequently at Conestoga Manufacturing. The fact is no manure spreader is maintenance-free. Every piece of farm or horse equipment needs regular maintenance and greasing to last, especially manure spreaders. Without regular maintenance or greasing, you can expect spreaders to last 2 or 3 years at the very longest.

And remember, if you want a spreader that lasts for many years, quality materials and construction do matter. Be sure to carefully compare body structure and components. Use the Conestoga Manure Spreader Comparison sheet to help with your quality comparison.

Keep It Clean

Probably the most important thing you can do to extend the life of your manure spreader is to clean it after every use. Manure that remains in the spreader will cause long-term damage and diminish the spreader’s life span considerably. While this is particularly important for spreaders with wooden floors, it also applies to spreaders with steel floors (these will begin to rust in 2 to 3 years). Conestoga Manufacturing offers a lifetime warranty on its durable polyvinyl interlocking floors but we still recommend that you clean your spreader after every use.

Damage from remaining manure is not limited to floors but can begin to affect the spreader box or other components. Another common problem is apron chain rusting and corrosion. This is another common manure spreader repair that Conestoga has found a way to limit for our customers. We only use completely stainless steel apron chains on all of our manure spreaders. This ensures a much longer life for our apron chains which saves you hundreds of dollars in repairs.

Another protective feature any Conestoga Manure Spreader customer can take advantage of is opting for a spreader box Raptor Liner upgrade. You can add an extra layer of durable protection to your Conestoga manure spreader by having us add a spreader box liner. This feature is available for our ground-driven manure spreaders as well as our PTO drive manure spreaders.

Keep Your Spreader Properly Oiled

To ensure proper operation which impacts spreading capabilities, your spreader must be oiled on a regular basis. How often you use your spreader may determine your schedule but at least make it a habit to check things like the apron chain on a regular basis. Check your beater bars, beater paddles, axle(s), and wheels. Make sure that you are not missing grease joints as you regularly lubricate your machine.

Store Your Spreader Inside

Many top-quality spreaders are powder coated which boosts longevity. Even so, your manure spreader will last longer if it is stored inside (barn, shed, etc.). Your spreader is working hard enough as it is without also having to deal with the elements! This may seem like a common-sense manure spreader maintenance tip but it is worth stating. Protecting your manure spreader investment by storing it inside is so important. The great thing is that this is the easiest spreader maintenance tip. Just put it away when you’re done with it like you do your tractor or ATV you’re hauling it with.

Check for Rust and Debris

Be sure to check for rust and debris on your spreader before every use. Debris, such as hardened manure or mud, can negatively impact your spreader’s performance over time. Rust, if left unchecked, can spread and turn what could have been fixed easily into an expensive repair or total replacement. Like we said earlier, an investment like a PTO manure spreader or ground drive manure spreader should be treated with care and attention to detail. That way, your machine will last for many many years of regular use. 

Remember – no manure spreader is maintenance-free. Some say they are low maintenance. But all manure spreaders need to be maintained in order to last.

We’re happy to answer any questions about manure spreader usage, how to select the spreader that’s right for you, and how to make it last! We build manure spreaders that work as hard as you do so you can get your work done faster. Contact us today with any questions about manure spreader maintenance or any of our spreaders.