Manure Spreaders

Why Do ABI Manure Spreaders Spread Better?

2-Stage Inline Shred & Spread System: Every ABI Classic Spreader employs an industry-exclusive inline shredding system that feds a separate spreading system. The 2-stage shred and spread processing of manure ensure all manure clumps are pulverized before being applied to the ground. Many competitive spreaders rely on a single beater to do all the work and offer an optional “top beater.” It’s important to note that a “Top Beater” is not the same as an “Inline Shredding System.” A “Top Beater” only spreads the top of the manure pile, while an “Inline Shredding System” is positioned inside the spreader box and in front of the spreading system. It shreds the middle of the manure flow and feeds manure into the primary spreading system.

4-Speed Application Flow Control: Every ABI Classic Manure Spreader for sale employs an industry-exclusive 4-speed adjustable application flow, which conveys manure to the rear 2-stage shred and spread system to control the flow rate of manure applied to the ground. Ground-driven models are adjusted via manual lever, PTO-Driven models are adjusted via pull rope, and Hydraulic models are adjusted via a hydraulic valve. There are 3 Benefits of 4-Speed Flow Control:

1. Control Manure Application: If spreading on crop or hay fields, set the flow to empty as fast as possible; if spreading on pastures or paddocks, slow down the flow to apply a controlled manure application to the ground. The optional fines pan is recommended for maximum application control.
2. Enable Quick Decomposition: A light application rate of finely shredded manure will expose more manure surface to sunlight, causing it to decompose far more quickly and ensuring the sun’s ultraviolet light kills more larva and parasites in the manure.
3. Spread All Manure Types & Consistencies: The ABI Manure Spreader for sale spreads it all, such as various livestock manure types, bedding materials, stages of decompositions, and weather impacts. Slow down the application flow to chew through tough manure.

Why Do ABI Manure Spreaders Last Longer?

Built To Outlast The Competition. ABI muck spreaders aren’t shiny like your kitchen appliances for a good reason: stainless steel is not as structurally sound as ABI’s superior corrosion-resistant copper-bearing COR-TEN steel. You can judge a manure spreader’s materials and components quality by its overall unit weight; the heavier, the better. The ABI Manure Spreader weighs nearly 1/3 more than most equivalently sized competitors. Now, that is tangible quality you can feel!

5 Reasons Why ABI Spreaders Last Longer.

1. Thick Welded COR-TEN Steel: All ABI Classic Spreaders are hand-welded using virtually perforation-proof 10 or 12 gauge* COR-TEN steel. Cor-Ten is a copper chromium alloy steel that can last up to four times longer than standard mild carbon-based steel.
2. Commercial Body Coating: ABI Muck Spreaders are sand-blasted & painted with a repairable two part commercial-grade protective coating (AUE-370).
3. Internal Box Liner: A Coal Tar epoxy internal box liner is applied to every ABI Manure Spreader for an industrial seal, no extra charge! This easy to repair and durable liner is the same material applied to septic tanks and barges.
4. Lifetime Poly Floor: The tongue-and-groove poly-lumber flooring of ABI spreaders resists warping and will not rust, corrode, or rot for the useable life of the spreader.
5. High-Quality Components: ABI spreaders weigh nearly 1/3 more than the competition. Materials such as grade-5 bolts, greaseable bearings, oil-impregnated bronze bushings, heavy-duty size 60 roller chain (nearly 1″ wide), T-Rod apron chain, hardened sprockets, and thicker steel body and frame ensure longevity.

*25, 50 & 65 ft³ manure spreaders for sale use 12 gauge. 85, 125, & 185 ft3 use even thicker 10 gauge steel.

Can I spread manure on a pasture or paddock?

Spreading manure on forage pastures requires special equipment and routines. Promote healthy soil in pastures and paddocks by incorporating an ABI Manure Spreader into your rotational grazing or pasture rotation routine. Any spreader used on pastures or paddocks requires advanced features that shred manure, control manure flow, and evenly spread on the ground. Spread a light shredded and pulverized manure application to “resting” pastures or paddocks early on long sunny and dry days to allow the manure to dry quickly. Allow the pasture area to “rest” for at least a couple of weeks before allowing livestock to graze again, reducing the possibility of parasite exposure. The duration of time a pasture should rest after the last manure application depends on the local environment. Hot and moist areas and seasons should “extend” resting periods. A rotational grazing routine provides the best opportunity to spread on recently “rested” portions of pasture land. An eco-balanced pasture or paddock reduces parasites, increases vegetation growth, increases rotation rates, and reduces odor & flies around the farm. ABI’s optional “Fines” or “Pasture” pan is required. For the ultimate in paddock health, spread composted manure.

What are some basic manure spreading best practices?

• Spread Thin & Even: To reduce fly population and ensure even application of nutrients to vegetation, do not apply manure unevenly with dense strips or heavy clumps. A consistently even and light manure application is required to prevent smothering plants and stunting growth.
• Pasture & Paddock Spreading: To spread manure on forage pastures and paddocks, ensure a thin and even spread, and allow the pasture area to “rest” for at least a couple of week before allowing livestock to graze again, reducing the possibility of parasite exposure. A rotational grazing routine provides the best opportunity to spread on recently “rested” portions of pasture land. Spreading on pastures should only occur with a spreader that shreds manure, controls application flow, and evenly applies manure to the land.
• Crop & Hay Field Spreading: If planning to spread on crop fields, do so after fall harvest and again before spring tillage preparations for planting. On hay fields, spread manure quickly after each cutting.
• Avoid Manure Run-off: Avoid spreading near water or on slopes that run-off to water. If spreading manure on slopes or near water or wetlands is unavoidable, plant grassy buffer zones to help protect water sources from run-off. Further, don’t spread before a rain event.
• Avoid Wet Fields & Pastures: Avoid spreading on water-saturated fields or pastures to prevent over-compaction of the soil. Compaction is the enemy of healthy plant growth.
• Sawdust, Wood-chips & Wood Pellets: Sawdust, wood-chips, and wood pellets bedding should be composted before spreading as they may stunt plant growth.
• Stall-Picked Vs. Composted Manure: There is no doubt that composted manure is the best manure to spread. It reduces weed seeds, mitigates parasites, reduces manure volume by 50%, and nutrients are more slowly released for plant uptake. However, stall-picked manure can also be spread with a spreader that shreds manure, controls application flow, and evenly applies manure to the land. Stall-picked manure should only be spread on hayfields after cuttings, crop fields before cultivation and after harvest, or on recently “rested” portions of pasture land.

How Much Manure Does A Horse (& Livestock) Produce?

How To Calculate Manure Production: It’s important to calculate an estimate of the daily cubic foot (ft³) production of manure for all livestock on your property. Below are average manure production rates per livestock type to help you determine your total per day manure production. Data Source: Washington State University

Manure Produced Per AVG Body Weight:

• Horse (AVG 1,200 lbs.) = 0.96 ft³ per day
• Cow (AVG 1,200 lbs.) = 1.32 ft³ per day
• Goat (AVG 160 lbs) = 0.096 ft³ per day
• Sheep (AVG 220 lbs.) = 0.143 ft³ per day
• Pig (AVG 285 lbs.) = 0.171 ft³ per day
• Alpaca/Llama (AVG 185 lbs.) = 0.1258 ft³ per day
• Chicken (AVG 7 lbs.) = 0.00672 ft³ per day
• Duck (AVG 3 lbs.) = 0.00219 ft³ per day

• Horse = 0.80 ft³ per day
• Cow = 1.10 ft³ per day
• Goat = 0.6 ft³ per day
• Sheep = 0.65 ft³ per day
• Pig = 0.60 ft³ per day
• Alpaca/Llama = 0.68 ft³ per day
• Chicken = 0.96 ft³ per day
• Duck = 0.73 ft³ per day

Add Stall Bedding Waste:

• If livestock are kept in stalls, allow for bedding waste, which typically equals twice the manure volume. 0.96 ft³ of manure would also have 1.92 ft³ of bedding for a total of 2.88 ft³ of manure per day. Multiply manure volume by 3. Manure Production * 3 = Total Manure & Bedding

Manure Production Examples:

• 1 Stall-kept Horse Example: 0.96 ft³ (Horse Manure) * 3 (Bedding Waste) = 2.88 ft³ per day (Total Manure & Bedding)
• 4 Stall-kept Horses Example: 0.96 ft³ (Horse Manure) * 4 (# Of Horses) = 3.84 ft³ (Total Manure) * 3 (Bedding Waste) = 11.52 ft³ per day (Total Manure & Bedding)
• 4 Stall-kept Horses – 50% Turnout Time Example: 0.96 ft³ (Horse Manure) * 4 (# Of Horses) = 3.84 ft³ (Total Manure) * 3 (Bedding Waste) = 11.52 ft³ per day (Total Manure & Bedding) – 50% (Turnout Time) = 5.76 ft³ per day.

Should I Buy A Ground Driven Or PTO Driven Manure Spreader?

How to choose between a Ground Drive or PTO Drive manure spreader. When shopping for a manure spreader for sale, one of the first decisions you will make is choosing between a Ground Driven or a PTO Driven (Power Take Off) manure spreader. Compare Ground Driven vs. PTO driven manure spreaders for sale below.

Tow Vehicle:

• Ground: Can be pulled by nearly any type of tow vehicle that meets minimum requirements
• PTO: Requires a tractor with a rear PTO (Power Take Off) that meets minimum requirements

Power Source:

• Ground: When engaged, the spreader powers itself by pulling it forward with a tow vehicle. The spreader has lug traction tires that grip the ground and transfer forward rolling force, through mechanical gearing, into powering the spreader components. Ground speed controls how fast components move.
• PTO: Powered by the tractor’s PTO. RPMs of the tractor engine control how fast components move. Ground speed has zero impact.

Capacity:

• Ground: Usually smaller in capacity, available in 25, 50, 65, & 85 ft³ models.
• PTO: Usually larger in capacity, available in 50, 85, 125, & 185 ft³ models.

Loading:

• Ground: Most small spreaders are loaded by hand tools. The smallest units are not wide enough for loader buck loading.
• PTO: Most larger and taller spreaders are loaded with a loader bucket.

Unloading:

• Ground: Requires forward motion to unload the spreader.
• PTO: Requires the tractor to be turned on and the PTO engaged, but the tractor does not require movement to spread, which is ideal for unloading shredded manure into a compost pile or garden. Also, it offers far greater versatility in manure application rate control because ground speed and component speed are not linked.

User Operation:

• Ground: Usually, spreading is engaged and disengaged while stopped and standing at the front of the spreader. The manual levers control spreader operation. Optional end gates are raised by hand.
• PTO: Spreading is engaged and disengaged while moving and seated on the tractor. The tractor’s engine throttle, PTO switch, and the spreaders pull rope control spreader operation. Optional end gates are hydraulically raised by the tractor.

Operator Spreading Behavior:

• Ground: Usually spreads smaller amounts of manure more frequently on nearby land. (Every couple days to weekly)
• PTO: Usually spreads larger amounts of manure less frequently (1 -4 times a year) from a large pile, possibly onto crop or hay fields.

Spreading Conditions:

• Ground: Should not be used in extremely wet, soft, or frozen conditions.
• PTO: Conditions do not impact the ability to spread.

Typical User:

• Ground: Hobby Farmer, Horse Owner, Show Stock Owner, Small Rancher, Inexperienced Equipment Operator
• PTO: Equine Training Or Boarding Facility, Ranch, Experienced Equipment Operator

Ease Of Use:

• Ground: Considered the easiest manure spreader for sale type to use. Easily connects to smaller and accessible tow vehicles.
• PTO: Requires connection to the tractor PTO shaft. Operating and connecting to a tractor is undesirable for some people, but not all.

Safety:

• Ground: Generally considered the safest manure spreader type, all moving components stop when forward motion stops.
• PTO: PTO-operated farm equipment requires additional safety considerations. Never leave the tractor running while you or someone else is connecting, disconnecting, or working around the spreader.

Popularity:

• Ground: Most people buy a ground drive manure spreader for sale unless they require a larger capacity spreader. 70% GD / 30% PTO
• PTO: Fewer people purchase PTO manure spreaders for sale, but they do so for greater capacity, performance, and capability.

What Size Manure Spreader Do I Need? 

How to choose a manure spreader size or capacity. Selecting the correct manure spreader size or capacity comes down to several criteria to best fit your situation. The easy answer is to size the manure spreader for sale to your livestock headcount; however, this does not always result in the best match for everyone. Get your customized answer: Which size manure spreader should I choose? If the below information is more than you want to work through right now, give our products specialists a call at 877-788-7253.

Tow Vehicle:

• The first criteria to consider in sizing a manure spreader is the tow vehicle you already own or plan to purchase. The specifications of your lawn tractor, ATV, UTV, sub-compact tractor, or tractor significantly impact the size of spreader you can safely operate, especially if the terrain on your property is hilly.
• Generally speaking, the heavier the tow vehicle’s weight, the larger the spreader you can pull. Also, a tractor with a PTO (Power Take-Off) enables the use of larger PTO-style manure spreaders.
• Some people own multiple tow vehicles; however, it is not always best to size the manure spreader to the largest tow vehicle available. Some people may choose a smaller, more accessible vehicle, such as an ATV or UTV, as they may be easier to operate and navigate around the barn or property.

Manure Production:

• Suppose you have many tow vehicles to choose from, or you can purchase any tow vehicle you like. In that case, livestock manure production volume is your most important consideration in sizing a manure spreader.
• Determining the daily manure production volume of the livestock on your property is a bit challenging, but it is a worthy investment of time. Also, keep in mind if you plan to increase or decrease headcount on the farm or ranch, be sure to size the manure spreader for your reasonable future needs. Some horse owners like to size a spreader for the number of stalls in their barn instead of the number of horses they currently have on the property, futureproofing their dream of more horses.
• See the manure production schedule on this page to calculate your volume estimate, or call 877-788-7253.
• If your farm produces 15 ft³ of manure per day, you could purchase a 50 ft³ manure spreader and spread it every three or so days. 15 * 3 = 45 ft³. This sizing is excellent if you have an accessible nearby area to spread, but it may not be enough if you must travel a distance or only plan to spread a few times a year.

% Of Day In Stalls:

• The amount of time livestock spend in the barn in their stalls will significantly impact manure spreader capacity requirements. Stall bedding can add two times the manure volume to spreader capacity requirements. Stall bedding varieties and stall picking techniques will impact the bedding multiplier, but bedding does have a significant impact and should be considered.
• One 1,200 pound stall-kept horse produces 2.88 ft³ of manure and bedding waste per day; however, if that horse is turned-out for 50% – 60% of the day, this will reduce the amount of manure and bedding collected by about the same percentage. 2.88 ft³ – 50% = 1.44 ft³ per day.
• Seasonality and geographic location could also impact capacity considerations. If your winters are extremely cold or you bring your livestock in to avoid preditors, you will have more stall-picked manure to spread.

Frequency Of Spreading:

• A smaller spreader could be considered if multiple spreading opportunities are available each week or month.
• A larger spreader could be considered if spreading opportunities are limited to a few times per year.

Spreading Location Distance:

• How far must operators travel from the manure source to the spreading location? The further the distance, the less frequent spreading will occur. A larger spreader should be considered if the spreading location is further away.

Spreading Location Type:

• Will spreading occur on forage pastures, hayfields, crop fields, or a mixture of all three?
• Forage pastures may be spread on more frequently during rotational “rest” periods; therefore, a smaller spreader could be considered?
• Hayfields should only be spread on after a cutting; therefore, a larger spreader could be considered as there are only a few spreading opportunities.
• Crop fields should only be spread on in the spring before cultivation and in the fall after harvest; therefore, a larger spreader should be considered as there are only two spreading opportunities.
• The reality for many people is they will spread on a mixture of all three location types. Everyone has a different level of access; therefore, these variables should be considered when sizing a manure spreader.

Loading The Spreader:

• A smaller manure spreader for sale is ideal if loaded by hand; this is especially true if the spreader will be pulled into the barn alongside the stalls for picking.
• A larger manure spreader for sale is better if manure is stored in piles and then loaded with a loader bucket into the spreader. Ensuring the spreader is longer than the bucket width is essential to avoid overspill into the mechanics of the spreader.