Self-Propelled Manure Spreader

Self-Propelled Manure Spreader MANURE HANDLING Equipment 32-5-17 Barn cleaning when you only have a few head of livestock can be a real pain because you probably don't need a big spreader and tractor. That's why Paul Shetler, Charm Engine, Ltd., developed his self-propelled manure spreader. The 25-bu. spreader is powered by a 13-hp Honda engine and hydraulic pump. The rear wheels, beater and web are all driven by separate hydraulic motors. The bed and box are made from poly board, so rotting is not a concern. Steering is a matter of engaging one wheel forward and the other in neutral or reverse. This gives the unit extreme maneuverability and turning radius. "The spreader handles similarly to a walk behind power mower," says Shetler. "To engage the beater and the web, you have to hold down a safety switch. Release it, and they stop immediately." The spreader can quickly be modified for multi-purpose use. Pull two pins and two quick couplers, and the beater can be removed. "You can still use the web for spreading wood chips, mulch, compost or other material," says Shetler. He acknowledges that spreading manure requires the operator to walk through the spread pattern. When asked about it by a prospective customer, he indicates he doesn't see a problem. "After all, you have to stand in it to fill the spreader in the first place, don't you?" says Shetler. Shetler keeps one himself that he rents out to friends and neighbors. New spreaders are priced at $6,900, due in large part to the cost of the hydraulic motors, says Shetler. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Charm Engine, Ltd., 4741 State Route 557, Millersburg, Ohio 44654 (ph 330 893-3033).

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