InsaneJournal

Useful info about dairy farming
Manure spreaders have been used by generation of farmers around the world in order to properly manage and maintain their organic fertilizer systems. Since crop rotation and the mechanized devices such as tractors invaded the family farm, growing crops has never been the same. This article will attempt to explain some of the history of manure spreaders and how this simple machine changed history.

History of Manure Spreaders

It was during the Industrial Revolution that two farmers turned inventors from Ohio, USA developed the first working mechanical manure spreaders.

Joseph Oppenheim and Henry Synck's new farming devices were so popular that they built a successful manufacturing company around it called the New Idea Spreader Works.

The New Idea Company (under various owners and names) has made manure spreaders and other mechanized farming machines ever since and recently celebrated its 100 year old anniversary in 1999 as a division of the AGCO Corporation.

Slurry or mucks normally come from swine or dairy farm operation where the livestock is housed over slatted floors and all animal wastes are washed down through the floors into holding pits.

The pits are then pumped and slurry was then sprayed from manure spreader tankers with nozzles on back. Ironically called "honey wagons" by friends and enemies alike, these liquid manure spreaders are still being used for medium and large scale commercial farming operations.

This manure spreader is a very high tech version of the old "spray and hope it stays" equipment of the past.

Solid waste muck spreaders have either side or rear holding bins. Using a mechanical "shredder and spreader" device, manure is picked up from inside the holding bin, separated into smaller pieces and flung into the air to land on the surrounding ground.

How Manure Spreaders Are Powered

A tractor with a PTO uses a specially designed driveshaft to provide mechanical power for an attachment or separate farm machine.

Ground-driven manure spreaders use a beater-driver that rolls along the surface of the ground and uses the momentum of the ATV or tractor to distribute the dried or partially dried manure.