From Manure Spreaders to Muck Injectors

Manure spreaders have been used by many farmers an gardeners around the world in order to manage and maintain their organic fertilizer systems.

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. These first spreaders were based on wagon bodies and were pulled behind teams of mules or horses.
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.

Types of Muck Spreaders

Spreaders basically apply fertilizer one of two ways: either distribution by “flinging” solid wastes in a thin layer on the surface of the ground or by “spraying” liquid or moist waste, called “slurry” or “muck” along the top of the planting rows or pastures.
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.
But due to concerns about the environmental concerns of waster water runoff and the development of subdivisions closer and closer to previously rural livestock farms, the honey wagon is being rapid replaced in North America by the manure injector.

This manure spreader is a very high tech version of the old “spray and hope it stays” equipment of the past. With these newer injectors manure is applied directed below the surface of the soil which allows rapid absorption by plants and makes manure spreading less offensive for the neighbors.
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

There are two ways to power a manure spreader: either with a PTO unit or with a ground driven mechanism.  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. 

Article Tags: From Manure, Manure Spreaders

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