The 5 Best Manure Spreaders
Special Honors
Mill Creek Manufacturing Model 127 This full-size model is built to handle the waste of a few dozen livestock, making it perfect for large-scale farming and ranching operations. It has a low profile for its size, making it easy to load. millcreekspreaders.com
ABI Attachments 85 GD Classic With its four-speed variable control and three beaters, this model can tear through even the most clumped-together waste. It sports a protective box liner to shield the frame from dings and scrapes, and the poly-lumber flooring is backed by a lifetime warranty. abiattachments.com
Kuhn Knight 2000 Series ProPush This hydraulic trailer model can disperse everything from gutter manure to yard scrapings and bedding pack. It's a big, heavy trailer, but if you've got a lot of horses and the power to tow it, it'll get the job done. kuhn-usa.com
Editor's Notes
October 22, 2020:
One brand clearly sits above the rest in this category, which is why most of the entries this time around come from Newer Spreader. The Field Tuff HDHA-59 Drag Harrow has also been included, even though it isn't really a manure spreader itself. A drag harrow will cost you a lot less, so if you can make it work, it's something you should consider. A drag harrow is also a good choice for those who have other animals that aren't kept in stalls, and therefore leave their droppings spread over a large area.
Certain models, such as the Newer Spreader Model 225 and the Newer Spreader Model 125, come with additional features like a ball hitch or a tarp to protect from the elements. While these are nice inclusions, they aren't enough to justify a higher price if you aren't sure you're going to use them. The Newer Spreader Basic 200 once again takes the top spot because it fits into that nice sweet spot of cost, durability, and features, giving those with a lot of horses the things they need without add-ons they don't.
July 26, 2019:
The models on this list are designed to be used with larger chunks of manure; if you're hoping to use finer, more pulverized fertilizer, then a broadcast spreader might be a better choice for your purposes.
Most of the items on the list are on the smaller side, making them perfect for mom-and-pop farming operations or domestic use. As such, most can be pulled by ATVs, lawnmowers, and other small vehicles.
One thing to be aware of before making your purchase is what kind of hitch you'll need to pull it. Many come with drop-pin hitches but have ball attachments available; however, you'll likely want to order the attachment at the same time, so do your due diligence before putting down your credit card.