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Conestoga Manufacturing understands you’ll be comparing one model to another before making a purchase. We encourage you to look at other spreaders and compare, point by point, the quality of various equipment components. We’re confident that you won’t find a better made spreader.
Here are some of the things you should consider:
User Friendliness:
Does the spreader come with an adjustable jack for easy hook-up? Does it have adjustable web speed? Does it have an end gate that protects you from manure when uploading? Can it be used with smaller vehicles such as an ATV or garden tractor?
Warranty:
What warranty is offered and on what parts? Conestoga Manufacturing offers a 1-year overall warranty and lifetime warranty on apron chain and floor.
Maintenance Free:
Don’t be fooled by ‘maintenance free’. Every piece of farm equipment needs regular maintenance and greasing to last, especially manure spreaders. Without regular maintenance or greasing, you can expect spreaders to last 2 or 3 years at best.
Product Weight:
How much does the spreader weigh? Lighter is not better. Lighter models can lose traction and slip, resulting in wasted hours of clean up and re-spreading. What is the steel gauge used for the body sidewalls and front? Our sturdy units use 12-gauge steel or thicker. The lower the number, the thicker the steel.
Belts and Chains:
Do the beaters and web run by belts or chain? Belts will wear out quickly and can slide easily. They also have to be tightened frequently meaning more time spent on maintenance. Conestoga spreaders are built with a heavy-duty roller chain that's about 1" wide.
Drive Chain Size:
What size is the drive chain? Does the chain look like a thin bike chain? Conestoga spreaders are built with a heavy-duty roller chain that's about 1" wide.
Web Chain Size:
What size is the web chain? Is it a T-Rod chain or a flat chain? Flat chains are known for trouble and are hard to replace. Conestoga spreadres are built with a T-Rod chain.
Floor Type:
What kind of floor does it have? Wood floors will rot within years. Steel floors will rust at 2 or 3 years, starting at the corners. Conestoga spreaders are bult with durable T & G polyvinyl interlocking floors.
Beaters:
How many beaters does it have? How thick are the beaters? Your choice should be a wide-paddle model with no fewer than 8 beaters. Conestoga models have 12 replaceable beaters that are 3/16" or thicker.
Shaft Type:
Does it have a split shaft or solid shaft? (referring to axle and spindle size) Conestoga spreadres come with a solid shaft that allows both wheels to work together to prevent wheels from sliding.
Ratchet Drive:
Conestoga spreaders are built with ratchet drives that allow beaters and web to operate when going forward, but not in reverse. No ratchet drive? You’ll likely get a manure shower when you try to back up or if a part breaks or bends. Also, with no ratchet drive, a chain will more easily jump off the sprocket.
Galvanized Steel:
Don’t be fooled, galvanized steel will rust. Most galvanized steel is thinner so the bolts will pull through.
Before You Buy:
Compare spreaders, ask questions, look around and we think that you’ll find Conestoga Manufacturing spreaders the best overall value and the smartest buy for your needs.
