Quality Makes the Difference


What makes a manure spreader from Conestoga Distributors better than the rest?

Product quality and attention to detail - plain and simple.

Conestoga Distributors 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 you won’t find a better-made spreader.

To help you through this process, here’s a list of things you should consider:

User Friendliness
Does it 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 driving units such as an ATV or garden tractor?
Warranty What warranty is offered and on what parts? Conestoga Distributors offers a 180-day overall warranty and lifetime warranty on apron chain and floor.
“Maintenance Free” Don’t be fooled by “maintenance free.” Any piece of farm equipment used regularly needs to be greased in order to last a lifetime, especially manure spreaders. Life expectancy is 2 or 3 years maximum without replacing parts or regular greasing.
Product Weight How much does the spreader weigh? Lighter is not better. Lighter models can lose traction and slip, adding hours you don’t have to barn clean up and spreading. What gauge steel is used for the body (sidewalls and front)? Sturdy units use 12 gauge or thicker (The lower the number the thicker the steel).
Belts and Chains Do the beaters and web run by belts or chain? Belts wear out quickly and slide easily. They also have to be tightened frequently, meaning more time spent on maintenance.
Drive Chain Size What size drive chain is used? Does the chain remind you of a bike chain? Or does it look like a heavy duty roller chain (about 1” wide)?
Web Chain Size What size web chain is used? Is it a T-Rod chain or a flat chain? Flat chains are known for trouble and are hard to replace.
Floor Type What kind of floor does it have? Wood floors rot out within years. Steel floors start rusting out at 2 or 3 years (starting at the corners). Look for polyvinyl interlocking floor (called T & G).
Beaters How many beaters does it have? Your choice should be a wide paddle model with no less than 8 beaters. Conestoga models have 12 replaceable. How thick are they? The thickness of a paper plate? Conestoga models are 3/16” or thicker.
Shaft Type Does it have a split shaft or solid shaft (referring to axle and spindle size)? A solid shaft allows both wheels to work together, thus preventing wheel sliding.
Ratchet Drive

Does it have a ratchet drive? Ratchet drive only turns the beaters and web when going forward. NO ratchet drive means you get a manure shower when you try to back up or a part breaks or bends. A chain might jump off the sprocket.
Galvanized Spreaders Galvanized steel will rust, don’t be fooled. And, most
galvanized steel is thinner, allowing bolts to pull through
on long-term wear and tear.
Last and Most Important If the brochure does not show you a close up or tell
you how thick it is, be careful. There is a reason.
   
Conestoga Distributors, LLC
2233 New Holland Pike
Lancaster PA 17601
p: 717.556.0832  888.339.6273