Reminders Before Spreading Manure this Spring
The window for spreading manure in the spring is small. To make sure you are ready for when the madness strikes, Mike Strait put together a list of key areas to check. We hope these maintenance tips minimize any downtime when you are spreading manure this spring.
Checking Manure Equipment
Check air pressure in all the tires
If you have a question about the correct amount, please contact our team of experts. A lot of sidewall problems can be avoided with proper air pressure.
Look over all tires
Make sure the tires are free of cracks, nails, uneven wear, etc.
If applicable check the brakes and make sure they are operating properly
Check oil levels
This includes but is not limited to bearing housings, gearbox, Houle pumps, Cornell pumps, etc.
Checking parts
Check bearings for excessive play
Take hold of each side of the wheel or disc and try and wiggle from side to side. If you can feel much movement at all it would be good to pop the grease cap, take the nut off the axle and at least look at the grease. If everything looks good, you can probably just retorque the nut and be fine. Bearing failures are most common in too tight of bearings rather than too loose.
Check for hitch pin and hitch wear
If it looks worn, replace it. View our current equipment inventory here.
Check wear on disc blades or sweeps
They work the best when new so don’t let them get too far gone before replacing them.
Check anything that must move when spreading manure
All pivot points, wings, nozzle pivots on chopper pumps, etc.
Putting the pieces together
Take electrical connections apart and clean them
If you can, hook everything up and make sure everything is getting power. Check your work lights, tail lights, and turn signals before spreading manure this spring.
Hook up the tank
If you have a steerable tank, check the steering to make sure it works properly. If not let’s fix it. Also, make sure the flow control valve moves in manual operation. Your flow control manual explains how to do this, or you may call the office and we can walk you through it.
Double check your manure management plan
Test your manure so you know what rate you will need to apply. Be sure to have a H2S gas monitor handy when working with manure that has been stored for longer than 21 days.
For additional questions in regards to preparing your equipment for spreading manure in the spring; give our team a call.