Manure scraper for your tractor: how to choose and use one

The short answer

A manure scraper is an implement with a wide blade that lets you push manure, mud, sand or snow together to a fixed spot with your tractor. You use it on paddocks, runs, yards, barn alleys and paved paths.

Choose a manure scraper based on three things: the width of your passages, the surface you scrape and how the scraper attaches to your tractor. Knegt supplies the MS160 manure scraper (Mestschuif MS160) for paddocks and yards as an implement for its compact tractors, including the electric compact tractor range. Your dealer will advise which version and mounting suit your model.

What do you use a manure scraper for?

A manure scraper is one of the simplest and most widely used implements on farms and yards with animals. Instead of moving manure with a wheelbarrow and shovel, you push it with the tractor in one go to the manure pad, a heap or a collection point.

Typical applications:

• keeping horse paddocks and runs clean

• clearing barn alleys, feed alleys and slatted floors on livestock farms

• scraping yards, loading areas and paved paths

• removing mud and sand from paths and along the riding arena

• pushing snow off yards and access roads in winter

A manure scraper works best on a level, reasonably firm surface. If you want to move manure over longer distances or load it into a trailer or container, you will also need another implement, such as a transport box or a front loader. Knegt supplies, for example, the TB150 transport box for barn and yard work.

Fixed or hydraulic manure scraper: the differences

Manure scrapers come in several versions. These are the main differences:

• Fixed manure scraper: a simple blade that you push or pull with the tractor. Few parts, little maintenance and suitable for most daily jobs.

• Hydraulically adjustable manure scraper: you set the position or angle of the blade from the driver's seat using the hydraulics. Useful if you want to push manure to the side or change direction often.

• Scraper with a rubber strip: a flexible rubber bottom edge follows the floor better, cleans paved surfaces more thoroughly and is gentle on floors and slats.

• Scraper with a steel edge: robust on rough or unpaved ground, but less suitable for sensitive floors.

Which version suits you best depends on your surface and on how often and how far you scrape. Ask your dealer which versions and options are available for the MS160.

How to choose the right manure scraper in 5 steps

• Measure your passages: the scraper must be wide enough to work efficiently, but narrow enough to fit through gates, barn alleys and between fences.

• Look at the surface: concrete, pavers, slats, sand or grass each call for a different bottom edge. On sensitive floors, rubber is usually the best choice.

• Check the mounting: a manure scraper attaches to the rear of the tractor, to the front or to the front loader. Choose a scraper that fits your tractor's coupling.

• Match the scraper to your tractor: a wide blade full of wet manure needs enough tractive power and grip. The four-wheel drive of Knegt tractors helps, but always have your dealer check the combination.

• Think about the whole year: if you also want to use the scraper for mud or snow, choose a robust version with a wear-resistant edge.

Not sure about the width or version? Your Knegt dealer will be happy to look at your barn, paddocks and yard with you.

Scraping manure with an electric compact tractor

Manure is often scraped close to the animals: in the barn, on the paddock or next to the arena. That is where an electric compact tractor has clear advantages. It is quiet, so horses and livestock stay calmer, and it produces no exhaust fumes, so you can also work indoors in barns and sheds.

Knegt's electric models, the 304G2E, 404G2E and 504G3E, have separate motors for driving and hydraulics. This keeps hydraulic power available for, say, a hydraulically adjustable scraper or the front loader, even while you drive. Thanks to the compact build and power steering, you manoeuvre easily in narrow barn alleys and around fences.

Mostly working outdoors and prefer diesel? Ask your dealer about the options for the 304G2, 404GT and 504GT in combination with a manure scraper.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a manure scraper and a snow blade?

Both have a blade, but a manure scraper is designed to push wet, heavy manure together, often on barn floors and paddocks. Many manure scrapers can also be used for mud and snow.

Can I use a manure scraper on slatted floors?

Yes, provided the bottom edge is suitable. A rubber strip is gentle on slats and floors. Ask your dealer which version suits your floor.

Do I need a hydraulic manure scraper?

Not always. For scraping straight ahead, a fixed scraper is enough. A hydraulically adjustable scraper is useful if you often push to the side or change direction.

Can I scrape manure inside the barn with an electric tractor?

Yes. An electric Knegt produces no exhaust fumes and is quiet, so you can also work indoors in barns and sheds without unnecessarily disturbing the animals.

Advice on your manure scraper and tractor

Would you like to know which manure scraper and which Knegt model suit your barn, paddocks and yard? Request a free demo and see the tractor at work on your own premises. Prefer to talk first? Book a consultation, request a quote or find a Knegt dealer near you.