When you’re both selling equipment and running a family farm, there’s no room for compromise on reliability. Mitch Field, a Vermeer territory manager, practices what he preaches. After years of frustration with a different brand, he purchased a Vermeer MS400 manure spreader for his own operation near Fergus Falls, Minnesota. 

Field and his family operate a century-old farm with 150 registered Angus cows, alongside raising corn, soybeans, alfalfa and grass hay. The farm has a long history with the Vermeer brand, which made his role as territory manager a natural fit. 

“Working for Vermeer is a dream job for me,” Field said. “I live on a family farm. We’ve always used Vermeer equipment, even before I started working for the company.” 

So when his previous manure spreader began requiring constant repairs, Field faced a choice that would test his confidence in the brand he represents. 

When a manure spreader becomes unreliable

The breaking point for Field came when his relatively new spreader, purchased from another manufacturer, began to fail. The machine that was supposed to be a long-term solution became a source of constant frustration during Minnesota’s short spreading seasons. 

“I purchased it new in 2020, expecting it would work well and be worry-free for a long time,” Field said. “Instead, I found myself constantly making small repairs. It became incredibly frustrating.” 

The situation came to a head when major components failed prematurely. He explained that after only four years, the spreader already needed new bearings. That was the last straw for Field, who told his brother, “I’m done. We’re done working on it.”  

His next move was clear: fix it, sell it and get a Vermeer. 

For a farm operation that depends on efficient manure management, equipment failures create cascading problems. This is especially true with the limited seasonal windows for hauling in the upper Midwest. “When guys want to haul manure, the last thing they want to do is fix something,” Field said. 

How the Vermeer manure spreader design simplifies maintenance

One of the most significant changes Field experienced was the drastic reduction in maintenance and the ease of making adjustments compared to his previous spreader. The design of the Vermeer MS400 eliminates many of the frustrating and time-consuming repairs he used to face. 

With his previous machine, replacing a damaged slat was a grueling task.  

“You have to loosen the chain all the way, climb inside the tub and take the links apart to put a new one in … and you’re laying on your back underneath it with manure falling on your face,” Field recalled.  

He even had an instance where the chain came off, and he and his brother had to “fork out half of a load out of it,” which “wasn’t very fun.” 

In contrast, the Vermeer spreader is designed for simplicity. “The Vermeer one is so simple. You stand on the side of the machine and loosen two bolts in the front, slide the chain back and you do everything from the side of the machine, no climbing inside to replace slats, which is very nice,” he said. 

This simplicity extends to daily upkeep. The single-chain design with socket-fit slats on the Vermeer spreader has proven far more reliable than the dual-chain system on his old unit, which needed constant attention.  

“I ran mine for about a hundred loads this spring, and I haven’t had to tighten the chain yet,” Field said. “My old unit was almost every day you had to tighten the apron chain.” 

Key differences of the Vermeer MS400 manure spreader

Beyond the simplified maintenance, Field noticed several other significant improvements that validated his decision to switch. 

• Smoother, quieter operation: “The Vermeer manure spreader runs so nice and quiet and smooth. That’s one of the first things I noticed about it,” Field said.  

• Complete discharge eliminates field problems: Incomplete cleanout was a persistent annoyance with his previous equipment. The MS400 eliminated this issue. “My old machine seemed like I was always waiting for a little pile at the front. … With the Vermeer, as soon as you start seeing the augers, it’s cleaned out in 10 seconds.” 

• Superior durability by design: The fully welded body of the Vermeer spreader sets it apart from competitors who use bolted panels. This solid construction prevents water and manure from penetrating crevices and causing rust from the inside out. Additionally, the augers feature specially heat-treated boron and rubber pucks that provide flex when encountering rocks, preventing damage that was common on his previous machine. 

The MS400 manure spreader’s performance and spread quality in action

Field’s first spreading season with the MS400 was the real test, and the machine delivered. 

• Spread quality without modifications: Field had upgraded his old spreader with modified paddles to improve distribution but found the stock MS400 performed even better. “It’s been just as good or better, even with just the straight boron teeth on it,” he said, achieving a consistent 30-ft (9.1-m) spread pattern to help minimize field compaction when spreading. 

• Handling challenging conditions: The MS400 has consistently performed without the mechanical problems that plagued his previous spreader. “It was pretty much just came down to the maintenance as the biggest reason I made the switch — sick of fixing on it and didn’t want to have to fix on anything anymore,” Field said. 

Why the Vermeer MS400 manure spreader is worth the investment

For Field, the reliability of the MS400 is worth the investment, especially given the tight operational windows.  

“It’s two weeks in the spring, two weeks in the fall,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to touch the machine for five years. I don’t want to have to do any major fixing on it in that first five years of ownership.” 

When asked for his advice to other farmers, Field said it all comes down to the value of reliability. 

“How much is it worth to you to just be able to get into your tractor and go … and not worry about breakdowns?” he asked. 

His experience validates investing in quality equipment that eliminates headaches. As Field puts it, the Vermeer manure spreader is “one of those products that you could just hook up to and use, and that’s what we want to do at the end of the day.” 

Find a reliable manure spreader solution

Mitch Field’s story is a powerful reminder that when it comes to manure spreaders, reliability isn’t just a feature — it’s essential. If you’re facing the same frustrations he was, your local Vermeer dealer can help you find a spreader that’s built to work, not to be worked on. 

About Vermeer Corporation

Vermeer delivers a real impact on the way important work gets done through the manufacture of high-quality agricultural, underground construction, surface mining, tree care and environmental equipment. With a reputation for being built tough and built in a better way, Vermeer equipment is backed by localized customer service and support provided by independent dealers around the world. To learn more about Vermeer, products, the dealer network and financing options, visit vermeer.com.   

Vermeer Corporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown is for illustrative purposes only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region.  

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