The Joy of a Good Manure Pitchfork (and the Misery of a Bad One)
If you live on a farm, you quickly learn that there are a few tools you absolutely cannot compromise on. High on that list? A good manure pitchfork, a sturdy muck bucket, and a reliable muck cart. These are the unsung heroes of farm life, and once you’ve used a great one, you’ll never settle for less again.
For years, my husband Jeff and I shared one good muck rake, passing it back and forth during chores like a relay baton. That all changed the glorious day Jeff brilliantly decided to buy a second muck bucket and rake. Suddenly, instead of waiting on each other, we could scoop side by side. Our stall-cleaning time was cut in half, and we practically felt like farm chore Olympians. A second rake wasn’t just convenient, it was life-changing.
Then came the infamous week of the flat tires. First, I got a flat on my bike commute home. Annoying, but manageable. Jeff came to pick me up, only for us to discover four flat tires on our car. As if that wasn’t enough, we pulled into the driveway and realized the tractor tire had gone flat too. What gives?! It felt like the Seinfeld episode of farm life, one ridiculous flat after another. The following day, just for good measure, I even rode past a trailer with a flat tire literally flying off the rims. At that point, the theme song was practically playing in my head.
But nothing could prepare me for the worst blow of all: I came home, went to grab my trusty manure rake, and discovered that three of its tines were snapped clean off. The night before it had been perfect. Mucking stalls with that thing now was like trying to shovel soup with a fork. Everything just fell through. What should have been a quick 20-minute job turned into an exhausting two-hour-long chore after my long ride home. By the end of it, I vowed never again to suffer through chores without a solid pitchfork in hand.
Why a Great Manure Rake is Non-Negotiable
Farm chores are already time-consuming. The last thing you need is a flimsy tool that slows you down, breaks under pressure, or leaves you scooping the same pile over and over again. A durable manure fork with strong tines, the right balance, and a comfortable grip is a true game-changer. Pair it with a reliable muck cart, and suddenly you’re working smarter, not harder.
Our Farm-Tested Recommendations
If you’re running a farm or even just caring for a couple of horses or livestock, these tools aren’t optional, they’re essential. After trial, error, and a whole lot of frustration, here are the top picks that will save your back, your time, and your sanity:
- The Best Manure Rake: Get your Little Giant manure rakes here!
- The Little Giant DuraFork Pitchfork Replacement Heads (a must when tines break unexpectedly): Get your replacement heads here!
- The Best Muck Cart for Easy Transport: Get your Little Giant Muck Cart here!
- The Little Giant Plastic Muck Tub for Your Muck Cart: Get your muck tub here!
These tools aren’t glamorous, but they are the backbone of a smooth-running farm. Without them, chores (at least) double in time and frustration. With them, you can move faster, get cleaner stalls, and finish chores with enough energy left to actually enjoy the farm life you’re building.
Call to Action
Don’t wait until you’re standing in a stall, trying to scoop muck with a broken fork while muttering about Seinfeld-level misfortune. Get yourself a dependable manure rake, replacement heads, and a muck cart today. They’re small investments that pay back daily in saved time, less stress, and a cleaner barn. Click the links above, grab the right tools, and thank yourself every chore day.
Stay Connected with BLeaves Farms
Life on the farm is always full of surprises, laughter, and lessons, and we love sharing every bit of it with you. If you enjoyed this story, you’ll love following along with our daily farm adventures, gardening tips, cooking inspiration, and behind-the-scenes moments. Come join us on social media, where the barn doors are always open and there’s always something new to learn or laugh about!
Follow us here:
Whether you’re a fellow homesteader, gardener, foodie, or just someone who loves farm life, we can’t wait to connect with you.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our little farm dream.
