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Don't have an NI, but do have a small ground drive spreader. Look at the condition of the box. NI 14A is wood, I think, check the floor thoroughly. Look at the apron chain for broken links or links literally held together with baling wire. At the rear, check where all the shaft bearings mount to the sides for rot/rust wear and slop. Check the widespread (that's the auger on the back) for thin metal and rust through. Parts were readily available for my JD. Apron chains and other drive chains are available through a number of supply houses. Bearings might be a little harder to find, particularly axle bearings. Pull it, make sure the rachet for the apron chain works, and that the beaters and widespread turn. If you can, jack it up and make sure the axle bearings are free. Check the rachets on the drive wheels. They should lock going forward, and ratchet when the wheels are turned backwards. Look to see if it shows evidence of having been lubed and maintained. Maintenance is about the same either way. Don't leave manure setting in it, the juices are highly corrosive, and if the load freezes, you'll bust the apron chain trying to move it. Spray it out with a hose after use if possible (the corrosion thing again) Keep it lubed. Traction can be an issue in the winter. Should do okay on snow, but the drive wheels can slip on ice and fail to drive the machine. Typically, one wheel drives the apron chain and the other drives the beaters/spreader. Chains may help, haven't tried it, as I don't spread in the winter anyway.
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