"How is the auger part of it? has any one got a big rock or somthing else that would kill this unit stuck there where they would have to shovel it out?"
FWIW,
Simply put "YES" I ran about 120 tons through a Vee Pro 8000 last year and let me tell you this much from personal experience, chuncks, rocks, and whatever might be able to slip between the small 8" screw type auger and the 10" opening to the spinner will jam it and stop it from running, check for CL code. And "YES" I have had to dig all the way down to the auger to clear jams with a full spreader during a storm to get it running again. When you are running bulk salt by the truck load you can never be sure what you are going to get anytime during the season, and when the snow is falling wasting time on equipement failure is a killer. I did add 5/16 steel rod from side to side cuting the opening in the top screen in half and that did help some. I was up front with the guy I sold to and told him if we was running bagged salt most of the time this is a good unit to have, he said he did not run bulk salt much at all.
John is right with his post, and I agree that the overall design is awesome. Lighter to have in you truck, easy to push in, or pull out, polly means no rotting, easy to clean but, and the capicity is very questionable. If you want a unit that can take some abuse and be dependable you might want to consdier something that is proven.
I replaced the Vee Pro with a Swenson 8' 2yd. steel real V box with the 11 HP honda up grade. During a test run with the Swenson I loaded three buckets level giving me right at 2 tons of salt at the scale. Run the spreader to unload back onto the pile and it empty in a timed 5 minutes wide open with a spread of at least 40'. Although I made money last year with the Vee Pro I learned that I needed something this year that would put out more product with no hassel, I added a dump truck with HYD undertailgate spreader and increased my account list three fold there is no time for broom sticks, and stoping to push salt down in the spreader, that is why I went to a V box and bulk salt.
Again not bashing the Vee Pro, just a honest no BS assestment and if I could have found a proven all electric spreader with a conveyor design I would have bought one and avoid the gas unit. After looking, calling, and searching high and low I could not find a local dealer in the state. If I worked hear a Downeaster dealer I would have bought a downeaster all electric SS V box.
Just my experience.