I am looking to build a round bale hay feeder, something similar to the square sioux hay feeder. Can anyone give any advice or pointers on building one of these. I am planning to use 14 ga 2" round tubing, also can any one give recommendations on either building it as one unit or as several pieces or as a top and bottom section.
round bale hay feeder
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weldingisfun
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What kind of animals will you be feeding from it? If it is going to be square, wouldn't working with square tubing be easier to work with? I build square bale feeders for goats and because the bale is elevated, I build with 11 ga , 1" square tubing.
PaulWS
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We have one that looks like this: http://www.southernmetalsales.com/images/Fleenor_slant_bar_open_round_bale_feeder.JPG
but it is only made from pipe about 1" or 1.25" diameter. I sit it over a spare round concrete water trough and drop the bale in that (catches the "crumbs" to reduce waste). It has been in use quite a few years and works well, no need for it to be stronger.
One useful thing is that it is made in 2 halves, held with pins dropped through some pipe sections (similar to these: http://redriverrural.com.au/wp-cont...2012/12/super-heavy-duty.jpg&h=419&w=628&zc=1). It is easy to take apart and throw in the trailer to move it, or to unpin one side and open it out to access inside easily.
but it is only made from pipe about 1" or 1.25" diameter. I sit it over a spare round concrete water trough and drop the bale in that (catches the "crumbs" to reduce waste). It has been in use quite a few years and works well, no need for it to be stronger.
One useful thing is that it is made in 2 halves, held with pins dropped through some pipe sections (similar to these: http://redriverrural.com.au/wp-cont...2012/12/super-heavy-duty.jpg&h=419&w=628&zc=1). It is easy to take apart and throw in the trailer to move it, or to unpin one side and open it out to access inside easily.
farm boy00
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Make sure you build it heavy enough!!
jimmyj
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One thing I would recommend is making sure there is a way in the design to pick it up and move it with either forks or a bale spear or whatever bucket you have. I put the bale into my feeder and then pick the whole works up and move it into a shed I made to keep the hay dry. Sometimes being able to easily lift the feeder empty is super handy too.