Galvanized Feed Tank

[RichZ]

As our dairy goat herd increases, so do our expenses, and we've decided that a major way to cut expenses is to start buying feed in bulk by the ton. So, we're going to need a galvanized feed tank. We're thinking of getting a smaller one, in the two ton range. Does anyone have any suggestions on features to look for and sources to buy them at the best price. A friend of ours got one from Farmer Boy last year for about $1200, but their web site says that prices are about to be adjusted. I'm sure they're going up, due the increase in steel prices.

Thanks for any info!!

 

[stevenf]

Rich I don't know how basic of questions you need answered but I have 3 suggestions. For a good resource on grain bins go to www.hicahs.colostate.edu/pdf%20files/grainbinpdf.pdf
1. make darn sure its vented as occasionaly grain storage bins can blow up if they get to hot and stored grain creates nitros oxide during fermenting so lighting up will indeed be harmful to your health.
2. you need to decide on how you want to dispense and into what as your mount height will need to accomadate the desired transport whether its buckets or wheel barrow or?
3. I don't remember for sure where you said you were located but on an item this big your probably going to find that shipping cost would eat up any savings you'd hope for as opposed to buying from someplace local with fuel prices the way they are, for instance I need a couple of round bales of hay the 1,000lb or so variety and South of town the hay cost $25. to $30. a bale for horse quality but the delivery charge is something like a dollar a mile and if I hauled my truck and trailer the 50 or so miles one way I could pick them up or buy them closer to the ranch (4 to 5 miles) at $40 to $50 a bale needless to say I'll be hooking up the trailer all right but driving the 4 or 5 miles as the gas and time or the delivery charges would obliterate the savings.
Steve