miniature silo-opinions needed

[cowboydoc]

It's the steel that causes the probelms Robert. You won't have a problem storing in plastic.

 

[RichZ]

We use galvinized metal garbage cans to store our feed. They're rodent proof, and rodents can't chew their way into them.

In addition to the other problems mentioned, it seems to me that rodents might have an easy time getting into a mini-silo.

 

[Wingnut]

Rick,
I'd have the opposite problem from the other folks that have responded. Our 6 minis go through only 100 pounds of feed in 6 to 8 weeks. I get the absolute minimum I can get mixed and then monitor quite closely when it's getting down to make sure it's still as fresh as possible. Your unit would be way too big for us.
Like the other, I find a lot of success in using plastic ... we use a 25 gallon plastic tub with a tight fitting lid ... holds 50 lbs perfectly ... the other 50 pound bag sits (sacked) in a plastic garbage can until needed.
Now, if you could get ME 55 gal plastic barrels for $2 .... well ... I'd have to dig in my pockets then!

pete

 

[JimMc]

Just some advice you may want to ignore:

Don't ignore the freight issue. It's one of the biggest problems we face as a manufacturer and one of the largest expenses we all pay as consumers. In fact, if you remove freight expenses, most products consumers use don't really cost all that much. Nothing more frustrating than a good product, eager customers, and no way to get it to them cost effectively.

Look for freight to move from $1.40 per loaded mile to $3.00 in the next 3 years.

Figure out before you start manufacturing how many will fit on a truck and average mileage to customer base. That will give you an idea of the true cost to the consumer.

 

[RBManufacturing]

Hi Guys,
Thanks to all for the comments!!! I truly appreciate it. Rick

 

[StoneHeartFarm]

How about something about the size of a 55 gallon drum that would stand on short legs (just tall enough to slide a small bucket underneath). A dump in the bottom would allow feed/grain to be put into a short bucket.

Or better yet, an adaptor for a 55 gallon drum that would mount to a hole cut into the bottom for a dump. Again, short legs for sliding a small bucket under. That would require only lifting the bag an additional foot for loading. Because the grain was being removed from the bottom, feed would always be rotated and fresh (no need to completely empty the drum before refilling).

We've got the same problem Pete does. Smaller critters don't eat that much, and nobody really makes anything cool for them. So, rubbermaid and the plastic barrel people get all the business.

Steve

 

[vlg888]

I'm looking to buy a mini bulk feeder that holds around 1 ton, we have 40 horses and need something a little bigger than you described. Do you have anything like that or the plans for that that I can build myself?