My latest build--Mobile Chicken Plucker/Scalder

[Stranger]

I just finished up this build for a local gentleman who desired a Plucker and Scalder set up. Luckily our compensation agreement allowed me some 'freedom' in the design and functionality.
So I came up with this...

 

[IndyIan]

Wow, that is quite the setup! Is the plan to rent it out or offer a plucking service? We share a drum plucker with a neighbor but it tends to be a chicken skinner if you try to do tricky areas with it.
I read tub pluckers are better somehow but I'd like to see one work in person. We just had the gizzards for lunch from a couple meat birds who legs were starting to give out, so having any plucker sure helps the processing become less of a chore.
You'll have to post some videos of your machine in action.

 

[Stranger]

I am going to assume the buyer will eventually offer a service.
I don't think he really expected this as the finial product because he had originally came to me with a rough idea of two separate units.
Tubs do a really good job but as with any plucking you need to have your scald correct!. This unit will maintain the water temp within 3 degrees of the set temp. For this application 143-144F works out perfect with 3 chickens dunking at a 6 time per min rate. You can knock out 3 chickens about every 2 min :licking:
I'll get some video and post it once I get to a higher speed connection.

 

[Stranger]

Ok, I need to figure out how to reduce the video but here are a couple stills of 3 chickens in the tub and the final result.
You cant go wrong with a tub plucker absolutely no damage to the skin or meat.


Couldn't edit the original post so here is a link to a small video clip:

http://videos.tractorbynet.com/video/1018/Mobile-Scalder-Plucker-Small-Clip

 

[aczlan]

Did you build, or buy the plucker?

Aaron Z

 

[Stranger]

Did you build, or buy the plucker?

Aaron Z

I built it for a local farmer

 

[teg]

Just helped with 17 chickens, by hand... this would have been *really* nice!!! Are you going to into production with these? :laughing:

Looks like you used a water heater? How long do the birds stay in the Plucker? (other then 'when they're done' ) Pretty cool setup... :thumbsup:

 

[Stranger]

I build a lot of custom things... If someone wanted one of these or similar I'd build another. It takes less than 2 min for the whole process; a little over a 1min for the scald and around 20 sec to pluck...3 at a time.

The scald tank is made from a water heater but I changed out the controls to something more reliable and accurate. I used some ideas from others I found around the internet. Its all propane powered including the on-board generator.
Just hook up water and your in business!!

 

[Jmidjr]

Stranger, I'm a bit dense. When you say:
" 3 chickens dunking at a 6 time per min rate", just what do you mean? We use a washtub over a turkey fryer burner and go for 142 to 143F; so I'm trying to envision your dunking protocol.

Btw, I'm using a homemade drum plucker; would love a tub plucker someday. Great build!

 

[Stranger]

Stranger, I'm a bit dense. When you say:
" 3 chickens dunking at a 6 time per min rate", just what do you mean? We use a washtub over a turkey fryer burner and go for 142 to 143F; so I'm trying to envision your dunking protocol.

Btw, I'm using a homemade drum plucker; would love a tub plucker someday. Great build!

Three chickens are clipped onto a carriage that raises and lowers 6 times a min. It's also moving slow enough to do test pulls of feathers to see if their ready for plucking. Here is a pic showing the whole scalding section to give you a better idea.

 

[Localmotion]

Great bit of kit - very impressive and love the idea that your customer can tow between small units :thumbsup:

Out of interest (and not wanting to pry about your margin), what price would you sell one of these for?

 

[Stranger]

Great bit of kit - very impressive and love the idea that your customer can tow between small units :thumbsup:

Out of interest (and not wanting to pry about your margin), what price would you sell one of these for?

There is a lot of room to move in cost depending what someone would want and if they don't mind some used assemblies as opposed to new items. An example might be a used water tank as opposed to a new unit or even a larger from scratch tank. Stainless steel or composite, self powered or not, powder coat or paint, etc all affect cost. An identical unit to this would run about $7500 to $8000 depending on any small changes desired and material cost fluctuations.

Moderators: If this post is against any forum rules please let me know and remove it. It is not my intent to give any impression that I am advertising.

 

[IndyIan]

Wow, I guess an electric only model would be a bit cheaper but 15 amps at120V kind of limits what kind of water heater you could use in addition to everything else.
Next time we do some chickens I'll make sure the scalding water is closer to 140-145F. I think we had it too hot last time.

 

[fatsam]

the poor chickens :laughing: