Fuel Tank Feed Cart

Fuel Tank Feed Cart LIVESTOCK Feeding Equipment 24-6-18 Ralph Mika turned an old fuel barrel into a hand feed cart fitted with an auger. Mika cut a hole in the top of the barrel and then reinforced the open edges and added legs to the tank. He also installed V-shaped bottom panels in the barrel to keep feed flowing. The V-bottoms take away about half the capacity of the tank. Mika installed a hydraulic-powered auger on one side that extends into the side of the tank. He used a 5-in. dia. auger from an old combine. The feed cart has the capacity of 850 to 1,000 lbs. of feed. He feeds approximately 140 cows with calves 5 lbs. of grain per day. It takes less than a minute to hook the tank to the tractor. You simply back the tractor forks under it and hook up the hydraulic hoses and chains. "It now takes me less than 20 min. each day to feed the cows and calves. Material cost, including barrel, steel, auger, hoses, and motor, was about $225. Of course, caution must be taken when opening up fuel tanks." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ralph V. Mika , Box 237, Mexico, Mo. 65265 (ph 573-581-2090).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.