Bale Feeder Sling Saves Hay

Bale Feeder Sling Saves Hay HAY & FORAGE HARVESTING Bale Handling (5) 19-6-6 A simple sling made out of chain saves hay for Ontario cattle feeder Mike Chell, who first saw the idea on a neighbor's farm. Chell fitted the sling to a standard circular commercial bale feeder he already owned. Lengths of chain dangle from two angle iron cross bars that mount on opposite sides of the feeder. Notches are cut in the ends of the bars to fit over the top edge of the bale feeder. J-clamps hold the bars in place. Four pieces of chain run across the feeder, and one runs across the four pieces of chain to keep them from tangling. The bale rests on top of the chains, which hold it a couple feet off the ground. Since most hay waste happens when animals pull a mouthful off the bale, the elevated arrangement lets hay fall inside the feeder, rather than outside of it. In addition to the sling, Chell added a plywood floor to the feeder so loose hay doesn't fall directly onto the ground. (Reprinted courtesy Ontario Farmer)

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