Mixer Feeder Wagons

[fizz01]

Advice please - we are just about to enter into a new enterprise here on farm, of housing 500 beef cattle and for the first time ever we will need a mixer feeder wagon (weighing). The cattle are fed a once a day 24 hour ration - high dry matter. Would like to know pro's & cons. Thank you

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Pros- even mixes of cheap feeds preventing picky eaters

Cons- expensive to buy and run

 

[fizz01]

Pros- even mixes of cheap feeds preventing picky eaters

Cons- expensive to buy and run

Thank you. We are looking at buying a new one and narrowed it down to a Shelbourne Reynolds or a Kuhn probably 13 cubic metre loading. Having never used one - we are reliant on the reps (not always a good thing).

 

[Steevo]

Would be worth finding a few people who own different makes, and asking to go visit. You'll learn a lot from others mistakes that might save you making the same. Their successes will be helpful too...

 

[had e nuff]

Thank you. We are looking at buying a new one and narrowed it down to a Shelbourne Reynolds or a Kuhn probably 13 cubic metre loading. Having never used one - we are reliant on the reps (not always a good thing).

I would go bigger if you can. Feeding 500 every day will mean doing alot of mixes especially if putting dry silage in.

 

[joe soapy]

Fields, bulk tanks, sheds, tractors and mixer wagons all have 1 thing in common, they are never quite big enough.
Main desicion is between vertical or horizontal or keenan type.
Had Kunh horizontal for years and been faultless, now gone vertical but not used it yet

 

[pellow]

There is pages and pages of discussion in the annals of the TFF about the merits of different types of mixer wagons, it depends how many different rations you are feeding and how far your cattle sheds are from the feed storage, but I would say on those numbers you want a 20 cubic metre machine or bigger, even if you go for newish 2nd hand so you can afford a bigger machine, you need to stop being a salesmans wet dream and work out for yourself what you need, try to keep it simple

 

[Rossymons]

If it's bales you're putting in it has to be a tub mixer.

If it's clamped you can use a horizontal auger like a Keenan - loads on the 2nd hand market and parts are cheap.

Any wagon is cheap but running it costs a fortune. If you don't need one don't get one.

 

[fizz01]

Thank you, we have a few locals who are using one - so will pop round to see them in action. We definitely will need a wagon - as 400 cattle will be in one barn.

 

[Rossymons]

But whats in the mix?

If its in a straight line you need a strawchopper will do just fine.

 

[bruce9001]

Last year we just bought a 20cub KV SiloKing and so far it's been great!

Had a Keenan before but was hopeless at chopping and mixing straw!

 

[Northeastfarmer]

- as 400 cattle will be in one barn.

That's a bit dangerous isn't it?

 

[Grim Reaper]

Buy a big one and don't overfill it, mine mixes much quicker when it's 3/4 full.
Agree with NEF 400 in one shed will keep you busy if you get a touch of November disease.

 

[fizz01]

Thank you. It is a purpose built barn 90 metres x 18 metres - built to spec for correct natural ventilation and roof spacing. As advised by the experts! We have researched it thoroughly. As our old buildings really need condemning (vet says). We have suffered with pneumonia badly in the past. Thanks for the concern though. We are rearing for someone else. They come in batches and stay in their batches.

 

[fizz01]

But whats in the mix?

If its in a straight line you need a strawchopper will do just fine.

High dry matter silage, wheat/barley, minerals etc and biscuit meal.

 

[Beef farmer]

This bulls by any chance?

 

[fizz01]

This bulls by any chance?

Steers from 200kg to 475kg

 

[Rossymons]

High DM is what?

Is it clamped or bales? Got enough kit? Got enough staff? Whats wrong with what you do now, can it be scaled up?

A man and tractor is £35/hr. You involve a wagon in this and you're looking at closer to £100/hr so theres a lot to play for here.

 

[Beef farmer]

400 200kg steeres in a shed. Make sure you get a bigger tub than you need.

 

[sticky]

I have a 14.5 cube mixer no way is it big enough to feed that lot unless you mix all day, also go and buy yourself a bigger fuel tank your going to need it. But good luck with the new enterprise.