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Blog posts of '2015' 'May'

Poly Lamp Improves Plastic Heat Lamp

poly-lamp-mainHog Slat’s introduction of the Poly Lamp improves several features of plastic heat lamp shades used in swine farrowing houses. Plastic heat lamp shades have become popular since being introduced several years ago. Polypropylene shades don’t dent or corrode like aluminum shades. Plastic shades also have a some cushion or “bounce” when knocked against the crate or creep panels reducing bulb breakage.

The Hog Slat’s Poly Lamp improves several key features of the plastic heat lamp, most notably to the nylon fixture.

poly-lamp-fixtureFirst, the nylon fixture screws together on the shade top, instead bolting. The two-piece fixture reduces breakage occurring with the bolt-on style of earlier models.

Second, we use a rigid fixture instead the flexible type used on other poly lamps. The rigid design eliminates cord twist when replacing bulbs.

And third, the porcelain socket resists heat damage better than plastic types.

The Poly Lamp comes with a choice of hanging options; adjustable sliding poly hanger on the 9′ cord or a wire hanger mounted on fixture top.

poly-lamp-poly-hanger

Rated a maximum 250 watts at 120 volts, the Poly Lamp is UL listed. The Poly Lamp also comes with an extended Three-Year Warranty.

Overall the Poly Lamp is an improved version of earlier plastic lamp shades at very attractive price. For ordering information go to http://hogslat.com/hog-slat-poly-heat-lamp

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Hog Slat Launches AirStorm Ventilation Fans

airstorm logo

Hog Slat’s launch of AirStorm fiberglass fans continues our commitment to reducing the price swine and poultry farmers pay for production equipment. Manufactured at our facilities in Iowa and North Carolina, AirStorm fans offer dependable performance at very attractive prices. Here is a look at several key features illustrating the quality designed into AirStorm fans.

itm-as-36-img no shutter coneQuality starts with Resin Transfer Molded (RTM)  fiberglass housings. Fiberglass parts produced by a RTM process have two finished surfaces and high glass-to-resin ratio. The result is a very finished looking product with high weight-to-strength characteristics. A direct side-by-side comparison of competitive brands shows AirStorm housings to be noticeably thicker. Polyethylene discharge cones reduce weight and cost. 

itm-as-36-img back shutter

True airfoil vanes on the PVC shutters reduce air drag to improve fan delivery. Full-length spring steel rods, instead of short endpins, keep the vanes securely mounted into the frame.

itm-as-54-img back gaurdHeavy-weight, stainless steel motor mounts, and hardware offer more protection from rust and corrosion than comparable aluminum mounts. Stainless Steel (36″ & 54″) or composite (24″) props outlast plastic or aluminum and stay “in-balance” through actual on-farm conditions. High service factor motors provide protection against varying line voltages common with rural power sources. 

stack of coinsThe lower purchase price of AirStorm fans results from a different type of distribution model. The traditional marketing channel for ventilation equipment consists of a manufacturer selling fans to a local dealer who marks the price up before selling to livestock producers. The cost of AirStorm fans is lower because we manufacture and sell directly to the end user. Hog Slat controls the distribution chain from start(manufacturing and sourcing) to finish (sale to the end user) and can limit the amount of “stacked margins” in the final purchase price. (See more about Margin Stack) Our network of local stores provides service at a cost lower than typical dealer distribution systems.

For pricing and ordering information go to Airstorm Fans

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Ultimate Chicken Bucket Drinker

0004354_chicken-drinking-bucket-with-3-nipples

Building a poultry drinker by inserting poultry watering nipples into the bottom of a common five-gallon plastic bucket is very popular for backyard flocks. Bucket waterers are inexpensive, sanitary and relatively trouble-free.

We would like to introduce you to an improvement on this simple concept, a product we like to think of as the Ultimate Bucket Drinker.
Bucket waterer with hen

The Ultimate Bucket Drinker is uniquely designed with three recessed sections with preformed nipple fittings molded into the bottom of the bucket, allowing for easy handling and an effective method for watering backyard flocks.

One key feature of the Ultimate Bucket Drinker is the three recessed sections. These allow for the bucket to be placed stably on the ground when filling with water, a feature that is not possible with the standard drinker with nipples screwed into the bottom of the bucket.

0004356_chicken-drinking-bucket-with-3-nipples_326A second benefit of the Ultimate Bucket Drinker is raised watering nipples. This raised design prevents any dirt or debris that is in the water to plug the watering nipples. Instead, any dirt or debris in the water will settle to the bottom corners of the bucket.

The nipples themselves are commercial grade; trigger activated with extra top filter.

The Ultimate Bucket Drinker includes an easy on/off lid, hanging/carrying handle and adjustable0004355_chicken-drinking-bucket-with-3-nippleshanging cord, allowing you to regulate the ideal drinking height as your chickens grow.

The Ultimate Bucket Drinker goes together fast…no drilling or gluing necessary and costs less than other pre-packaged kits on the market.

To order go to http://hogslat.com/adjustable-chicken-drinking-bucket-with-3-nipples.


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Jet or Submersible Pump for Cool Cell Systems?

jet vs sub pump

We spoke with Hog Slat engineers, Tyler Marion and Tim King about the differences between using a jet or submersible pump to fill evaporative cooling systems. Here’s a quick synopsis of our discussion.

1) Jet pumps are more reliable because they can run dry for a period of time. For instance, if you discover during morning chores a leak occurring overnight had drained the system, a jet pump would still be working.   A submersible pump that runs that long without water will need to be replaced.

2) Jet pump repairs are less costly. The impeller and motor are two individual components; a bad motor can be replaced separately. Submersible pumps are a single unit.

3) Jet pump repairs and service are easier. A jet pump system is all above ground…a submersible pump must be pulled from the sump for repairs. A drain plug on the GrowerSELECT jet pump allows easy access for service and winterizing.

4) The integrated trash basket on a jet pump protects the pump from debris.

5) Submersible pumps are designed to move waste water from underground applications; low volumes with high head pressures. Jet pumps are a better choice for evaporative cooling applications as they move larger volumes of water at reduced head pressures.

6) One of the advantages cited for using a sump/submersible pump system is the sump acts as an extra reservoir for the system. The bottom trough of an 80′ long system holds about 300 gallons of water. A typical sump only holds about 30 gallons; really an insignificant amount. The main purpose of a sump area is to provide a place where a submersible pump can run in water so it doesn’t burn up. (see 1.)

grower-select-jet-pump-34-hp-240v_edited-1

To order go to jet pump

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Grow-Disk Feed System Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Grow-Disk LogoAppropriate maintenance and troubleshooting of a Grow-Disk chain feeding system will lead to smooth operation and a longer lifetime of the components.

Use this inspection checklist as a guide to maintaining your Grow-Disk feed system.

**Caution: Disconnect power before performing any maintenance.

Grow-Disk Maintenance

Daily Inspection
  • Monitor system amperage load
Monthly Inspection
  • Open unit and remove feed residue
  • Check chain tension
Every 6 Months Inspection
  • Remove dust from drive unit ventilator
  • Check functioning of safety switch
  • Check proximity switch
  • Check any/all other safety devices or sensors
Once a Year Inspection
  • Check idler wheel and drive sprocket for wear
  • Check corners. Remove residue. Verify tube position.
  • Check system wiring for damage

Grow-Disk Troubleshooting

If you experience an issue with a Grow-Disk Feed System, initial machinery inspection is important. Any troubleshooting exercise should begin with a thorough investigation of the machine, process, design, operation, and system maintenance records. To assist in troubleshooting the Grow-Disk feed system, use the Grow-Disk Troubleshooting Chart.

To learn more about Grow-Disk feed system visit http://www.hogslat.com/grower-select-grow-disk-feed-system

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