Blog posts of '2016' 'July'

Nameplate from GrowerSELECT fan motor

Today’s livestock and poultry operations rely on electric motors for a variety of feeding and ventilation functions. Used in buildings that can be both dusty and humid, with fluctuations in voltage and varying workloads we subject our motors to a very hostile work environment.

When selecting replacement motors, it is important to select motors that are both efficient and designed with a “safety factor” that will allow them to last under harsh conditions.

While you may be familiar with the term Service Factor or S.F., there are a couple of important designations found on a motor nameplate that may need more clarification.

Service Factor is defined as a motor’s ability to operate under a short-term load.   The higher a motor’s S.F. rating, the more durable the motor.  Motors with high S.F. are expected to last longer. To illustrate, a 1-1/2 Hp motor with a 1.5 S.F. can provide 2.25 Hp for short-term use.   However, it is not a good practice to continuously operate a motor above the rated workload. In other words, the same 1-1/2 Hp motor with  1.5 SF would not be selected to power a 60″ fan originally shipped with a 2 Hp motor.

Full Load Amps or F.L.A. represents the amount of current the motor is designed to draw at the rated horsepower. In the example nameplate, this means that when the motor is running under a full load at 230 volts, we can expect it to draw 5.4 amps. Motors with a lower F.L.A. for the amount of horsepower are considered more efficient to operate.

Service Factor Amps or S.F.A. represents the amount of current the motor will draw when running at the full Service Factor. In the example nameplate, the S.F.A. is eight amps at 230 volts.

Continually exceeding the S.F.A. shown on the nameplate can shorten motor life. Motors with a higher S.F.for the same horsepower have an increased “safety factor” and are expected to last longer under harsh conditions.

The most efficient, rugged motors are designed with a higher S.F., lower F.L.A., and higher S.F.A ratings. By comparing the information on a motor nameplate, we can select the best replacement motors for feeding and ventilation equipment.

Hog Slat designed the GrowerSELECT line of motors to help simplify a producer’s decision on selecting replacement motors. GrowerSELECT motors feature a high Service Factor (as high as 1.5) and higher  S.F.A. rating to increase motor life.  Each model number is a direct cross to the most popular brands of feed systems and fans used on producers’ farms. No matter what your existing brand of equipment we have a GrowerSELECT motor designed to replace it and save money while doing so. Shop GrowerSELECT motors.

GrowerSELECT Proxy Control on display  at the 2016 World Pork Expo

One of the products Hog Slat introduced at the 2016 World Pork Expo is designed to give pork producers an improved method for controlling feed line motors.

The GrowerSELECT Proximity Drop Tube Control features a flat proxy sensor that can detect feed levels through the plastic housing. The flat proxy mounts to the side of the feed tube and doesn’t require drilling a hole for installation. The compact design takes up less room on the control compared to rod type proxy sensors.

GrowerSELECT HS752

Flat Sensor

Like it happens with many advancements in electronics this improved sensor costs less than existing technology.  A quick online search shows replacement rod type proxy switches costing between $117 and $150.  The complete HS752 unit costs $125 and can replace the feed level control on any existing feed system.

Close up of sensor mounted on control

Simple wiring diagrams for existing feed systems.

Click here for manual illustrating wiring schemes for installing the HS752 on the most common feed systems.

To order go to www.hogslat.com , stop at a local store (see store locator)  or call 800-949-4647.

Heavier bins, Stronger bins. Bins designed to last longer.

It starts with the selection of steel. Most feed bins are built from a mixture of steel grades. The sidewall sheets and legs are manufactured from Grade 50 structural steel (50,000 psi) while the other components are produced using a commercial grade type B steel (33,000 psi) The entire Hog Slat bin is manufactured using only Grade 55 Structural Steel with a superior strength of 55,000 psi.

We use stronger steel in the smallest part of our bin than the competition does in their most critical components.

We didn’t stop there.

We also use heavier gauges of steel in every part of the bins; including thicker bottom cone sheets, that resist dents from hammers, to bin collars over four gauges thicker than competitive brands.

Our state-of-the-art, in-house manufacturing allows us to produce heavier, stronger products with precision for ease of assembly and proper fit along with features designed to protect both the operator and the stored feed.

Our improved WeatherEdge™ design directs water away from the hopper, and rounded trapezoid ladder rungs provide for secure footing, exceeding OSHA safety standards. Hog Slat feed bins also feature a spring loaded lid that folds flat, below the fill ring, to protect it from damage during filling.

We are so confident of the quality of the bins that we offer the industry’s best warranty, an extended FIVE-YEAR warranty.

In addition to the great design and durable construction, one of the most important features of our feed bins is the local assembly, delivery, and service provided by our extensive store network. Our local stores selling directly to the end-user allows us to help eliminate extra costs and add value that makes choosing your next feed bins a simple choice.

Longer-lasting bins, a better warranty and local service.

Get a quote on your next bin and see for yourself. Call 800-949-4647, go online www.hogslat.com or stop in at a local Hog Slat or Georgia Poultry store. (click for Store Locator)

How can we make the claim of selling the strongest, heaviest feed bins on the market at the best possible price to swine and poultry growers?

Traditional multilevel supply chain vs. Hog Slat’s Direct Distribution

Simple. Our direct distribution system eliminates the additional markup that dealers have to add to the bin’s price. Instead, that money goes back into building a stronger bin manufactured from heavier steel. These longer lasting bins are built with 5-10% more steel, by weight, than competitive brands.

Compare the features.

Most manufacturers only use 50,000 psi structural steel for the bin sheets and legs to reduce costs.  Hog Slat bins are constructed entirely of GRADE 55 structural steel.  The bin sheets, legs, roof sheets, bottom cone sheets…the entire bin.

Heavy, dent resistant bottom cone sheets.

The bottom cone sheets of a bin are subjected to extra abuse from hammers and mallets used to dislodge bridging feed.  That’s why we used thicker steel to resist dings and dents.

Heavy 10 gauge collar

We build the bin collar out of heavier 10 gauge steel to eliminate having to add additional reinforcing collars. The collar is stamped to reduce variations in dimensions compared to rolled or spun collars.

Every Hog Slat / Georgia Poultry bin is manufactured in-house for complete control of raw material purchasing and manufacturing operations.  Our facility includes state-of-art rolling, stamping and finishing machinery to ensure precise fit and finish.

Get a quote on your next bin and see for yourself. Call 800-949-4647, go online www.hogslat.com or stop in at a local Hog Slat or Georgia Poultry store. (click for store locator)