It looks like I'm going to be in the market shortly for my first deer feeder. Since I've never bought one before, I have no idea what the differences are between the various models. I've been reading the current posts on the subjects and ran a search for previous posts, but most of the discussion is about which brand to buy, and really doesn't discuss features that are needed or are to be avoided.
Winch up type will help limit amount of corn you feed ****. Go all out and buy the varmit guard, solar power, digital, etc. Get it all at once and be done with it. Remember if you are in an area with hogs to secure the feeder well. There are good and bad in all brands, just buy from someone that will service them and stand behind them. Good luck and just my .02
Winch up is good, make sure the winch is a reversible type that cranks down also instead of being free wheeled and gravity pulling it down! Also, just because it is a winch up type it doesn't mean that it is **** proof, it does however make it very safe and easy to fill,you just have to watch what you purchase in that department! Get something that does not have the timer and components mounted below the feeder , look at at the sweeny box type that the components are stored inside! get a quality solar panel that will not over charge your batteries and definitely go 12 volt! Make sure the legs have ample footing welded onto them to keep it from settling and place it high enough so the deer can't stand up and try to lick the spinner plate "even with the Varmint cage on it"! Get a high quality programable timer "No photo cell", if ya don't you will be sorry! Drum or box, get it galvanized with a level window in it so you don't have to let it down or climb up on it to check the level! Face the solar panel to the east with a clear path angled up a little to catch the best sun and make sure the wires to the panel a very protected and secure! I have two sweeny's that are in excess of 20 years old and the only thing that has been done to them is replace the analog timer with a good digital and added quality solar panels!:cheers:
Not much to add to either of these posts. Don't cheap out on these or you'll be upgrading sooner or later. (sooner) I've never seen the window type feed level indicator but a really good idea..... 300# minimum(55gal). 30 gal is okay but the 55 is only alittle more. Make sure it has a good rainproof top on it and not just a squeeze style latching ring. Stake them down SECURELY inside a SECURE feeder pen or the hogs will benefit more than the deer. Post up with what you decide on.
Another fancy gizmo to think about on the winch up type is the worm gear type of winch. I have seen them at the TTHA show . You can use a drill with a socket to lower and raise the feeder. I don't have one, but like the idea.
I agree. I purchased 2 SpinTech's last year. The amount of corn I lose to wind, *****, and pigs hitting legs has gone way down. I have been getting an extra month or more of feeding when I fill up those feeders. With the cost of corn, this can be a huge amount of money within one year.
I have had all kinds of feeders in the past from the ladder attached kind with platforms to the winch up kind, to the kind you have to back your truck up to. In my opinion the winch up kind that have gears for up and down are the best, and safest type to get.
Second the Sweeney from above, we have several in excess of 15 years and have just had to upgrade solar panels and a few timers. Quality product and good service.
Like the others said go with a 12 volt. Even without a solar panel I only change the battery about every 4-5 months. I keep a extra battery for each feeder and charge them at home on a trickle charger. The 12 volt also throws the corn farther out so all the deer aren't as bunched up under the feeder so it is easier to get a shot without having to worry about other deer in the way as much.
Check Main Street Feeders in North Richland Hills. Full set-up for @ $350 or so.
55 gallon barrel
metal funnel / lid
6v motor with top of the line digital timer
solar panel
varmint cage
optional ladder leg for @ $30 is a nice upgrade.
55 gal for sure. Check Academy and places like that for end of year sales. Most are getting rid of them right now. Try D I C K S sporting goods. 55 gal is a must. varmit guard is a must. I would for sure use a solar panel. 12 is a good idea as mentioned but is not a killer. Digital timer for sure. No photocell, they are cheap for a reason. Make sure and stake down good. I use t-post and wire wrap as we have lots of hogs. I also use a funnel in mine to direct the corn to the feeder. Good luck and now is the time to find a deal. You can also build your own. Find a 55 gal barrell, buy the brackets for the legs, go to home depot and buy some legs. By a feeder motor on sale, buy the solor panel on sale. Batteries are on sale right now;. Varmit cage can be bought at Academy cheap right now. I think they have the funnels.
55 gal -- free
leg kit at wall mart $12.00
3 legs $30.00
spin cast feeder motor and timer $125.00
Battery $12.00
Funnell $ 9.00
varmit guard $15.00
solar panel $22.00
Something like $223.00. You can spend a lot more if you want to.
I have two Moultrie feeders I paid $69.00 at BassPro. Have analogue timers and 35 gallon capacity. Darn thing runs on 6 AA batteries. Took the time to stake them into the ground.
They've thrown corn consistently for 5 years. I moved them from place to place until I found a permanent place on my lease that I liked to hunt and was best for game. I've since upgraded to larger 55 gallon Moultre feeders that were substantially more expensive. I did this as I've gone to year round feeding and it's hard for me to get to the lease in the summer.
I do use the feeders as 'back up' feeders placed at a different shooting lane then the bigger feeders. They still work consistently.
The trick to avoiding hog damage was to bang a piece of rebar into the ground and place a leg of the feeder over each one. I then put in T-posts at each leg.
A little long winded - but if you are new to your lease, not sure where you want to permanently set up, or not sure how long you will be on the lease, or worried someone will steal your feeder ... cheap feeders can work.
I would recommend the winch up type. We have had just about every type there is and the winch up type seem to be working out the best for the money. The leg kit type from walmart work good for awhile but eventually the sides of the barrel start to tear and the barrel has to be replaced. I think we spent about $200.00 for the winch setup which included the barrel. You still have to buy and install the timer/motor and battery. The varmit cage and solar panel are optional but recommended.
My 2 cents.
That's alright. I'll bet you looked at her funny the first time you saw her eyelash curler thingy. Those things look like some medeival (sp) torture device.......
If you can weld or you have a friend who does build the legs and brackets yourself instead of using the cheap walmart stuff. The cheap stuff will work but like others have said you get what you pay for.
The one I had that was lightly built was trashed by hogs before I ever got any real use out of it. The other two worked well even if I had to set them back up once or twice, until someone thought they needed them more than I did.
Whatever you do do NOT get a moultrie. I have had the feeder timers go out twice in just one year and the legs can barely support the weight of the corn and have buckled on me twice.. Thats just my experience with them but someone else might be doing better with em than me.
I started buying the Outback corn feeders 1000 lb not really portable and pricey, but not for what you get, really nice and holding about 22 bags of corn is really cuts down on fill times.
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