This drawing gives the physical dimensions of the Small Bale Feeder. It will feed 3 of the 48 inch long 90 pound bales or 4 of the 36 inch 60 pound bales.
The top of the machine has a heavy gauge .050 aluminum cover the full length to keep the more aggressive (hungry) stock from sneaking a bite before the hay is distributed. The cover over the 48 inch loading area fold back for easy loading and locks down when finished. The water proof cover over the completely enclosed control compartment hinges back for easy access. The key lock safety switch turns off the power from the 12 volt battery. Fully self contained and under 350 pounds this machine can be towed with any size truck, tractor or garden machine.
This aluminum frame is assembled by placing and clamping the pre cut parts in a fixture before welding to assure it is straight and flat before final assembly.
The chain channel extrusion is designed to insure a straight track for the #40 precision roller chain that is running on a stainless steel wear strip. The bottom of the channel is open to allow any hay particles to fall out.
The deck channels run the full length of the bed for a strong smooth sliding surface for the hay.
The side rail bright aluminum extrusion is designed as the main frame support members. The slots at the top and bottom of the extrusion are used to slide in a .020” tread plate strip to match the tread plate fenders.
All Aluminum Small Square Bale Feeder, 12 VDC motor flake knock-off side view
To be sure a single flake of hay is knocked off at each location the bale is fed out for 5 seconds or exactly 4 inches the approximately width of a single flake then stops. The three rotating fingers on the knock-off pull the flakes loose from the bale and pushes it downward at the same time. Flakes in tightly packed hay such as alfalfa tend to hang together. Without this knock-off system several flakes can come off at one time before the weight of the hay separates them from the bale.
All Aluminum Small Square Ball Feeder, 12 VDC motor flake knock-off –top view
This top view, cover removed, of the knock-off mechanism illustrates how the 3 rotating fingers apply a uniform knock-off pressure across the flake.