Battery-Operated Fans Make Coolness Portable

Battery-Operated Fans Make Coolness Portable FARM HOME Miscellaneous 27-5-31 An Amish hardware store operator named Howard Plank in Arthur, Illinois knew there was a market for battery-operated fans. But he didn't realize the market wasn't limited to other Amish people. However, word got around and the store now does a brisk business manufacturing 16 and 20-in., 12-volt fans. Plank says they use a fairly expensive ball bearing motor and speed control to make the fans more efficient. And the motor and fan blade design were chosen for their quietness. Since most people use a standard marine deep-cycle battery (not included with the fans), they are rated to run from 15 to 150 hours on this battery, depending on speed of operation. The 20-in. fan is a tabletop fan that tilts to any angle and comes fully assembled. The unit measures 24 in. sq. The 16-in. oscillating pedestal fan has adjustable height, five casters for portability, and a removable battery compartment. Both units come with nine feet of wiring with clamps for direct connection to battery terminals, as well as an adapter to plug into a cigarette lighter. This makes them ideal for use in RV's, semi-truck sleepers, horse trailers or remote work sites. A smaller, 12-in. version is currently in the design stage, and will be available for the 2004 season, according to Miller. The 20-in. tabletop fan is priced at $169 plus $12 S&H. The 16 in. oscillating pedestal fan costs $279 plus $20 shipping and handling. Tools Plus has more than 20 dealers who also offer the Freedom Fans. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Lynn Miller, Fan Dept. Manager, Tools Plus, R.R.#1, Box 122C, Arthur, Illinois 61911 (ph 217 543-3294 or 217 543-2404).

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