Hydraulic Punch Makes "Holey" Tires

Hydraulic Punch Makes Holey Tires TIRES/WHEELS Handling A tour highlighting Twin Eagle Dairy’s automated calf feeding system composted manure for bedding and other modern practices was impressive but the holey tires holding down plastic-covered silage piles grabbed our attention FARM SHOW loves to discover inexpensive common sense ideas that solve problems When Pat Lunemann decided to add on to his freestall barn in 2000 his Clarissa Minn neighbors had concerns about the mosquitoes that would flourish in the water-holding tires on his silage piles Planning and zoning commissioners required Lunemann to come up with a solution before he could add on “I went to our local blacksmith and he came up with a wood splitter concept using the hydraulics on a tractor ” Lunemann says “It works like a paper punch ” Place the tire over the round receiver end push the hydraulic lever and a 3-in rod punches a hole through the rubber Spin the tire a quarter turn and repeat to punch 4 holes in a side Flip the tire and punch holes in the other side The round rubber pieces that fall out can be recycled “We tried to do both sides at once but it doesn’t work ” Lunemann says noting that it takes less than 2 min per tire even with turning the tire “We stay away from heavy tires and stick to light truck and car tires ” With holes in each direction most of the water drains What little is left evaporates quickly he says “The tires are dry with almost no smell or mess ” Lunemann says Punching holes rather than purchasing heavy tire sidewalls has saved a lot of money over the years Whenever he needs more tires it doesn’t take long to get them for free from local dealers Lunemann estimates he has about 10 000 tires with holes The solid rod has been rebuilt a few times to maintain a tight fit in the hole for easier cutting It’s not hard work he says but it’s monotonous and a good test to see if an employee is a hard worker Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Pat Lunemann Twin Eagle Dairy 37674 Co Rd 11 Clarissa Minn 56440 ph 218 756-2555; tedairy@eaglevalleytel net

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