He Turns Fuel Tanks Into Feed Bunks

He Turns Fuel Tanks Into Feed Bunks ENERGY Miscellaneous 18-1-10 Old fuel oil tanks make great feed bunks for cattle and other livestock, says Ralph Hunt, New Salem, Mass., who cuts the tanks in half lengthwise and mounts them on creosote-treated telephone poles that serve as skids. He uses a tractor and chain to move the feeders. "They're more durable than wooden feed bunks," says Hunt, who has made bunks 8, 11, and 15 ft. long. He made the 8-ft. long bunk by cutting a 275-gal. tank in half and made the 11 and 15-ft. bunks out of 1,000-gal. tanks. Hunt cuts the sides of each tank to a height of 22 in., then welds 1-in. dia. steel pipe to the top edge to protect cows from cuts. He cuts two holes in the bottom of the tank - one at each end - so water can drain out and welds channel iron brackets onto the sides. A short length of chain is hooked onto a steel brace between the poles at each end of the tank to tow the bunks around. The brackets bolt to the telephone pole skids, which are just a little longer than the tanks themselves. "They're practically indestructible," says Hunt. "You can make them any length you want by welding sections together. "I got the tanks free. Fuel oil residue is a concern, but I use a power saw or chop saw to cut them apart which isn't as dangerous as a cutting torch. It's best to get a pre-cleaned tank. I wouldn't try this idea with a gas tank because it's too dangerous." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ralph E. Hunt, HCR 5272A, New Salem, Mass. 01355 (ph 508 544-6105).

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