«Previous    Next»
Battery-Operated Fans Make Coolness Portable
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).


  Click here to download page story appeared in.



  Click here to read entire issue




To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.
Order the Issue Containing This Story
2003 - Volume #27, Issue #5