Solar Water Pumping Kit Mounts On Old Air Seeder Tanks

Solar Water Pumping Kit Mounts On Old Air Seeder Tanks ENERGY Solar 30-3-18 Old air seeder tanks can be converted into inexpensive water pumping stations powered by solar or wind, says Wayne Hagen, Hagen Mfg. Ltd., Lake Alma, Sask. He supplies a kit that turns a tank into a large, rugged pumping system. The customer supplies the tank. He removes the tank's metering system and pumps, then uses silicone to seal the tank. The top of the tank is then fitted with solar panels or a wind generator. The resulting electricity is stored in deep cycle batteries that are used to operate a floating pump that fills the tank. It feeds out of the tank and into a trough on back. Most components bolt to the tank frame and come pre-wired, although some drilling may be required. "It looks a little different, but it's much less expensive than commercial portable livestock watering systems that include a tank and trailer. They can easily cost $3,000 to $5,000 more than my system," says Hagen. "My kit sells for $2,500 and up, depending on the number of cows to be watered, maximum feet of water lift for your system, and rate of water recovery in gallons per minute. "There are a lot of old unused air seeder tanks on the market that can be purchased for as little as $500. Most air seeder tanks will hold more than 1,000 gal. of water when sealed. Generally, that's enough storage to take care of about 100 cows. Any good-sized pickup will be able to pull the tank. Another advantage is that most air seeder tanks are built much stronger than most commercial water tanks and ride on heavier running gears, so cattle aren't as likely to cause damage." In Canada, the government is encouraging ranchers to fence off their ponds and pump the water to a nearby trough. "Using my air seeder tank kit, you can provide water to cattle away from the pond, so they don't trample wildlife habitat. The pond will stay cleaner so cattle drink cleaner water and stay healthier," says Hagen. Salt and mineral block holders, calf waterers, and oilers can all be added. Kits are available to fit Friggstad, Prasco and Deere 665 air seeder tanks. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Wayne Hagen, Hagen Mfg. Ltd., P.O. Box 215, Lake Alma, Sask., Canada S0C 1M0 (ph 306 447-4721; whagen@sasktel.net).

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