Articulated “Chore Machine” For Turkey Barns

Articulated “Chore Machine” For Turkey Barns BUILDINGS Miscellaneous This new “chore machine” was developed specifically to reduce the workload in large turkey barns The Barn Boss has a standing platform with a joystick control on front followed by a “live box” with an apron chain similar to a manure spreader Load capacity is up to 1 600 lbs The rig is powered by a Honda 3 hp gas engine with hydrostatic drive and pump similar to a zero-turn riding mower The machine’s oscillating articulated chassis is designed to smoothly negotiate uneven terrain found inside a typical barn and its rounded front allows gentle movement among turkeys The operator makes use of a “leaning post” that doubles as a toolbox Appleton Minn turkey farmer Brad Mitchell and co-worker Jeff Stitt led the effort to build the machine Mitchell is the owner of Shadowland Farms a turkey confinement operation that produces nearly 1 million turkeys a year in 16 barns They saw a growing need for a machine to help employees do their work “It’s not uncommon to find turkey barns 1 000 feet long ” says Mitchell “As barns have gotten longer turkeys have been bred larger Some can get aggressive or territorial As a result doing chores can be physically daunting for employees It’s nothing for a guy to walk 6 miles a day – through turkeys You have to carry tools and move birds mortalities out of the barn You’re physically worn out at the end of the day ” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Brad Mitchell Shadowland Farms 980 Hwy 7 S W Appleton Minn 56208 ph 320 226-3940; www barnboss com

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