These watering systems are dripping with cool features
By Terryn Drieling
Spring is near, but if you’re like us here at WR, the winter chill and all the ice you chopped to keep livestock water open is still far too fresh in your mind. And if, like us, chopping ice really isn’t your thing, it might be time to reevaluate your watering systems. We researched a few companies with a lot to offer – here’s what’s out there.
Giant Rubber Water Tanks, Inc.
Giant Rubber Water Tanks are salvaged truck and loader tires turned into sturdy livestock waterers. The result of frustration paired with rancher ingenuity, the first Giant Rubber Water Tanks were the developed in the 1980’s by Gerald Mahoney.
Giant Rubber Water Tanks range in size from 6 to 13 feet in diameter and water capacity from 200 to 1800 gallons. They can also be customized – cut to almost any height and fashioned with smaller drinker holes around the perimeter, leaving the tire top intact.
The thickness and color help Giant Rubber Water Tanks resist freezing in frigid weather. In addition, things like tank placement, installation of an insulated rim cover, and adding manual or automatic petcock valves can help make these tanks virtually freeze-proof. And because they are literally recycled thick rubber truck and loader tires, Giant Rubber Water Tanks are able to withstand the abuse of unruly bulls and the occasional run-in with a tractor tire, giving them the ability to last for generations.
To find a dealer and learn more about Giant Rubber Water Tanks, visit www.giantrubberwatertanks.com.
Tru-Test™
Tru-Test now offers a range of Tru-Test Livestock Waterers in addition to the weighing systems they’ve been designing and manufacturing for more than 30 years. Tru-Test currently offers four waterers ranging in size from 7 gallon to 60-gallon capacity, all backed by an 8-year warranty.
Tru-Test WaterWell Waterers for beef cattle feature multipurpose flotation balls. The balls act as a visual cue indicating water level from a distance. The balls also help seal the waterer, reducing evaporation and virtually eliminating algae growth in the summer. They come in two different colors to help with water temperature control. The white balls reflect heat in the summer months, keeping the water cooler. The black balls absorb sunlight to keep the water warmer and prevent freezing in the winter.
Speaking of freezing, Tru-Test Waterers are filled with solid foam insulation and entirely sealed. And all Tru-Test Waterers are made of UV stabilized plastics and impact resistant materials to withstand extreme cold and daily use and abuse from livestock.
Check out more Tru-Test Waterers and features at www.livestock.tru-test.com.
Bar-Bar-A Horse and Livestock Drinkers
Bar-Bar-A Horse and Livestock Drinkers has been in the business of non-electric livestock waterers for more than 25 years. Bar-Bar-A Drinkers were designed after inventor Frank Frodsham literally pulled the plug on the electric waterer that had been shocking his horses, causing them to become dehydrated.
Bar-Bar-A Drinkers are the frost-free hydrant of livestock waterers. Livestock push on the paddle and receive water. After drinking, the water drains back into the ground. All that’s left is an empty bowl. This eliminates freezing in the winter and algae growth and mosquito breeding in the summer.
Bar-Bar-A Drinkers will water 25-30 animals per unit and are available for a number of livestock species including horses, cattle, sheep and goats, llamas, and even wildlife. Insulated Drinkers are available for colder climates with frost lines in excess of 13 inches. And Non-Insulated Drinkers are available for those warmer climates that see frost lines of 12 inches or less.
Learn more about Bar-Bar-A Horse and Livestock Drinkers at www.horsedrinker.com.
Cobett Farmer-Designed Waterers
Farmer-designed, earth-heated Cobett Waterers were developed in 1993. The first Cobett Waterer, and every waterer since, was equipped with three main features – an open drinking area, wide-open access to the plumbing, and no heating device. While there is room below the tub for a low-wattage electric heater, it is not necessary.
Cobett Waterers take full advantage of ground heat. All waterers are placed over a 24-inch wide base tube (length is dependent on location) and tubs are set inside polyurethane insulated ground heat chambers. The tubs are further protected by a thick-walled, UV-inhibited, black polyethylene exterior. Concrete is not required.
Cobett Waterers come in a couple of size options to accommodate single animal access up to 2-3 animal access at one time. Both float and floatless valve options are available as well.
For more about Cobett Farmer-Designed Waterers, visit www.cobett.com.
Hoskins Manufacturing Co.
With more than 50 years of experience and customer service in mind, Hoskins Manufacturing Co. offers up a variety of waterers that accommodate all types of livestock and environments. Hoskins backs all of their products with a guarantee that they are free of defects in material and workmanship.
Hoskins cattle waterers come in varying widths and capacities. The 26” wide C-Model tanks range in capacity from 75 up to 500 head, and the 20” wide SC-Model accommodates an individual animal clear on up to 400 head.
All Hoskins tanks are UL Listed, Grade A Approved, constructed of stainless steel and 1-1/4″ insulated 16 gauge galvanized frames. They are easy to install and energy efficient. They feature easy access service doors and rounded tanks for ease of cleaning.
Hoskins also offers waterers for horses, hogs, and sheep as well. All waterers are equipped with electric heaters that do not touch the tank. Continuous flow, no heat required waterers are also available for cattle and sheep waterers.
For more information about Hoskins Livestock Waterers, visit www.hoskins-mfg.com.
Ritchie Industries
Since Thomas Ritchie designed the automatic water valve in 1921, Ritchie Industries has designed and developed a complete line of livestock and horse waterers all backed by a 10-year warranty.
Ritchie polyethylene fountains are heavy-duty, impact resistant, and sealed to prevent moisture from getting to the insulation. All of Ritchie’s stainless steel troughs are made with 304 stainless steel and equipped with smooth hemmed edges to keep livestock safe.
Ritchie has offers a selection of waterers to fit a wide variety of livestock and a wider variety of applications. To narrow your search and find the Ritchie fountain to fit your operation, visit www.ritchiefount.com.
