Case study: Inside a NSW feedlot ramp-up
Even molasses distribution through the feed mix at a NSW feedlot, powered by a Rotoflo pump with a standpipe and dribble bar attachment.
Taking the chaos out of feed mixing
Multiple feed mixes a day. In and out of tractors shifting pods. Up and down mixers. Molasses dumping in one spot and mixing into clumps.
That’s what an establishing NSW feedlot was dealing with when the operator came to us looking for a system to suit the scale he was moving toward.
He’d been getting by with 1000-litre molasses shuttles, but wanted to shift to bulk supply for the cost savings and simpler handling.
We supplied a complete molasses pumping and handling set-up designed to keep things simple and functional.
The system centres around a 50mm (2”) Rotoflo petrol-drive molasses pump, moving molasses at about 90 litres a minute.
A dribble bar spreads the supplement evenly across the ration so it mixes properly, instead of dumping it all in one spot.
To streamline deliveries, the feedlot operator opted for a tank fill point so molasses can be transferred into storage tanks from ground level. No ladders or heavy hoses.
Molasses is stored in an Enmach cone-bottom tank. An air fitting at the base of the cone allows the product to be agitated, bringing any settled supplements back into suspension.
The standpipe also includes a water addition kit, used to add water to the mix and flush the dribble bar once molasses transfer is finished, cutting down on mess.
The outcome
Faster, easier feed runs, down to 5 minutes a mix
More consistent mixes with less clumping
Lower input costs by switching to bulk molasses
Turn-key, ground-level operation with no climbing or heavy lifting
The customer said it was a relief to have streamlined the process. He said the handling system arrived in the morning, was installed by lunchtime, and has been going strong ever since.