by Jill J. Dunkel

New or used, buying a feed truck is a major purchase for any cattle feeding operation. "It's definitely a big ticket item," says Mark Cooksey of Roto-Mix. "Without a good working feed truck, you can't feed cattle." It's one of the most important aspects of a feedyard.

There are several things to consider before deciding on what unit to buy. The type of truck and mixer, service, quality of construction, what you can afford to spend and its resale value are all important.

Truck Selection
Terry Shaker of Kuhn Knight recommends putting a box on a new truck instead of a truck that the yard already has. "This truck will be running seven days a week, several times a day. If the truck goes down, you can't feed cattle," he says. Even with a backup truck or pull wagon, it takes extra time to reorganize when a truck goes down.

If a yard has a truck they want to use, Shaker says he will work to make the truck fit the mixer, however, its important to find a truck that meets the specifications required by the mixer. "Make sure the chassis is heavy enough, that the axle, springs and frame are heavy enough to support a mixer. If a truck is too light, it will wear" he explains. "A set back front axle is a benefit. The truck turns shorter and is more maneuverable." Also decide if you want mechanical or hydrostatic drive, Shaker says.

"An automatic transmission is very convenient for a feed truck," according to Harry Mohrlang of Mohrlang Manufacturing. "I also recommend a special radiator for a truck. Feedlot dust will plug an ordinary radiator up. You need a feedlot core. It's large enough to let the fines go on through so it's not as apt to plug up." A feedlot core is similar to a core on a tractor, Mohrlang says.

Shaker says it's also important to consider where the truck will be used. "What are the road conditions? Will you be feeding on roads or in the pasture? The terrain can make a difference in tire selection and if you need four wheel drive."

Mixer Selection
"What you need in a mixer largely depends on what you feed," says Dan Goodman of Harsh in Scott City, Kansas. "What size loads do you want to feed? How long do you want to mix?"

Mixing needs can vary greatly on the type of ration. "Even in finishing yards, you've got to consider what your ingredients are," Goodman says.

"Look at the quality of construction and the performance of the mixer," says Cooksey. "Choose a mixer that will provide a consistent mix of what you put in it."

Shaker says the scale system and feed management system in use at the yard also comes into play. "These systems can be very simple or highly sophisticated. Choose something that will work with your existing system," Shaker adds.

Shopping Used?
If looking for a used unit, Goodman says it's smart to have a price range in mind. "Think about what you can afford to spend. Most people typically don't under buy. They don't want something they will continually be working on," he says.

"Check the condition of the augers, rotor and tub. You want them in good general condition," says Cooksey. "Notice the thickness of the shell as well."

"Shopping for a used feed truck is similar to shopping for a used car," says Goodman. "Look for leaks or oil. Check around the wheel cylinder and around the discharge. The discharge will show if there's much wear. Also watch for rust."

Even if you're buying new, consider what the resale value will be on that unit. "Let your dealer know what you are in the market for. He can keep his eyes open. We have some really nice used units that are just two years old, but they don't turn up every day," says Cooksey.

Service
"Service is a very big issue for our customers," says Cooksey. "Even for people that do a lot of their own service, scale service and support are important."

"We sell the service," Goodman says. "If you go down, you can call me. Chances are in three hours I'll have you running again," he says.

Ask the dealer if they can furnish you a unit to use if you go down. Many manufacturers do both field and in-house service.

"People don't forget the service," says Goodman. ©