Feed Loader

a machine for transporting and loading loose feeds into the feed hoppers of feed lines at livestock farms, of feed preparation units at feed shops, of automatic feeders, and of feed storage compartments. Feed loaders are subdivided into mounted, semimounted, trailer, and self-propelled loaders. Most feed loaders have screw conveyors that carry the feed from the loader’s hoppers to the feeders. In the USSR the most widely used feed loader for dry feeds is the ZSK-10, mounted on a ZIL-130 truck. The three compartments of the hopper are loaded at the top through openings with covers and unloaded by the screw conveyors, either simultaneously or alternately (if different feeds are being loaded or unloaded). The working elements (screw conveyors) are driven by the truck’s power takeoff. The feed loader can be used to mix different feeds that have been loaded into it, thus obtaining feed mixes. The total capacity of a hopper is 8 cu m and the unloading height varies between 1.5 and 6.5 m. The machine unloads up to 10 tons per hr. The machine is operated by the driver. Feed loaders can also be used for receiving and hauling grain, loading seeders, and other work.