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12V or 6V Feeder Motors? #8148266 01/29/21 06:18 PM
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Provide me some real pros/cons of each and vs each other please. I've had nothing but 6V lantern battery style but contemplating upping to the 12V this next season and wanted to know if worth the cost or not. Think my current 6V motors throw in about a 6-10' radius or so max, so I can see where 12V probably would do at least double that radius thereby allowing more animals to partake in the goodies. Besides that, what are some other benefits and non-benefits of the two options??

Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8148277 01/29/21 06:26 PM
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My 12v motors throw 30-45'. Major benefit to this is that there is corn in the pen for the deer, and there is enough corn at the edges for the pigs without knocking deer out of the equation.

At the end of the day, personal decision. I would want all of my feeders to be the same for consistency and spare parts

ETA - Distance is a radius, not diameter.

Last edited by TLew; 01/29/21 06:27 PM.
Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8148278 01/29/21 06:27 PM
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I’ve always run 12 volt. Kinda like having a 12 pack of beer or a full case. The case is always better , banana2

Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8148279 01/29/21 06:28 PM
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We have had and still have both.

The 6 volt ones we have are Texas Hunter Products motors. They call them high torque 6v motors, and they do throw a lot harder than the run of the mill 6 volts, comparable to a 12v. When we started they were all 6 volt, but I have been changing them over to all 12 volts. The 12 volts last longer, throw a bit harder, batteries are easier to come by (the texas hunter 6 volts need a 7.5 AH batter and most 6 volts are not) and the 12 volts really dont cost much more than the 6's. Seems like with the 6 volts we always had issues with the battery getting a little weak and the feeder just wouldnt feed, much fewer issues with the 12's.

Biggest down side to me is the 12v's dont fit in the texas hunter timer box nearly as well as the 6's.


It's hell eatin em live
Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8148281 01/29/21 06:28 PM
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Do it. I have one of Ramball's 600 lb stand and fill. Been running flawlessly for 2 years. 100% varmint proof. The big upside is the 70' Ø it throws the corn. A 12v built properly will do it. I'm the only hunter on our lease that does not have a muddy pit that fills with 12" of water around the feeder. The corn is dispersed in such a large Ø that whatever stands around and eats doesn't congregate in one tight area and dig the area up. I guess the battery is the absolute cheapest expense in the whole hunting equation, but probably one of the top 3 in what will make or break a decent hunt. So, yeah a 12v battery may cost $8.00 more. More power, always better.


An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8148286 01/29/21 06:31 PM
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Bucees sells 12 volt batteries for $15.00


It's hell eatin em live
Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: redchevy] #8148294 01/29/21 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by redchevy
Bucees sells 12 volt batteries for $15.00

That's where I buy them.


An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #8148297 01/29/21 06:40 PM
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Originally Posted by onlysmith&wesson
Do it. I have one of Ramball's 600 lb stand and fill. Been running flawlessly for 2 years. 100% varmint proof. The big upside is the 70' Ø it throws the corn. A 12v built properly will do it. I'm the only hunter on our lease that does not have a muddy pit that fills with 12" of water around the feeder. The corn is dispersed in such a large Ø that whatever stands around and eats doesn't congregate in one tight area and dig the area up. I guess the battery is the absolute cheapest expense in the whole hunting equation, but probably one of the top 3 in what will make or break a decent hunt. So, yeah a 12v battery may cost $8.00 more. More power, always better.


This, and all of this.

Preach brotha!!


Originally Posted by DQ Kid
Wife has always wanted some Hard 8
Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: reeder05] #8148334 01/29/21 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by reeder05
Originally Posted by onlysmith&wesson
Do it. I have one of Ramball's 600 lb stand and fill. Been running flawlessly for 2 years. 100% varmint proof. The big upside is the 70' Ø it throws the corn. A 12v built properly will do it. I'm the only hunter on our lease that does not have a muddy pit that fills with 12" of water around the feeder. The corn is dispersed in such a large Ø that whatever stands around and eats doesn't congregate in one tight area and dig the area up. I guess the battery is the absolute cheapest expense in the whole hunting equation, but probably one of the top 3 in what will make or break a decent hunt. So, yeah a 12v battery may cost $8.00 more. More power, always better.


This, and all of this.

Preach brotha!!

You have Ramball's feeders?


An unethical shot is one you take, that you know you shouldn't.
Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: onlysmith&wesson] #8148345 01/29/21 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted by onlysmith&wesson
Originally Posted by reeder05
Originally Posted by onlysmith&wesson
Do it. I have one of Ramball's 600 lb stand and fill. Been running flawlessly for 2 years. 100% varmint proof. The big upside is the 70' Ø it throws the corn. A 12v built properly will do it. I'm the only hunter on our lease that does not have a muddy pit that fills with 12" of water around the feeder. The corn is dispersed in such a large Ø that whatever stands around and eats doesn't congregate in one tight area and dig the area up. I guess the battery is the absolute cheapest expense in the whole hunting equation, but probably one of the top 3 in what will make or break a decent hunt. So, yeah a 12v battery may cost $8.00 more. More power, always better.


This, and all of this.

Preach brotha!!

You have Ramball's feeders?


I just had 4 of his 1000# delivered yesterday. Going to get them put out and running next weekend!

Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8148981 01/30/21 12:53 PM
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We have had both 6V and 12 v batteries. We have gone to all 12v like some of the guys on here have stated.
The throwing distance and power the 12v has is a big difference IMO. That throwing power throws the corn
so much farther and on a wider circle that it takes the deer a whole lot longer to browse and find each piece of
corn. That is big for us- we can have deer for up to an hour or more scouring for each piece. I have also read that in small piles
of corn that it is easier for deer to spread sickness and diseases as they eat close together. I am not an expert on that
but again that was something I have read.
Thanks

Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8149009 01/30/21 01:33 PM
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.Been using 6 volt for on 4 feeders for 10 years !!! No reason but that's what came on the feeders when we first bought our place in 2011. Can't speak for 12 volt but with 4 feeders running for 5 months and 2 all year I have only replaced 3 motors and batteries about every 2 years or so. don't see any problems with spreading capability, Seems to me the lower cost for 6 volt out ways me changing

Last edited by Flashprism; 01/30/21 01:38 PM.
Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8149035 01/30/21 02:20 PM
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I am changing to 12 volt from 6 volt, got 3 12 volt now because i got a Turkey Restoration project going on and i mix a bag of hen scratch in with the corn. The feeders with 12 volt slings the light hen scratch well compared to the 6 volt and you dont have hogs digging a big hole under the feeder also.

Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8149350 01/30/21 08:13 PM
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Like some on here, I vote strongly for 12v. I upgraded an old Game Winner 6v metal feeder to make it work with an Eliminator plate, which required switching out the motor. Will never go back! The throw distance is much better. Plus, 6v lantern batteries were a problem, never seemed reliable. 6v rechargeables were also unreliable. I don't know why, but the rechargeable 12v batteries work much better. I get months out of them without a recharge. I only need to change them when adding new corn.

Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: Lalo] #8149379 01/30/21 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Lalo
Like some on here, I vote strongly for 12v. I upgraded an old Game Winner 6v metal feeder to make it work with an Eliminator plate, which required switching out the motor. Will never go back! The throw distance is much better. Plus, 6v lantern batteries were a problem, never seemed reliable. 6v rechargeables were also unreliable. I don't know why, but the rechargeable 12v batteries work much better. I get months out of them without a recharge. I only need to change them when adding new corn.



Yep, I still run 6V lantern batteries on some but am slowly converting everything over to 12V rechargeable as well for the reasons mentioned above. I used to maintain 20 feeders on two different ranches, was all 6V then, and all rechargeable. I learned to HATE rechargeable batteries. Nothing like having a client come in for a hunt and the feeder doesn't go off, again, and you get your butt chewed out for it. Was always something....solar panel/wiring/motor/battery/controller. After that on a different ranch I went to all 6V lantern batteries, and tried/experimented with every brand on the market. Hands down the Energizers are the best as far as power and life, but they cost $11-$13 each when time to replace. Today's 12V rechargeable units are a game changer and they have changed my mind on rechargeable set-ups, no comparison to the old 6V's.

Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8149899 01/31/21 11:51 AM
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Running 12V's here didn't even know they made 6v anymore.


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Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8150072 01/31/21 04:18 PM
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Same, 12V. 6V causes too many to congregate under the feeder and leaves a mud hole when it rains.

Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8150865 02/01/21 05:34 AM
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I switched to 12v a couple years ago and now I'm done buying any more 6v setups.

Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8151195 02/01/21 04:16 PM
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I started out with 6 volt systems in 2014 and have gone to all 12 volt systems in the last 4 years and have never looked back. The 6 volt systems tended to require more attention and would jam more easily. The 12 volt systems just flat out work. Since both my leases are several hours away from my home, I needed something with less issues and the 12 volt systems was a game changer for me. I have 2 of Ramball's feeders and they have performed flawlessly the past couple years. This past year, I bought a Buc-ees 600 pound stand and fill feeder and for the money, it is great. I will buy another one of those this fall. They are 12 volt systems too.

Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8153022 02/02/21 10:25 PM
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The 12v motor is more reliable and throws the corn farther.......piled up corn around feeders as well as pens built too small are the primary reasons you will never see 5+ bucks at that feeder with mature bucks in the group......


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Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8153043 02/02/21 10:53 PM
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I prefer 12 volt.




LETS GO BRANDON
Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8153049 02/02/21 11:01 PM
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The size of the motor makes a huge difference. The smaller higher speed 6v motors with a larger 6v battery can throw a longer distance. Same with smaller high speed 12v motors. The older large 6v motors were going to be slower rpm than the same size 12v motor. Both larger size motors were stronger motors also. You just have to adjust the spinner plate gap much better with a smaller motor than a larger one. They will stick easier with a kernel of corn due to lack of motor strength. I have seen some of the smaller high rpm 6v motors that threw a very large diameter of corn.


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Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: DQ Kid] #8153105 02/02/21 11:40 PM
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Back years ago when feeders were mostly new, and or homemade. Buddy of mine was in electronic repairs, we spent a lot of time making our own. The motors available are numbered in the millions, the speeds of the motors went from a few hundred RPM to 10,000 RPM. Voltage, 3 to 24 volts. Power, some so weak that that a pile of corn would slow it down, others would spin a brick at 3 volts with a weak battery.

You want corn spread way out, a fast RPM is the first requirement, a good spinner plate, and the voltage won't make much difference. We settled o a 10,000 RPM 6 volt motor, and stuck a potentiometer between it and the controller board. This way we could slow the speed of the motor. We chose the 6 volt, because the lantern batteries are available everywhere, and are cheap and small enough to fit n our chosen box. The motor was from a toy that was discontinued and they cost a little over a dollar at surplus electronics outlets. When 6 volts was applied, the corn flying felt like it was shot by a slingshot.


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Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: dogcatcher] #8153326 02/03/21 02:30 AM
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Originally Posted by dogcatcher
Back years ago when feeders were mostly new, and or homemade. Buddy of mine was in electronic repairs, we spent a lot of time making our own. The motors available are numbered in the millions, the speeds of the motors went from a few hundred RPM to 10,000 RPM. Voltage, 3 to 24 volts. Power, some so weak that that a pile of corn would slow it down, others would spin a brick at 3 volts with a weak battery.

You want corn spread way out, a fast RPM is the first requirement, a good spinner plate, and the voltage won't make much difference. We settled o a 10,000 RPM 6 volt motor, and stuck a potentiometer between it and the controller board. This way we could slow the speed of the motor. We chose the 6 volt, because the lantern batteries are available everywhere, and are cheap and small enough to fit n our chosen box. The motor was from a toy that was discontinued and they cost a little over a dollar at surplus electronics outlets. When 6 volts was applied, the corn flying felt like it was shot by a slingshot.

Originally Posted by dogcatcher
Back years ago when feeders were mostly new, and or homemade. Buddy of mine was in electronic repairs, we spent a lot of time making our own. The motors available are numbered in the millions, the speeds of the motors went from a few hundred RPM to 10,000 RPM. Voltage, 3 to 24 volts. Power, some so weak that that a pile of corn would slow it down, others would spin a brick at 3 volts with a weak battery.

You want corn spread way out, a fast RPM is the first requirement, a good spinner plate, and the voltage won't make much difference. We settled o a 10,000 RPM 6 volt motor, and stuck a potentiometer between it and the controller board. This way we could slow the speed of the motor. We chose the 6 volt, because the lantern batteries are available everywhere, and are cheap and small enough to fit n our chosen box. The motor was from a toy that was discontinued and they cost a little over a dollar at surplus electronics outlets. When 6 volts was applied, the corn flying felt like it was shot by a slingshot.

I need this motor. My 6 volts feeder motors give me nothing but trouble.

Re: 12V or 6V Feeder Motors? [Re: SouthWestIron] #8153492 02/03/21 04:30 AM
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Originally Posted by SouthWestIron

I need this motor. My 6 volts feeder motors give me nothing but trouble.


Sorry I have not made a feeder in over 10 years, my partner in crime has passed on. But a few questions, does the motor stick, like it is froze up? If yes, a drop of 3 in 1 oil on the shaft might help that. Dust in the motor was another issue that killed some of ours, Get a can of computer spray, and try to blow out the dust. These were the most common problems we encountered.


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