Whats the word on hanging the blue plastic 55 gallon drums with a bale instead of using metal? If you've done it, how did it work out?

I've wondered this same thing.

My experience with anything plastic that contains feed will be compromised by rodents or raccoons. Squirrels will chew through a plastic barrel in no time.

Indeed, those bushy tailed tree rats love to make holes in plastic!

I have a hard rubber barrel feeder that has been in use for years with no problem. Have short legs on it which makes it a stand and fill. I did put a metal lid on it.

Wrapped a plastic feeder with hardware cloth and added a metal trashcan lid to stop them. It worked, but still a pain and aggravation.

Might depend where you’re at…seems they don’t last in the pineywoods. As mentioned above, the squirrels will chew a big azz hole in them in no time, but out in the open it may be fine

We used a plastic barrel for bear bait this year, hung it up by running a 3/8 cable through the bungholes on top.

Haven't had any trouble with sq. chewing in the few years I've been using them. I found a cheap lock on style stand and have the barrel resting on that instead of hanging it.

I have several 55 gal plastic barrel feeders, the non gradeable food type. Before I hang them I purchase a 3/8 all tread. 30" rod. I drill two holes through barrel. Use.a nut going in Ang one going out on the inside. Then I place rubber washers on rod on outside to seal. Will have to purchase hanger for barrel. I place hanger on rod with nut o m inside of hanger and on out side to adjust the spread to be able to put lid on. I have 3 of these on tripods with winch. I made all myself except for the head and hanger which you can get off Amazon for about $40. I have about $150 IN Each.. If you buy these from a dealer your talking $400 plus. Also my spreader is a 6 volt Wild game. I been using this setup for over 5 years here in East Texas no problems. Tripod polls are 16 ft. pipe.