Choosing the right tire feeder can streamline cattle feeding, reduce waste, and extend the life of feeding equipment. This guide reviews five durable tire feeder options designed to sit in a spare tire, creating a stable, spill-resistant feeding base for cattle and other livestock. Each product highlights rugged construction, mounting ease, and practical versatility for farm or ranch use.
Summary of selected products:
- Little Giant Plastic Feed Pan, 18 Quart, Red — Ultra-durable, mounts in any spare tire, two-use handles.
- Little Giant Plastic Feed Pan, 10 Quart, Black — Compact, versatile, indoor/outdoor, 10-quart capacity.
- High Country Plastics Tire Feeder, 14″ — UV-protected, durable poly, spill-resistant base for diverse setups.
- Little Giant Plastic Feed Pan, 18 Quart, Black — Heavy-duty, similar design to red version, tire-based mounting.
- Little Giant Rubber Hook Over Feeder, 18 Quart — Over-fence, easy mounting with hooks, durable rubber.
Little Giant Plastic Feed Pan — 18 Quart, Red
This 18-quart plastic tire feeder combines rugged construction with mounting versatility. The bucket is molded from tough polyethylene resin designed to resist impact and warpage, helping prevent stress cracks in demanding use. A spare tire serves as a base, which adds stability and simplifies setup in various corrals or pasture areas. Two handles double as mounting tabs for easy storage or temporary relocation, though posts and hardware are not included. Ideal for livestock feeding and can double as a storage bin when not in use.
Little Giant Plastic Feed Pan — 10 Quart, Black
This 10-quart model provides a compact option with the same ultra-durable polyethylene construction. It’s designed for both indoor and outdoor use, offering versatility for farm chores and livestock feeding tasks. The pan’s durable resin resists impact and warpage, helping maintain its shape under heavy use. Its size makes it easy to anchor in a spare tire and to handle in tight spaces such as stalls or small pens. A practical choice for smaller herds or areas with limited space.
High Country Plastics Tire Feeder, 14″
This 14-inch tire feeder is designed to be durable in harsh elements. It uses UV-protected poly to resist sun damage and maintain color and integrity over years of outdoor exposure. The feeder forms a sturdy, spill-resistant basin when placed inside a 13- to 15-inch tire, providing a reliable base for grain, pellets, or supplements. Its simple design supports quick installation and dependable use across pasture or corral setups, reducing feed waste and facilitating easy replenishment.
Little Giant Plastic Feed Pan — 18 Quart, Black
This 18-quart black version mirrors the red model’s rugged build and tire-mounting capability. The heavy-duty polyethylene resin offers impact resistance and helps prevent warpage or stress cracks, ensuring long-term durability. Like its sibling, it serves as a versatile feeding trough that can also function as a storage bucket when not in use. Mounting in a spare tire provides a stable, elevated feeding surface ideal for cattle in varied environments.
Little Giant Rubber Hook Over Feeder — 18 Quart
Designed for hanging use, this rubber feeder offers a different mounting approach with hooks on the back to attach to a 2-by-wide board or rail. The corded rubber construction provides excellent impact resistance and warpage protection, maintaining shape and integrity under livestock activity. A center notch enables the feeder to straddle an upright, increasing stability and reducing tipping. This model is well-suited for over-fence applications where a quick, secure setup is advantageous.
Buying Guide: Tire Feeders For Cattle
- Material and durability: Look for high-density polyethylene or rubber with impact resistance and UV protection to withstand sun, moisture, and chewing by livestock.
- Size and capacity: Choose a capacity that matches your herd’s needs. Larger options (18 quarts) reduce refilling frequency; smaller ones (10 quarts) fit tight spaces or smaller animals.
- Mounting method: Tire-based mounting is popular for stability. Consider whether you need additional mounting hardware or prefer a simple, plug-and-play setup with a spare tire.
- Versatility: Some pans double as storage buckets, while others are optimized for indoor or outdoor use. Evaluate whether you need a feeder that can double as a general purpose tub.
- Accessibility and cleaning: Smooth interiors and wide mouths facilitate easy cleaning and quick refilling. Consider whether a model supports easy removal for sanitation.
- Weather considerations: UV protection and material resilience are crucial for outdoor setups in varied climates, from dry deserts to humid pastures.
- Cost vs. benefit: While price isn’t listed here, factor in durability, refuse waste reduction, and longevity when comparing options.
Overall, tire feeders provide a practical, economical solution for cattle feeding outside traditional troughs. The products above offer a range of capacities and mounting styles to suit different farms, weather conditions, and herd sizes. By prioritizing durability, stability, and ease of use, producers can minimize feed loss and simplify daily feeding routines.