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Regular
Posts: 91
Location: Waverly,Oh | I would like some advice [based on actual experience] on automatic waterers. I am considering a Ritchie EcoFount model. My main concern is the water getting hot from the sun .I just can't see the horses drinking the hot water to get to the cool water. All help appreciated. Thanks |
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 Expert
Posts: 2453
 
Location: Northern Utah | I have the Bar Bar A horse drinker. No electricity, No standing water. When the horses push the paddle, It fills the bowl. When they stop pushing, it drains My only compaint is I really don't know how much water they drink. But they are all still walking around http://horsedrinker.com/ |
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Veteran
Posts: 282
Location: southcentral pennsylvania | I am a big fan of the Nelson brand. I have had one for 15 years, the other for 12. I have yet to change the thermostat on the 12 year old. My friend, with another brand, changes the thermostat at least every other year, to the tune of about $100 for that brand. The "balance beam" type water valve allows fresh water into the stainless steel bowl as the horse drinks. The bowl is a breeze to remove and clean. The unit is well insulated, and I have put my hand in the water on 100 degree days to find it relatively cool. When I needed tech support, such as when I tried to clean the filter the first time, I called Nelson. You speak immediately to a human, and they have a tech available during office hours to walk you through a concern. A water meter to measure how much your horse(s) drink is available as an extra. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420
Location: Iowa | I second that on the NELSON'S. Love mine. |
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Regular
Posts: 91
Location: Waverly,Oh | thank you for your input. You said that the water doesn't get hot in the bowl during hot weather, is the nelson waterer out in the sun or in the shade? I was wanting to place mine on a concrete pad out in the sun. |
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Veteran
Posts: 282
Location: southcentral pennsylvania | One is in the sun, the other partial shade. The entire unit is insulated on the inside. |
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Expert
Posts: 2453
Location: Northern Utah | With the horse drinker, The water line is buried deep enough to be below the frost line. In my yard, it is 5' deep. So when the water comes up to the bowl, it is at ground temps. Which for me is 55° summer and 52° winter. Since the water is only in the bowl while the horse is depressing the paddle. There is no thermostat or any concerns about it getting warm or freezing. |
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New User
Posts: 1
Location: central texas | I bought an Eco 1 to place in my pasture last fall. I specifically purchsed it because one of the features the dealer told me is that because it was insulated so well the water would stay cooler in the summer. The cold water coming in would stay cool. They were not lying. Thewater is covered with a blue frisbee type thing so sunlight does heat the water. The entire thing is insulated which also helps to keep the water cleaner. If your concern is the water getting too warm. Take my word for it, do not worry |
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Regular
Posts: 91
Location: Waverly,Oh | rdm- that is exactly what I was concerned about. Thanks |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
Location: CA | I'm a third on the Nelson's recommendation. We've had ours for ~20 years. Occasional adjusting of the weight system, but otherwise still working perfectly. 4 of them are inside stalls, and 2 are in pasture. |
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automatic waterers
