nope....again...this is a place to learn my friend...we're trying and teaching and showing all sorts of different methods....that's why I'm here my friend...so you can learn from my failures as well as my successes...this is a place to learn
These are excellent waterers. I had 7 of them on my farm going back 30 years now. I was in western Canada with -40F winters and they did work well. If you have only a few cows they did freeze, but did work better in the larger pens with lots off cattle. The heat well is important and we went down 12 feet in the conditions we had. Deeper is better for the cold. Sometimes you had to push down a frozen ball on cold mornings but overall did very well. Very good instructional video. Well done!
Stoney Ridge Farmer I just put one of these in as a replacement for the 50 year old Richie waterer finally had some pin holes rusted in it . Thanks for the install video it came up when I searched for a install video!!! Love the channel!!!
The water tank looks great and strong but I have to say..... I am very impressed with the amount of water pressure you have coming from the gravity feed system and the distance the water had to travel. You nailed it. 🚜-Woooo!!
Drill all the way thru for the anchor bolts -- that way if you ever need to replace a bolt, just drive the bolt out the bottom of the slab and put the new bolt in place. I have a waterer just like the one you have, getting ready to install mine -- glad I found this vid, it helps a lot to see the steps
Been wondering about how that thing works? Old pipefitter.... New things, interest me.... Retired now... Enjoy Your channel... I worked a lot of farms as a young one.... Made my money that way.... Take Care.....
LOL! That's funny- you answered my question at the end! I was wondering how the cows would figure out how to use it. Guess you can teach an old cow new tricks.. 😂
I have found it easier to put the Teflon tape on by turning the tape spool over from how you did it. Doing this, you just put your finger inside the tape spool and spin it around your fitting and this way it pulls it tight into the pipe threads.
Love my mirafounts. I've got the 4 ball in middle of fence rows so 1 waterer with 2 balls on each side of fence. Makes rotational grazing easier. We did a 10x10 concrete pad with gravel around it since it's a heavy use area. That way it doesn't get muddy
Josh I hope you make a video showing your training the cows & babies/calves how to use the waterer & then using it after they have learned how to use it. That will be an interesting & possibly humorous video. Love your videos!
Awesome setup josh wished we had that here for sure. Once we get the fence all do e we've got one field with no water source but just down the hill is a spring fed creek that im thinking of using for them.
Thanks for the thorough video! We boarded a few Dexter's for a relative & their bull took offence to our red & yellow Ritchie waterer. He acted like a Spanish bull charging a matador because the Ritchie has a red top. He knocked the lag bolts loose and lifted the waterer off the concrete pad. This farm had alot of beef pass through but this the first and only time we experienced one that actually hated red enough to get testy like that.
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer that's interesting. I knew they had limitations but never knew it was narrowed to yellow & blue. But for whatever reason that bull did not like our red & yellow waterer. He circled it like it was possessed. If we hadn't stopped him in time he would have completely separated it from the concrete pad and broke the water connection. We had to move him to his own paddock with an old black water trough. None of the other cows had a problem with it whatsoever. BTW, your watering system is absolutely amazing!
Josh, you've really come along way since you first started and it's been interesting and enjoyable watching you overcome all the challenges (and mistakes) that come along with taking on a huge endeavor like you have. Many sacrifices, ups and downs. You're doing it your way and it looks like you're getting ready to turn another big corner. Keep up the good work and God Bless!
When planning for the concrete pad know that the hole in the waterer is Offset. It is Not in the center. Water in the heat well can cause freezing. I would have dipped the water out. Then make sure it stayed dry and not leaking before installing the waterer.
Hey Josh! SOMEBODY put a lot of thought into that system to make it as simple and effective as possible. Once you have them installed, I think that they will last a long, Long, LONG time before needing to be replaced... since there is not a lot in the way of moving parts! When combined with your overall plan; it will serve you (and your cattle) well!
Put fittings in your left hand and wrap the Teflon away from you and put the backside of the tape on fitting and you can pull the Teflon tape tighter and then you won't have to use ur finger nails
I know you try many power tools, I am looking for a battery power impact wrench. You use a skill on this project. Looking for home use. I have an air compress so do not need the most powerful. Send your tip I would much appreciated.
Not to be an armchair quarterback but hopefully as a help. I have installed ball water tanks for years for myself and other ranchers (NRCS) and have found Ritchie (American made) and Tru-test (China 👎 ) to be the best made and the most user friendly. You may have already checked them just wanted to make you aware.
yep...I've looked at both models...might try a Ritchie at some point but for now I have 10 Mirifounts for the farm...I hear some folks (horse folks) like the Ritchie and some like the mirafount....I'd love to do a comparison at some point
The weight of the housing is not as thick. I don't like how they mount to the concrete. I have seen L brackets and the lag bolts work loose over time and cattle could push it around. One rancher the cows pushed it and broke the connection and cost him a lot on county water bill. I can also tell you the Ritchie's are not perfect there are a few things they could improve with the valves but overall I like them best. Just my opinion.
@@markhall8132 Thank you It would be great if you or others with your level of experience and exposure could consult with the manufacturers. You could give them a lot of insight on weaknesses and on ways to improve their product.
@@markhall8132 Hello Mark I have thought more about the waterer becoming loose. The specs I have from the soil and water folks say the concrete has to be rated at 3500 ps minimum i. It appears that some people do their own concrete work. Maybe their concrete is not sufficient to properly hold an anchor. If the waterer we're empty or frozen, that could be the cause of the animals to becoming aggressive and wanting to make water come from the waterer. Maybe that would also be true for an animal that is not trained to drink from the waterer. I guess it could also be that the animal is just having a bad day.
everyone I spoke to told me they were easier to install, easier to maintain and simply a better product. I've not tried the Ritchie, but I'm very very happy with the Miraco product and customer service. Install was simple and easy and I simply have no complaints after 2+ years now
Have 2 Miraco waterers on property when we bought the place a few years ago. We're starting our own beef operation this fall and when I checked both systems, one had a leak coming from the bottom, and the other was missing float and a few pieces. Have you had any issues with your Miraco since the onset? Would like to keep them and get them operating. Not sure if I should throw parts at the non working system or just replace it. Appreciate your insight brother!
interesting....I've had no issue what so ever. If you have a leak in a new unit you need to get with Miraco and they'll take care of you. Parts wise, there aren't many moving parts here. If ya didn't buy them new and you have a leak, find it, clean it well and silicon the hole. If you have valves that need some work you can order virtually any part. Your leak could be coming from the plug in the bottom side and what you see as a leak may be overflowing. Sometimes you'll need to make some adjustments after installation and seasonally as the tanks will be smaller (shrinkage) in winter and larger (expansion) in summer. They are virtually bullet proof and you can order any part you need for them. Just gottta spend a little time learning how they work...you'll love them! Oh...and sit tight on buying beef cattle for a bit....prices are the highest they have ever been in history!! Sit tight till after the new year and I'll bet you'll get a better price!
@StoneyRidgeFarmer They are many years old at this point. They were here when we bought the place two years ago. The idea of their system is great. I'm thinking I can figure it out and salvage the ones we have already. And yes I know we have historic highs in the beef market. Although the last few days has dropped quite substantially. We may be going higher end also, so not sure how much of a difference the market plays on the high end beef---Akaushi is what we have our eyes on for a few different reasons. We'll see how it goes and let you know!!
a Mirafount like this should last ya a lifetime....just open them up, take some snapshots of the parts needed and order what ya need....you'll be happy, just have to make some adjustments once in a while
@StoneyRidgeFarmer I broke the float when I was messing with it haha. And the shut off valve is buried so we're renting mini excavator to get it dug up and brought back to life. Even though we had a small flood LOL, we will be good to go soon. Parts should be arriving today! I'll keep you posted. I have watched this video many times, and our setup is just about identical. I'll tag you in our post next week when we get it all finished---hopefully.
they make a heat kit for these so you can run power and have it heated...never gets that cold here...but check out the mirafount website...all sorts of great info!
Go down 12' and it won't freeze as long as you have enough livestock drinking. If not you might have to push ball down occasionally to break up a little ice but that's it. You don't have to have the heater if no electricity to it.
@StoneyRidgeFarmer we get temps down to -55 in sask Canada...a few guys I know took all their plastic water bowls out and now run with metal ones that have electric heaters in them
You forgot to put your pipe insulation on, and your water levels are not high enough to keep the balls uptight and plug up the holes to keep mosquitoes out.
Well i dont like plastic anything. Its simple easy and cheap for sure. But will not use it because algae bacteria will grow in about 10 days allowing crud to form. Not so much in cold weather though. But like the whole set up. I would use this in warmer climates. But not in north east indiana. Metal kills bacteria iron can be thawed out by using a welder. Iron pipe only last 20 years in ground though. But thats my opnion. Frost goes down 30 inches here. Coldest i have seen here is -35 F i n end of jan. Needs electricity to thaw out.
I hear ya, but I'm not out busting ice out of a metal tank, and I don't have power 1/2 mile from the well. If I had to run galvy pipe on this job I would have spend over $150,000 v's poly pipe. Bacteria in the tanks isn't harmful and the black color keeps algea from growing. No light, no algea in most cases. Our tire tanks have goldfish for algea control also
I know your comment was a joke...but here's some cool info. Cows are dichromatic...meaning they can only see 2 colors clearly....yellow and blue are the colors...cool huh? Now ya know!
this farm channel is a place for folks to learn from different methods of feeding, watering, raising and moving cattle...that's why I do what I do buddy...so we all can learn from it...so yes...tire water tanks and Mirafounts and potentially other ideas in the future
you do understand that it takes a tree 25 years to grow up and make a shade tree right? If I had to to this over again I would have left more trees for sure. Trees will be planted at some point..only about 6 paddocks don't have trees so the cows are only on these paddocks when temps are under 80 degrees...simply put...I should have left more trees for shade and I'll have to wait a few years...this is in the works now...each tree must be fenced to prevent them from damaging it
![[TH] 2024 PMGC League | Survival Stage วันที่ 1 | PUBG MOBILE Global Championship](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/FVFT-PFwU80/mqdefault.jpg)
Nice waterer! Did you decide against doing the tire waterers?
nope....again...this is a place to learn my friend...we're trying and teaching and showing all sorts of different methods....that's why I'm here my friend...so you can learn from my failures as well as my successes...this is a place to learn
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer Oh, just a question, sorry for the inconvenience??
@@StoneyRidgeFarmerFarmer, Tires require heaters and hard to keep clean unless you put fish in it. , this system looks good.
Ball waterer's is the way to go. No freezing issues, no algae issues, cows like a cooler water drink when its hot out.
Nobody is perfect, hard work always pays off
YOU HAVE A GOOD SHOW , I LIKE YOUR FARM , YOUR DOING A GOOD JOB ON YOUR FARM , IT LOOKS GOOD.
These are excellent waterers. I had 7 of them on my farm going back 30 years now. I was in western Canada with -40F winters and they did work well. If you have only a few cows they did freeze, but did work better in the larger pens with lots off cattle. The heat well is important and we went down 12 feet in the conditions we had. Deeper is better for the cold. Sometimes you had to push down a frozen ball on cold mornings but overall did very well. Very good instructional video. Well done!
Stoney Ridge Farmer I just put one of these in as a replacement for the 50 year old Richie waterer finally had some pin holes rusted in it . Thanks for the install video it came up when I searched for a install video!!! Love the channel!!!
awesome! Glad to help!
The water tank looks great and strong but I have to say..... I am very impressed with the amount of water pressure you have coming from the gravity feed system and the distance the water had to travel. You nailed it. 🚜-Woooo!!
Josh, what you are doing is what it's all about. if you never try something you will never lesrn anything. good job buddy, keep going on.
Looks like a nice unit Josh, should serve your farm well. Good job, Woooo! 👍
TANKs for. The vid the thirsty cows will enjoy it once they catch on .
Hi from Melbourne Australia.
Drill all the way thru for the anchor bolts -- that way if you ever need to replace a bolt, just drive the bolt out the bottom of the slab and put the new bolt in place. I have a waterer just like the one you have, getting ready to install mine -- glad I found this vid, it helps a lot to see the steps
Hi.... Josh, thank you for showing your video homestead 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 👕🐔🐓🐣🐥🐕🐐🐄🐖🐝🌱🏡🎥👍👍👍
Been wondering about how that thing works? Old pipefitter.... New things, interest me.... Retired now... Enjoy Your channel... I worked a lot of farms as a young one.... Made my money that way.... Take Care.....
The Teflon tape only should be about two wraps. The taper should create a mechanical seal the Teflon is just a thin gasket essentially.
Great buddy thanks
neat little system
Wooooo to the Mooooo
Thats a wonderful job live n learn as you vo no body is perfect love watching the videos
LOL! That's funny- you answered my question at the end! I was wondering how the cows would figure out how to use it. Guess you can teach an old cow new tricks.. 😂
You bet!
I have found it easier to put the Teflon tape on by turning the tape spool over from how you did it. Doing this, you just put your finger inside the tape spool and spin it around your fitting and this way it pulls it tight into the pipe threads.
Good video
Love my mirafounts. I've got the 4 ball in middle of fence rows so 1 waterer with 2 balls on each side of fence. Makes rotational grazing easier. We did a 10x10 concrete pad with gravel around it since it's a heavy use area. That way it doesn't get muddy
Josh I hope you make a video showing your training the cows & babies/calves how to use the waterer & then using it after they have learned how to use it. That will be an interesting & possibly humorous video. Love your videos!
Awesome setup josh wished we had that here for sure. Once we get the fence all do e we've got one field with no water source but just down the hill is a spring fed creek that im thinking of using for them.
Thanks for the thorough video! We boarded a few Dexter's for a relative & their bull took offence to our red & yellow Ritchie waterer. He acted like a Spanish bull charging a matador because the Ritchie has a red top. He knocked the lag bolts loose and lifted the waterer off the concrete pad. This farm had alot of beef pass through but this the first and only time we experienced one that actually hated red enough to get testy like that.
I've read bulls are color blind, is this true?
Cows have dichromatic eyesight. They can only see yellow and blue. Cool huh 🤔
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer that's interesting. I knew they had limitations but never knew it was narrowed to yellow & blue. But for whatever reason that bull did not like our red & yellow waterer. He circled it like it was possessed. If we hadn't stopped him in time he would have completely separated it from the concrete pad and broke the water connection. We had to move him to his own paddock with an old black water trough. None of the other cows had a problem with it whatsoever. BTW, your watering system is absolutely amazing!
Hey Josh thank you for the video I enjoyed it woo
Tshirt idea
Woooo to the Moooo in an arch at the top of the tee
A winking cow and the bottom
Play button with the channel name
Josh, you've really come along way since you first started and it's been interesting and enjoyable watching you overcome all the challenges (and mistakes) that come along with taking on a huge endeavor like you have. Many sacrifices, ups and downs. You're doing it your way and it looks like you're getting ready to turn another big corner. Keep up the good work and God Bless!
Great content as always.Very informative and easy to follow.Love the variety of content on the channel.Thanks for sharing and taking us along
That should work out well
I take it, that you didn't hear me yelling that you forgot the insulation sleeve, LOL
Woooooooooooo!!!!!!!HeeeeeeeeeeHeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!Alright!!!!!🤗
Hey Josh looks great 🇺🇲 WOOOOOO 🇺🇲
When planning for the concrete pad know that the hole in the waterer is Offset. It is Not in the center.
Water in the heat well can cause freezing. I would have dipped the water out. Then make sure it stayed dry and not leaking before installing the waterer.
Hey Josh! SOMEBODY put a lot of thought into that system to make it as simple and effective as possible. Once you have them installed, I think that they will last a long, Long, LONG time before needing to be replaced... since there is not a lot in the way of moving parts! When combined with your overall plan; it will serve you (and your cattle) well!
Which one do you favor so far, tire or frost free? Thanks Josh the farm as come along way since started the channel. Love following!
either or....the tire is more simple for rotation...I don't have to move the wire every time
In the words of my daddy when you have something that goes together hard... spit on it hahaha
Wow. I've never seen anything like this but again, I'm not a farmer with cows. Lol.
Put fittings in your left hand and wrap the Teflon away from you and put the backside of the tape on fitting and you can pull the Teflon tape tighter and then you won't have to use ur finger nails
I know you try many power tools, I am looking for a battery power impact wrench. You use a skill on this project. Looking for home use. I have an air compress so do not need the most powerful. Send your tip I would much appreciated.
Not to be an armchair quarterback but hopefully as a help.
I have installed ball water tanks for years for myself and other ranchers (NRCS) and have found Ritchie (American made) and Tru-test (China 👎 ) to be the best made and the most user friendly. You may have already checked them just wanted to make you aware.
yep...I've looked at both models...might try a Ritchie at some point but for now I have 10 Mirifounts for the farm...I hear some folks (horse folks) like the Ritchie and some like the mirafount....I'd love to do a comparison at some point
Hello Mark
I'm interested to know why the Ritchie were preferred.
My only experience with energy free is Mira Fount. I am satisfied with them.
The weight of the housing is not as thick. I don't like how they mount to the concrete. I have seen L brackets and the lag bolts work loose over time and cattle could push it around. One rancher the cows pushed it and broke the connection and cost him a lot on county water bill.
I can also tell you the Ritchie's are not perfect there are a few things they could improve with the valves but overall I like them best. Just my opinion.
@@markhall8132
Thank you
It would be great if you or others with your level of experience and exposure could consult with the manufacturers. You could give them a lot of insight on weaknesses and on ways to improve their product.
@@markhall8132
Hello Mark
I have thought more about the waterer becoming loose.
The specs I have from the soil and water folks say the concrete has to be rated at 3500 ps minimum i. It appears that some people do their own concrete work. Maybe their concrete is not sufficient to properly hold an anchor.
If the waterer we're empty or frozen, that could be the cause of the animals to becoming aggressive and wanting to make water come from the waterer. Maybe that would also be true for an animal that is not trained to drink from the waterer.
I guess it could also be that the animal is just having a bad day.
I think for the next one I’d take some kind of wipes and clean the PVC pipe particles out of the water so the cows don’t drink that junk. 👍🏻
What made you favor Miraco over Ritchie?
everyone I spoke to told me they were easier to install, easier to maintain and simply a better product. I've not tried the Ritchie, but I'm very very happy with the Miraco product and customer service. Install was simple and easy and I simply have no complaints after 2+ years now
Have 2 Miraco waterers on property when we bought the place a few years ago. We're starting our own beef operation this fall and when I checked both systems, one had a leak coming from the bottom, and the other was missing float and a few pieces. Have you had any issues with your Miraco since the onset? Would like to keep them and get them operating. Not sure if I should throw parts at the non working system or just replace it. Appreciate your insight brother!
interesting....I've had no issue what so ever. If you have a leak in a new unit you need to get with Miraco and they'll take care of you. Parts wise, there aren't many moving parts here. If ya didn't buy them new and you have a leak, find it, clean it well and silicon the hole. If you have valves that need some work you can order virtually any part. Your leak could be coming from the plug in the bottom side and what you see as a leak may be overflowing. Sometimes you'll need to make some adjustments after installation and seasonally as the tanks will be smaller (shrinkage) in winter and larger (expansion) in summer. They are virtually bullet proof and you can order any part you need for them. Just gottta spend a little time learning how they work...you'll love them! Oh...and sit tight on buying beef cattle for a bit....prices are the highest they have ever been in history!! Sit tight till after the new year and I'll bet you'll get a better price!
@StoneyRidgeFarmer They are many years old at this point. They were here when we bought the place two years ago. The idea of their system is great. I'm thinking I can figure it out and salvage the ones we have already. And yes I know we have historic highs in the beef market. Although the last few days has dropped quite substantially. We may be going higher end also, so not sure how much of a difference the market plays on the high end beef---Akaushi is what we have our eyes on for a few different reasons. We'll see how it goes and let you know!!
a Mirafount like this should last ya a lifetime....just open them up, take some snapshots of the parts needed and order what ya need....you'll be happy, just have to make some adjustments once in a while
@StoneyRidgeFarmer I broke the float when I was messing with it haha. And the shut off valve is buried so we're renting mini excavator to get it dug up and brought back to life. Even though we had a small flood LOL, we will be good to go soon. Parts should be arriving today! I'll keep you posted. I have watched this video many times, and our setup is just about identical. I'll tag you in our post next week when we get it all finished---hopefully.
Interesting. Not sure how they would work in extreme cold (-30 and colder) as I am thinking ball would freeze in place. But might be worth looking at.
they make a heat kit for these so you can run power and have it heated...never gets that cold here...but check out the mirafount website...all sorts of great info!
Go down 12' and it won't freeze as long as you have enough livestock drinking. If not you might have to push ball down occasionally to break up a little ice but that's it. You don't have to have the heater if no electricity to it.
@@tracyjohnson5023 It freezes my sewer line which is 8' down, 12" down will just post pone the inevitable. Thanks for the thought though.
Nice looking waterer but won't stand up in my climate...it would freeze solid in the bowl
why on earth would it freeze in your climate?
@StoneyRidgeFarmer we get temps down to -55 in sask Canada...a few guys I know took all their plastic water bowls out and now run with metal ones that have electric heaters in them
@StoneyRidgeFarmer -55c is -67f I think...our normal winter temp is -20 to -30 with wind chills of -40
You forgot to put your pipe insulation on, and your water levels are not high enough to keep the balls uptight and plug up the holes to keep mosquitoes out.
Well i dont like plastic anything. Its simple easy and cheap for sure. But will not use it because algae bacteria will grow in about 10 days allowing crud to form. Not so much in cold weather though. But like the whole set up. I would use this in warmer climates. But not in north east indiana. Metal kills bacteria iron can be thawed out by using a welder. Iron pipe only last 20 years in ground though. But thats my opnion. Frost goes down 30 inches here. Coldest i have seen here is -35 F i n end of jan. Needs electricity to thaw out.
I hear ya, but I'm not out busting ice out of a metal tank, and I don't have power 1/2 mile from the well. If I had to run galvy pipe on this job I would have spend over $150,000 v's poly pipe. Bacteria in the tanks isn't harmful and the black color keeps algea from growing. No light, no algea in most cases. Our tire tanks have goldfish for algea control also
Wrap tape backwards
Why do they use blue balls? Are the tanks married? Lol
I know your comment was a joke...but here's some cool info. Cows are dichromatic...meaning they can only see 2 colors clearly....yellow and blue are the colors...cool huh? Now ya know!
So no more Tires?
this farm channel is a place for folks to learn from different methods of feeding, watering, raising and moving cattle...that's why I do what I do buddy...so we all can learn from it...so yes...tire water tanks and Mirafounts and potentially other ideas in the future
@@StoneyRidgeFarmer thanks for the reply, not all TH-camrs do this. Can’t wait for another waterer.
Are you a farmer or Rancher
Y don’t u plant trees in the middle of the field so the cows can get shade
you do understand that it takes a tree 25 years to grow up and make a shade tree right? If I had to to this over again I would have left more trees for sure. Trees will be planted at some point..only about 6 paddocks don't have trees so the cows are only on these paddocks when temps are under 80 degrees...simply put...I should have left more trees for shade and I'll have to wait a few years...this is in the works now...each tree must be fenced to prevent them from damaging it
where I Come From
Good video
Are you a farmer or Rancher
typically ranch is west...farm is east....doesn't matter to me