Historic Photo from the Vault – Patz Silo Unloader Testing in 1961

From Day 1, Patz has been committed to designing and manufacturing equipment that saves the user time and money.

Patz was an early market innovator in developing a Non-Suspended, Surface-Driven Silo Unloader that utilized an aggressive ‘Gathering-Chain’. This chain had strategically placed Cutters-and-Claws that could quickly dig out and evenly remove hard-packed or frozen silage.

In 1961, an electrical efficiency test was conducted on the Patz silo unloader at a local Wisconsin farm. The test unit utilized Patz’s innovative gathering chain, equipped with 3 separate electric motors individually metered to measure electrical usage.

The 3-motor test isolated the power demands of the unloader. One motor to measure electrical demands of the drive wheels rotating the unloader around the silo. Another motor powered the aggressive gathering chain which removed hard-packed, frozen silage. And a third motor to measure the electrical demands of the blower that discharged feed to the silo chute.

Test results concluded that the silo unloader’s blower required the greatest energy consumption, while drive wheels for machine rotation required the least.  This test proved that the Patz Gathering Chain contributed significantly to the efficiency of the machine. These test results demonstrated that the Patz surface drive design with ‘easy-cutting’ gathering chain was destined to be a success.

Patz partnered with our local Rural Electric Cooperative in 1961 to validate the test results. Shown in this vintage photo conducting the test, left to right, (kneeling) Gaius Nichols of Oconto Electric Cooperative. Standing are Patz employees, John Walker-Sales Manager, Marvin Gusick–Sales Associate, & Harlen Zeitler–Field Technician.

More Blog Posts

  • Reading Time: 12 Minute(s)

    10 FEATURES TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A TMR VERTICAL MIXER

    Are you in the market for a vertical mixer?  Just like buying a car, there are a lot of criteria to think about and take [...]

  • Reading Time: 8 Minute(s)

    Optimizing Feed Efficiency: The Science & Art of Particle Length and Vertical Mixer Knives

    For livestock producers, the quality of feed mixing can significantly impact operational efficiency and animal health. At the heart of this process are vertical [...]

  • Reading Time: 6 Minute(s)

    Beat the Heat: Keeping your Dairy Herd Healthy & Productive During Hot Weather

    When summer temperatures rise, dairy farmers face unique challenges in maintaining herd health and milk production. Hot weather can significantly impact dairy cows, affecting both [...]

  • Reading Time: 1 Minute(s)

    Patz Employees Share Christmas Recipes

    The holiday season is a time for warmth, gatherings, and of course, delicious food.  Our employees would like to share some of their favorite recipes [...]

  • Reading Time: 2 Minute(s)

    From the Patz Vault – John Walker, Pilot Of Progress

    We are proud of our Patz history! One of the first employees hired by Mr. Paul Patz was John Walker. John joined Patz in 1950 [...]