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: 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: 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 [...]

  • Paul Patz next to first gutter cleaner

    Reading Time: 17 Minute(s)

    The Barn Cleaner. Where the Patz story begins.

    THE WORLD'S FIRST CONTINUOUS-LOOP BARN CLEANER Paul Patz, the inventor of the Patz barn cleaner, was just a kid working on a farm back in [...]

  • Reading Time: 5 Minute(s)

    June is National Dairy Month

    June has been designated as National Dairy Month - a monthlong celebration of all things dairy. June Dairy Month is the perfect excuse for indulging.  Who [...]

  • Side view of Patz 800 Series II 350 Trailer Single Screw Vertical Mixer at end of barn

    Reading Time: 9 Minute(s)

    The Importance of ASABE Compliant Equipment on a Dairy Farm

    For dairy farmers, reliable equipment is essential for farm efficiency, safety, and long-term profitability. One critical standard that often gets overlooked when purchasing agricultural equipment [...]