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: 10 Minute(s)

    Mastering the Shaker Box Test: Is Your TMR Mixer Performing at Its Best?

    Understanding the Key to Proper Feed Particle Size for Dairy Operations For dairy farmers, the Total Mixed Ration (TMR) is the foundation of herd nutrition [...]

  • Reading Time: 9 Minute(s)

    3 Advantages of Alley Scraper Systems vs. Skid Steers

    Dairy farmers face a daily challenge that’s as constant as the sunrise:  manure management.  Thankfully, advancements in technology and engineering have provided other options besides [...]

  • Reading Time: 6 Minute(s)

    4 BENEFITS OF CONVEYOR SYSTEMS FOR REMOVING POULTRY LITTER

    Using a conveyor system to move poultry litter from barns to storage facilities provides several advantages.  Here are four benefits to note: BENEFIT #1: Improved [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • Patz 2600 Series 975 Trailer Twin Screw Vertical Mixer parked by feed

    Reading Time: 7 Minute(s)

    Loading your Mixer to Maximize Feed and Efficiency

    Does it really matter when feed gets added to the mixer…as long as it gets added?  The answer is yes, it does matter.  Just like [...]