We believe that the products we build at Steel Outdoors should last you a lifetime. But like all things, a little TLC helps in the process. Here are a few tips to ensure your feeders do exactly what they were intended to do, maximize your ability in being a good steward of your property and investment.
Simple Household items for feeder care:
- Hunter Green spray paint (Rust-Oleum or Krylon)
- Mild household spray cleaner (Windex or Formula 409)
- Wire Brush or sandpaper
- Soft Paintbrush or toothbrush
- Rags
Spin Cast / Automatic Feeder Care
All of our spin-cast feeders are practically maintenance-free. But there are a few small details that can make a difference.
At least once a year
Metal Surface Maintenance
- Either bring in your feeders or service them on site. You'll need a can of Hunter Green spray paint and a small wire brush.
- Look for any rust on or around the welded seams, feeder legs, and especially the hood hinges.
- Lightly sand or wire brush any of the rust or chipped paint down to the bare metal.
- Wipe the area with a clean dry cloth and apply several small coats of paint to this area.
- Let it dry a few minutes between coats. Apply 3-4 coats evenly.
Solar Panel Maintenance
You will be amazed at how spring pollen and dust can deflect the sun's UV rays from penetrating the panel for optimum charging. Here are a few simple things you can do to get maximum use from your feeder.
- Always face your solar panel towards the Southern sky.
This will allow maximum sunlight to penetrate the panel which will provide long battery life, even in the darkest areas.
- Keep the solar panel clean.
Each time you fill your feeder or just drive by the site, stop by and simply wipe the face of the panel with a soft cloth and mild cleaning solution.
Occasionally
Spinner Maintenance
This is especially true if you are using corn-based products that have a high dust and debris content.
- Remove the spinner and box assembly from the feeder at the 4 stainless steel attaching bolts.
- Clean the spinner shaft and spinner with a soft paintbrush or toothbrush.
Corn does create a large amount of dust and keeping the spinner plate and shaft clean periodically takes only minutes but the rewards for the small effort are endless.
Gravity Feeder Care
All of our gravity feeders are practically maintenance-free. But there are a few small details that can make a difference.
At least once a year
Metal Surface Maintenance
- Either bring in your feeders or service them on site. You'll need a can of Hunter Green spray paint and a small wire brush.
- Look for any rust on or around the welded seams, feeder legs, and especially the hood hinges.
- Lightly sand or wire brush any of the rust or chipped paint down to the bare metal.
- Wipe the area with a clean dry cloth and apply several small coats of paint to this area.
- Let it dry a few minutes between coats. Apply 3-4 coats evenly.
Occasionally
Feeder Spout Maintenance
Each time you visit a site or return to fill your feeder:
- Check along the lip of the feeder spout for any feed that may have solidified due to moisture from deer saliva and humidity.
- Wipe away any collected feed at the lip of the feeder opening and the small drain holes at the bottom of the spout with a small flat-head screwdriver or your fingers.
