|
THICKNESS
— 1/8", 3/16" or 1/4"? Depends on the underlying surface condition
and whether it's flat or round... plus your budget. 1/4" is stiffer
and lays flatter — for a "more-level" appearance. 1/8" is more
likely to eventually take the shape of any underlying holes and
protruding rocks. However, if you fill in the manger holes and
rough spots with lime, sand or ready-to-mix concrete, 1/8" will
lay almost as level as 1/4", and will probably last as long as
you are farming.
1/8" is more pliable,
and is easier to install over curved surfaces, such as round/curved
mangers and auger trough. However, 1/4" can be made more flexible
by "conditioning" it in a very-warm room (such as a heated milkhouse)
or in direct sunlight. Unroll liner for quicker heat absorption.
After liner has "relaxed", simply step on it to press liner into
your curved/round manger or auger trough.
1/4" is recommended
on conveyor and barn-cleaner chain applications up to 30" wide.
Because 1/4" will lay flatter, it is less prone to hump and become
worn or torn by chain riding over it. 1/8" or 3/16" is recommended
in manure-spreader and other chain applications over 30" wide.
|
WIDTH
— Because poly is very slippery (especially when wet), allow space
for walkway beside manger liner. 30" provides easier cleanup of
feed pushed out toward walkway, plus more floor protection from
feed acids. 24" is popular if aisle space is limited, and also
with budget buyers. Holddowns will reduce spillage into feed alley
by up to 90%.
Width of liner should
be narrower than conveyor or gutter. The extra side clearance
will allow poly to expand lengthwise when warm, without binding
against side-walls and humping. Order liner 1/8" narrower up to
13" wide, and 1/4" narrower over 13" wide. If necessary, liner
width can be quickly narrowed for your special application, using
a table saw.
LENGTH
— Rolls vs sheets are ordered by over 97% of our manger-liner
customers... because rolls are quicker and easier to install.
Also, rolls are seamless for easier sweeping (no cracks for moisture
or feed to spoil in). Rolls recommended for conveyors up to 13"
wide. Install as two pieces if conveyor is longer than
50'. Use 20' sheets for conveyors over 13" wide.
|