Farmers and ranchers have strong opinions about the equipment and products they operate and use, according to results from the first Successful Fanning magazince mini drill press and press stockmen''s survey [tm]. the survey asked livestock producers to rate products they like best -- 14 categories in all. the lists in boxes (below and on the following pages) represent the brands with the highest response rate and also include editor''s selections of popular models with pricing, minus options and add-ons.a key finding column of the survey goes beyond mere opinion. many producers cite a piece of equipment as a reason for how they are able to improve their operations. and, the product types they report are across the board -- from the biggest tractor to the smallest type of computer hardware.

the cast, or pour, method is one in which the area is made completely watertight by use of forms bracket (i.e. ladle walls drill and press floor). the mix would contain more water than a trowel application mix. a cast refractory should be thoroughly worked into place, with internal air bubbles removed by rodding or vibrating. the best method is to use vibratory equipment, since it encourages the material to flow freely and completely fills the form or box. vibrating also permits working with a stiffer column mix (less water). however, hand rodding--with a shovel, rod, ice scraper or pole--will suffice if done thoroughly. working out all the air strengthens the material and reduces porosity. the action bracket of vibration or rodding sets the refractory particles drill in motion, reducing the friction between the particles press and giving the mixture the texture of a thick fluid. internal vibrating or column rodding does the most consistent job, but external vibration is also effective. although vibration equipment is available for refractories, it can often be improvised with equipment already bracket on hand to vibrate the mass externally. an air hammer held against the form can do a good job in many cases. so may a nut runner or other pneumatic vibratory tool. even hammering the form with a hand sledge will do if accompanied by hand rodding. in all cases, be sure the material is drill worked near the forms. that is where air bubbles collect.

automated cleaning and reduced downtime always have been primary benefits of mix-proof valves, as well, and more dairy processors are beginning to take advantage of the technology thanks to greater acceptance by regulators. "mix-proof technology has been around for awhile, but the pmo aspect is relatively new," says mark ream, business development manager at alfa laval, which counts the tri-clover brand among its valve offerings. press a cleanability hierarchy has been created to accommodate a broad range of products, from fluid milk to sticky, viscous products. alfa laval''s spiral clean technology represents the company''s column state-of-the-art cip for sanitizing the bracket inside of the valve and plug area.

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