Every issue of Hobby Farms magazine, our editors search for items that are useful to hobby farmers, whether they’re heavier equipment such as tractor attachments, useful tools, innovative helper items or accessories for livestock management. So have a look at the things we found that can help your farm run better or keep you and your animals safer this winter.
GoBob Hay Monster
GoBob Hay Monster (pictured above) prevents cattle from dragging hay out of the container and grinding it into the mud, wasting up to 30 percent of each bale. Price varies by retailers.
Safe Paw Ice Melter
Safe Paw Ice Melter is completely salt-free and uses a two-way, timed-release action to melt winter ice by breaking up surface tension, then destabilizes it to speed up melting. This product prevents ice from sticking for up to three days. Price varies by retailer.
Simple Pump Deep Well Hand Pump
Hand pumps installed alongside an existing electrical pump inside a well will ensure you have water even if you don’t have power. The Simple Pump Deep Well Hand Pump fits almost all deep wells (up to 325 feet). Freezeproof, it allows for pumping water into a pressure tank, so water can be used inside and outside the home. $1,400 to $3,625.
Kobalt 50-1,000-Volt Multimeter
Before frigid winter temps really come on, check water-trough heating elements with a multimeter to avoid frozen waterers. The Kobalt 50-1,000-Volt Multimeter can measure AC/DC voltage, diode, continuity and batteries. It has an automatic self-test and visual and audible indication. $29.98.
SNO BRUM
Sweep snow off car and equipment windshields, windows and hoods without harming the finish with a SNO BRUM. The molded-foam head is nonabrasive and freeze-
resistant. The handle extends from 27 to 46 inches. $16.25.
Toro 60V Power Max Two-Stage Snow Blower
The Toro 60V Power Max Two-Stage Snow Blower is the only battery-powered unit designed with three battery ports. With two batteries on board, the e26 clears 30 spaces on one charge. With a third battery port on board, you can harness the power of three 7 1⁄2-amp-hour 60-volt Flex-Force batteries to easily clear 45 cars in up to 10 inches of snow. Price varies by retailers.
Foot Warmer
Perfect for winter work in garages, basements and workshops, the Foot Warmer mat warms feet and legs while drawing only 90 watts of electricity. A built-in thermostat maintains the perfect heat level. $69.95.
Avalanche 500 Wheeled Roof Rake
Removing winter snow from roofs is imperative in some particularly snowy areas of the country. The Avalanche 500 Wheeled Roof Rake rolls through snow removal rapidly, while wheels protect the roof and reduce back strain. $139.
