Is there a better method to bungee a box fan to the vertical bars on a stall front? It seems like the breeze goes right over the top of my little horse’s body and pretty much misses the target. We don’t have enough room above the stall to mount the fan up there. Thanks!!
I used a pair of polos rolled up to angle the fan more towards the middle of the stall, it helps. Place the polo on the bottom corner which also slightly points it down depending on how you have it hung.
Just a reminder. Box fans, altho inexpensive and “everyone” uses them, are really dangerous to run unattended. Their motors are not enclosed, trap dust, and have caused barn fires.
Easy temporary solution is to pop the fan in a hay net. Tie to top rail. Prop at desired angle. A piece of pool noodle woven through net works well.
Thanks so much for the replies, everyone! The polo and pool noodles are a clever idea. I’ve looked into “enclosed motor” fans as well.
I attach disposable furnace filters to the backs of my box fans and switch out the filters monthly. I would like to get enclosed motor fans eventually, but they are quite pricey.
You can buy a metal frame for box fans that sit on the top of the stall. They angle the fan down. I found one in a catalogue. I think it was Jeffers. It wasnt that expensive.
You can also put a round fan in them too
https://thehorse.com/158944/training…ls-racehorses/
Box fans burn down barns on the regular
Sealed motor fans can usually be had for just over $100 ish. They also move more air and–surprisingly!–are quieter than box fans. The 18" ones are great for stalls.
Here is one for $80:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/countyline-18-in-wall-mount-fan-1025507
Another for $90:
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Air-King-9318-9318-18-3-Speed-Multi-Mount-Fan-w-Pivoting-Head
Thanks Anastasia Beaverhouse and Simkie! I did buy the metal frame described and it works great, no fasteners required. And I’m thinking ahead to next year, planning to invest in a sealed motor fan.
I have the Tractor Supply fans that Simkie posted and love them. They are little bit noisy on anything but the low setting, but low is more than enough to keep them comfy. There are three stalls in my barn and two fans set on an angle (i have 2 stalls on one wall and one on another) can get breeze to all three.
I have 4 Maxx Air 16" barrel fans. They are quiet, 3 speed, and move a lot of air. 100/each. They were worth every dime. While I use them in the aisle, they could easily go on a stall front, too.
Weezer, how do you attach the filters? The barn I board at uses box fans. No chance to replace all of them with sealed motor fan, but if I could reduce the dirt getting inside the motor, that would be great.
I love the suggestion of the furnace air filter for the box fans. I switched to a sealed motor fan for my horse’s stall 3 years ago after hearing about the fire risk. I’ve bought various brands of 16" sealed motor fans. None have lasted through the full summer! Previous $18 box fans always lasted me at least 2 summers. I am going to put the filter on my box fan.