In search of a good, sturdy, long lasting rubber feed pan

I have some feed pans that are 20 years old–ratty looking, but still holding up without holes, cracks or other flaws that make them totally useless. However, I really need some new replacements. I’ve bought a few at Tractor Supply --lasted maybe a week; they really just come apart.

Is there an online outlet that makes/sells good ones?

The black rubber Fortiflex ones are coming apart? Weird. Maybe contact the company? Mine old ones look like yours, 'cept for the one that got hit by the bush hog (and is probably 15 yrs old)- that one has a tear in it, LOL!

I’m having the same problem with Fortiflex! My old pans (10 years!) are ratty, but in one piece. All the new ones I’ve bought in the past year have gotten cracks along the bottom within a couple weeks. Since I feed soaked beetpulp/rice bran this is a major issue.

Huh. I would have sworn that all the black rubber feed pans were made by Fortex (these guys) but it looks like Miller makes some, too.

Maybe try whichever brand isn’t the ones you’ve bought recently? It looks like it’s really just those two.

Did you get the Fortex or the Tuff Stuff ones?
I have the Tuff Stuff ones from TSC and they last forever.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tuff-stuff-products-heavy-duty-feed-pan-7-gal?cm_vc=-10005

We ditched all the rubber and Fortiflex/Miller pans over a year ago, and now everybody has a color-coded Tub Trug. I LOVE THEM! No tooth scrapes, holes, etc. and the mud just rinses right off of them. We use the 1 gallon for the ponies and 3 gallon for the horses. I love the handles - you can slide the tubs onto the wheelbarrow handles, and “fold” the pans to carry them in one hand by the handles. I won’t ever go back to the old feed pans!

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Tub Trug also has other products just as colorful, like scoop shovels:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TUBTRUG-STRONG-DURABLE-LIGHT-PLASTIC-GARDEN-HORSE-STABLE-MUCK-PET-SCOOP-SHOVEL-/272172967353

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Can you get the shovels in the US? Or even better, can you get any of these products in Canada? I did a quick google search, but most sites are foreign and I can’t find the shovels in the US either. I want a pink shovel and a green pan :smiley:

I looked at the remains of my “new” feed pans and there is not a single brand name, logo, nothing to identify the mfgr. I think I’ll try the tub trug. Can’t hurt–at least the tubs will be pretty.

A few weeks ago I bought a 6.5 gallon feed tub at Walmart for $12.00 - it was made by Manna-Pro.

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I use the Tub Trugs as well. I got the tip from this forum. I love them. They are easy to clean and the color coding makes it easier for me and anybody else who may feed to get the right stuff to the right horse.

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The Fortiflex products have worked well for us. I haven’t bought any in some time as most of mine are still serviceable. The primary way they “die” here is when I chop them up with the bat wing bush hog!!! We had a tenant for a while that was very bad about not picking them up when she moved her horses from paddock to paddock. The grass would grow up, she’s ask me to mow them, and I would. And often would “find” the black tubs hidden in tall grass the hard way! :wink:

The bright colors, here, would likely mean a longer, if not always happier, life for tub!!! :wink:

G.

I use the Tub Trugs too. Mine are orange so you I can always find them. I’ve been using them for a couple of years with no issues. I use the 10 gallon size for water when we camp and trail ride instead of buckets and they work well.

Just a heads up: In checking WalMart’s website, they carry both the “original” Tubtrub, and another apparently improved version. The original has a cancer warning, while the newer version says “made from food-grade material and are safe for serving food or beverages.”

You may take the “California warnings” with a grain of salt, but since some are now labeled food safe, I’ll go for those.

As the owner of Harley the Destroyer I am wondering if a tubtrug would defeat him.

My Fortiflex pans were 11yo when I got him & in perfectly usable shape despite daily use by my horses.
Including the WB who liked to take his out for Walkies.

It took H about 2mos to total one of the pans - he picks his up to show me how sadly Empty it has become, and will toss it into the aisle for emphasis.
The rim on this pan was beginning to separate from the body & a rip on the sidewall threatened its ability to hold grain. So I bought a new one.
That one is barely 2yo & already in worse shape than the 1st, which has now been returned to him for further torture.

I worry the handle on a tubtrug would only give him an easier grip.
Anyone had success with a tubtrug & a mouthy horse?

Ha ha—when I had two Arabian geldings* housed next to one another, they would each pick up a pan and swat the other on the head with it. :lol:

They had a wonderful time.

*Sadly, the main instigator passed a few years ago after a 35-year career as a stand-up comedian.

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