Feed Mixer Wagon Calculator – How to Calculate the Required Machine Capacity
A feed mixer wagon calculator allows you to quickly estimate the machine capacity that may be suitable for your farm. Simply select the type of cattle and enter the number of animals to receive an approximate result that can help you begin the process of selecting a specific model.
This calculation is particularly useful before purchasing your first feed mixer wagon, expanding the herd or replacing an existing machine. It helps narrow down the available options and avoids comparing models that are clearly too small or unnecessarily large.
However, the calculator should be treated as the first stage of the selection process. The final machine configuration should also take into account the composition of the TMR, the number of rations being prepared, building dimensions and tractor specifications.
What Is a Feed Mixer Wagon Calculator?
A feed mixer wagon calculator is an online tool used to estimate the required capacity of a feed mixer. The calculation is based primarily on the type and number of animals for which the TMR will be prepared.
Instead of calculating the requirements manually or comparing every available machine, the user receives an initial indication of the capacity range they should consider.
The calculator can be useful on farms keeping:
- dairy cows,
- beef cattle,
- mixed herds,
- several separate feeding groups.
Different groups of animals have different feed intake requirements. Entering only the total number of animals may therefore be insufficient. The tool should distinguish between herd types so that the result more accurately reflects the actual requirements of the farm.
How Does the ZAMET Feed Mixer Wagon Calculator Work?
Using the calculator does not require any complicated calculations. You only need to enter basic information about the herd.
To obtain a result:
- Open the ZAMET feed mixer wagon calculator.
- Select the herd type: dairy cows, beef cattle or mixed herd.
- Enter the number of animals.
- For a mixed herd, enter the number of dairy cows and beef cattle separately.
- Start the calculation.
- Check the approximate required feed mixer wagon capacity.
- Compare the result with the available ZAMET models.
The calculator assumes that the daily TMR ration will be prepared in a single load. If the farm prepares several separate rations or divides feeding into multiple cycles, the result should be compared with the largest batch prepared at one time.
What Information Should You Prepare Before Making the Calculation?
The basic calculation only requires information about the type and number of animals. Before selecting a particular machine, however, it is worth gathering some additional data.
Prepare information about:
- the number of dairy cows,
- the number of beef cattle,
- the division of the herd into feeding groups,
- the number of different rations prepared,
- feeding frequency,
- the current quantity of TMR prepared in a single cycle,
- planned herd expansion.
The division into feeding groups is particularly important. If cows at different stages of lactation, dry cows, heifers and beef cattle receive separate rations, each mixture will be prepared in a separate cycle.
In this situation, the required capacity does not always need to be calculated for the entire herd. The largest batch of TMR prepared during one cycle may be more relevant.
How Should You Interpret the Calculator Result?
The result indicates the approximate feed mixer wagon capacity that may be suitable for the stated number and type of animals. However, this does not mean that you should automatically purchase the first model with exactly the same nominal capacity.
After obtaining the result, answer several additional questions:
- Will the entire daily ration be prepared in a single cycle?
- Is the TMR light and bulky or wetter and more compact?
- Will the herd be expanded over the next few years?
- Will the selected feed mixer wagon fit inside the buildings?
- Does the available tractor have sufficient power?
- Will the machine also be used to prepare small rations for separate groups?
If the result falls between two available capacities, you should not automatically choose the larger machine simply to create a reserve. The actual feed volume, tractor capabilities and available space must also be checked.
The calculator result should therefore start the selection process rather than complete it.
Why Is the Number of Animals Alone Not Enough?
Two farms with the same number of cows may require feed mixer wagons with different capacities. This can result from differences in the composition and structure of the ration.
The volume of TMR is affected by:
- the proportion of maize silage,
- the quantity of grass silage,
- the addition of hay or straw,
- the moisture content of individual ingredients,
- the length of the material,
- the proportion of concentrates.
A dry mixture containing a large amount of structural fibre may occupy more space than a heavier and wetter ration of the same weight. For this reason, the calculator result should be compared with the feed actually used on the farm.
Work organisation is also important. Preparing the entire daily ration in one cycle requires a larger feed mixer wagon than dividing it into two loads. However, preparing two loads requires more work, fuel and loading time.
Feed Mixer Wagon Calculator for Dairy Cows
Dairy cows, particularly high-yielding animals, consume significant amounts of feed. Selecting the correct feed mixer wagon is important for maintaining consistent ration quality.
A mixer that is too small may result in:
- overfilling the mixing tub,
- the need to prepare an additional batch,
- longer feeding times,
- uneven mixing of the ingredients,
- feed spilling over the edge of the tub.
When performing the calculation, enter the number of cows that will actually receive the same ration. If part of the herd receives a different ration, it is best to calculate the requirements for each feeding group separately.
Planned herd expansion should also be considered, but the capacity reserve should be based on a specific development plan rather than on the general possibility that the herd may grow at some point.
Feed Mixer Wagon Calculator for Beef Cattle
Beef cattle may consume different quantities of feed than dairy cows. Their requirements also change depending on their age, weight and stage of the finishing period.
You should therefore select the correct herd type in the calculator rather than applying the same assumptions to every group of cattle.
On a beef farm, you should also consider:
- the number of production groups,
- differences in the age and weight of the animals,
- the number of different ration formulations,
- the largest batch prepared in one cycle,
- seasonal changes in livestock numbers.
If younger and older cattle receive different rations, the machine capacity should primarily correspond to the largest mixture prepared at one time.
How Do You Calculate Capacity for a Mixed Herd?
For a mixed herd, a dairy cow and a beef animal should not be treated as having identical feed requirements. The calculator therefore allows the number of animals in each group to be entered separately.
After selecting a mixed herd:
- Enter the number of dairy cows.
- Enter the number of beef cattle.
- Start the calculation.
- Check the suggested capacity.
- Confirm whether both groups actually receive the same ration.
The final point is particularly important. If dairy cows and beef cattle receive different rations, it may be more practical to perform two separate calculations. The feed mixer wagon should then be capable of working correctly with both the larger and smaller batches.
What Should You Check After Calculating the Capacity?
After receiving the result, you can begin comparing specific machines. Capacity is one of the most important parameters, but it should not be the only selection criterion.
Number of Mixing Augers
Small and medium-sized TMR batches can be prepared in a single-auger feed mixer wagon. This design is shorter and usually easier to manoeuvre.
For larger batches, it may be worth considering a twin-auger model that can prepare a greater quantity of feed in one cycle. However, it requires sufficient space and a suitable tractor.
Machine Dimensions
Every additional cubic metre of capacity can affect the height or length of the machine. Before purchasing, measure:
- doors and gateways,
- the lowest structural elements,
- the width of the feeding passage,
- available turning space,
- the route between the silos and the barn,
- the loading height.
Checking only the main entrance is not sufficient. A problem may occur when turning, passing underneath a beam or positioning the feed mixer wagon alongside the feed table.
Tractor Power
A larger capacity means a greater weight of feed and a higher load on the mixing system. The requirements of the particular model must therefore be compared with the tractor specifications.
The most important factors include:
- available power,
- PTO speed,
- hydraulic system,
- hitch type,
- terrain conditions,
- safe operation under full load.
Feed Discharge Method
You should also determine from which side and in what way the TMR will be distributed onto the feed table. Depending on the building layout, a discharge chute, an additional discharge opening or a conveyor may be required.
How Do You Match the Result to ZAMET Models?
After receiving the result, compare the suggested capacity with the available model ranges.
The ZAMET range includes:
- compact single-auger feed mixer wagons for smaller farms,
- FIDER-i EKO and FIDER-i MAXI single-auger models,
- FIDER-i 2S EKO economical twin-auger feed mixers,
- FIDER-i 2S MAXI twin-auger machines designed for large TMR batches.
For example, the FIDER-i MAXI is available in capacities ranging from 7 to 12 m³, while the FIDER-i 2S MAXI is available in capacities from 14 to 20 m³.
Matching the result in cubic metres is not the final step. Within the selected capacity, you must also choose the discharge position, tyres, optional equipment and other solutions required for the particular farm.
Common Mistakes When Using the Calculator
The feed mixer wagon calculator is a simple tool, but its result can still be interpreted incorrectly.
The most common mistakes include:
- entering the total number of animals despite preparing several separate rations,
- failing to consider planned herd expansion,
- selecting the largest available machine “just in case”,
- ignoring the volume and structure of the TMR,
- failing to measure the buildings,
- selecting a machine that is not compatible with the tractor,
- treating the result as a complete final specification,
- making a decision based solely on price.
The calculator does not replace measurements or an analysis of the farm’s feeding organisation. Its purpose is to indicate a likely capacity range and make it easier to discuss a specific machine configuration.
Does the Calculator Replace a Consultation with the Manufacturer?
The calculator allows you to complete the initial selection quickly, but it does not take every condition on the farm into account. It does not know the dimensions of the barn, the tractor power, the type of loader or the exact composition of the ration.
A consultation with the manufacturer makes it possible to confirm:
- whether the selected capacity is appropriate,
- whether the machine will fit inside the buildings,
- whether the tractor meets the technical requirements,
- which discharge configuration will be most convenient,
- whether one or two augers are required,
- which optional equipment may be useful.
The best approach is therefore to combine a quick calculation with an analysis of the actual operating conditions.
Feed Mixer Wagon Calculator – Start Selecting Your Machine
Selecting a feed mixer wagon does not have to begin with reviewing every available model and technical table. You can first estimate the required capacity and then narrow the choice down to machines that match the needs of the herd.
Use the free ZAMET feed mixer wagon calculator. Select the herd type, enter the number of animals and check the suggested capacity.
After receiving the result, compare it with your feeding organisation, TMR volume, building dimensions and tractor specifications. If you need assistance, contact the ZAMET team. We will help you verify the calculation and select the appropriate model and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the feed mixer wagon calculator free to use?
Yes. The ZAMET calculator is available free of charge. Entering basic information about the herd provides an approximate indication of the required machine capacity.
What information must be entered into the calculator?
Select the herd type and enter the number of animals. For a mixed herd, enter the number of dairy cows and beef cattle separately.
Does the calculator select a specific feed mixer wagon model?
The calculator primarily determines the approximate required capacity. The result can then be compared with the available models and verified against building dimensions, tractor specifications and equipment requirements.
Does the result include multiple feeding groups?
If the groups receive separate rations, it is best to perform a separate calculation for each one. When selecting the feed mixer wagon, consider the largest batch as well as the machine’s ability to mix smaller rations correctly.
Should I select a feed mixer wagon that exactly matches the result?
Not always. The result is approximate. The final capacity also depends on the volume of the TMR, the number of mixing cycles, planned herd expansion, tractor specifications and building dimensions.
Can the calculator be used for beef cattle?
Yes. Beef cattle can be selected as the herd type. This avoids applying identical assumptions to beef cattle and dairy cows.
Can the calculator be used for a mixed herd?
Yes. Select the mixed herd option and then enter the number of dairy cows and beef cattle separately.
