How a feed mixer unloads decides how fast you feed and how even the bunk looks. Pick the wrong feed mixer discharge for your barn and you’ll fight it every day. Here’s how the options compare. For everything else about choosing a mixer, see the feed mixer guide.
Side door feed mixer discharge
A side door is the most common setup. The door opens on the side of the tub and feed drops along the bunk as you drive.
- Works for most feed alleys and fence line bunks.
- Simple, fewer moving parts.
- Door width controls how fast feed comes out.
The LEO VT range uses a side door on every model: 610 mm (24 inch) on the 7006VT and 760 mm (30 inch) on the 7010VT and larger. The HD 7014HD, 7016HD and 7018HD are side discharge as standard.
Front discharge
Front discharge puts the door at the front of the mixer, so feed comes out where the driver can see it.
- Suits large freestall barns with front loading alleys.
- Good visibility for even feeding.
- Common on bigger mixers.
On the LEO HD heavy duty feed mixers, the 7025HD, 7028HD and 7034HD use front discharge.
Two side discharges
Some large mixers unload from both sides. You can feed two bunks in one pass, or pick the side that suits the pen. The LEO 7040HD and 7045HD come with two side discharges.
How to choose your feed mixer discharge
- Walk your feed route. Which side are the bunks on?
- Measure your alley width and turning space.
- Check the bunk height you need to clear.
- Count how many groups you feed per load.
Getting an even bunk
Discharge door height and drive speed make the difference between an even bunk and piles. We cover this in feed mixer discharge door height and vertical mixer unloading.
Door width and unloading speed
A wider door lets feed out faster. That’s good on long bunks, but too fast and you get piles. On the LEO VT range the door goes from 610 mm on the 7006VT to 760 mm on the 7010VT and larger. Open the door partway at first, set a steady drive speed, and adjust until the bunk looks even from start to finish.
Tips for an even bunk
- Keep the augers turning while you unload.
- Drive at a steady speed. Don’t stop and start.
- Start with the door partly open and adjust.
- Unload the last part of the load slower, since the tub empties faster near the end.
- Clean out fully before the next load.
Common mistakes
- Picking a discharge that puts feed on the wrong side of your alley.
- Ignoring bunk height.
- Unloading too fast and leaving piles.
FAQ
### Is side or front discharge better?
Side suits most feed alleys. Front suits large freestall barns with front loading alleys.
### Can I feed two bunks in one pass?
With two side discharges, like the LEO 7040HD and 7045HD, yes.
### What door width do LEO VT mixers have?
610 mm on the 7006VT and 760 mm from the 7010VT up.
Matching discharge to your barn layout
Walk your feed route with a tape measure before you choose:
- Alley width: you need room to drive straight past the bunk at a steady speed.
- Bunk side: a side door should face the bunk as you drive your normal route.
- Turning space: longer mixers need more room at the ends.
- Bunk height: the discharge has to clear it without spilling.
- Number of pens per load: if you split a load between pens on both sides, two side discharges can save a pass.
Big freestall barns with front loading alleys often suit front discharge, like the LEO 7025HD, 7028HD and 7034HD, because the driver can see the feed as it comes out.
Maintenance on the discharge
Check door hinges and seals, clear built up feed around the opening, and grease moving parts to schedule. A door that sticks half open makes an even bunk impossible.
A final word
Discharge also affects cleanout. A mixer that doesn’t empty fully leaves old feed in the tub, which heats and spoils, then ends up in the next load. Run the augers until the tub is empty, and check corners and the area around the door after each load. A clean tub at the start of every load is part of getting the same ration every time.
Next step
Look at the LEO VT feed mixers for side door twin auger models and the HD range for front and two side discharge. Find a dealer to talk through your barn.
Learn more about LEO Agriculture and our full line of feed mixers and manure spreaders.
