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Hunting Supplies Game Calls & Feeders

Best Deer Feeder Motors Reviewed in 2024

Since many states have legalized supplemental feeding of deer, wildlife watchers and hunters can now distribute minerals, fruits, and feed with deer feeders to attract these shy animals.

Deer farm owners also often use feeders to help their herds grow strong and healthy. However, feeding deer manually on a daily basis may be exhausting and time-consuming.

Fortunately, there are automatic deer feeders to make things easier. These devices can deliver the right dose of feed at the right time, giving these animals just what they need. You can also use them for feeding your pet deer when you’re away.

After a couple years of use, the motor in these devices may stop working. When that happens, you need to find a replacement quickly or you’ll end up doing things by hand.

Here the RangerExpert team reviewed the best deer feeder motors available today so you can easily make the right choice!

Top 5 Best Deer Feeder Motors We Reviewed

1 Moultrie All-in-One Deer Feeder Timer Kit

Moultrie All-in-One Deer Feeder Timer Kit

Moultrie All-in-One feeder isn’t just for deer. You can use it for feeding pets and livestock. This useful device can be programmed to feed your animals up to 4 times a day. You can set the dosing duration between 1-20 seconds. That way, you can vary the doses depending on the size and number of animals.

The inner structure of this feeder is made of metal, including the spin plate and the funnel. On the other hand, the thick housing is made of ABS plastic, which is non-toxic for animals. The ABS plastic is incredibly resistant to UV rays and high humidity. So, you can be sure your deer feeder will be well protected from external agents.

Moultrie All-in-One feeder fits a wide variety of buckets, which makes it incredibly versatile. So, you don’t need to buy a special bucket that fits your device as it happens with most feeders on the market.

This feeder works with four batteries, but you can connect it to a solar panel. That way, you can forget about changing the batteries each 4 months.

Moultrie All-in-One feeder is an absolute no brainer. You don’t need to be a genius to learn how to use it. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. You can use the test button to verify how much feed comes out of the funnel with different time setups. That way, you can set the right amount of time to get the desired amount of feed.

This is our top pick for many reasons. First of all, it’s super easy to use and completely independent. You don’t need to check out your feeder too frequently to make sure it’s doing its job. This eliminates human error because you won’t depend on anyone to keep your animals well fed and healthy.

Another valid reason for buying this incredible device is time saving. This feeder makes you free, so you don’t have to live exclusively for your animals.

If you have a farm, you can spend more time on important things, like finances, and less time on your animals. You can go on vacation being sure your animals won’t be starving.

Specifications

  • Dosing time range: 1-20 seconds
  • Up to 4 programmable doses per day
  • Test button for quick setup
  • Powered by batteries or solar panel
  • ABS plastic housing
  • Metal funnel and spin plate

Pros

  • Precise dosing
  • Resistant to external agents
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to install
  • Compatible with different bucket sizes

Cons

  • It may stop working in contact with water
  • It consumes too much battery power

Our Verdict

Moultrie All-in-One Deer Feeder Motor and Timer is there to give you real value for the money. It’s incredibly precise, always delivering the same feed dose at the right time. It’s easy to use and resistant to extreme weather conditions. Give this best deer feeder timer a try and see how it works for you!

2 Wildgame Innovations 6-Volt Feeder Replacement Motor

Wildgame Innovations 6-Volt Feeder Replacement Motor

This electric motor is compatible with Wildgame Innovations’ W225D and W270D deer feeders. It has a sturdy metal case that protects all internal components from high impacts and water.

The rotor and stator produce minimum friction, guaranteeing a smooth and silent operation. With less friction, fewer residues are generated inside the motor. That means a longer service life and less maintenance required.

This device works with a 6-Volt DC power source. It can rotate at a maximum speed of 30000 RPM. So, you can use it as a motor replacement on devices requiring high power generation and low consumption.

Around the motor shaft, there are 4 screw holes that let you attach the motor to any structure without using mounting brackets. The motor shaft has an approximate diameter of 1/8-inch, which perfectly fits to any standard spin plate.

You can also adapt this motor to deer feeders from other brands with some minor modifications. You can widen the existing hole where the motor goes or adapt additional mounting brackets if necessary.

This motor has an incredible performance in extreme weather conditions. However, the motor housing should be completely sealed so water can’t enter.

It also has a long service life, which makes it a great buying choice. With the proper treatment, this motor can give more than a decade of service without malfunction.

Specifications

  • 6-Volt electric motor
  • Length: 2 1/8 inches
  • Motor diameter: 1 1/4 inches
  • Shaft diameter: 1/8 inch

Pros

  • Quiet operation
  • Low power consumption
  • Easy to install
  • Sturdy design
  • Resistant to high impacts
  • Low residue generation

Cons

  • It may stop working in contact with water
  • It may burn with voltage changes

Our Verdict

If your deer feeder recently stopped working, maybe it’s time to replace the motor. Wildgame Innovations 6-Volt motor has a sturdy design and can easily stand the test of time. If you’re looking for a reliable, powerful and energy-efficient automatic deer feeder motor, this is the motor you need.

3 Wildgame Innovations 12 Volt Feeder Replacement Motor

Wildgame Innovations 12 Volt Feeder Replacement Motor

This motor requires 12 volts to operate and it’s more powerful than its 6-volt counterpart from the same brand. It fits the biggest Wildgame Innovations’ deer feeders, being capable to dose a greater amount of feed in less time. The shaft is ¼-inch in diameter, so it’s twice thicker compared to the first three buying options on this list.

If your deer feeder has a big bucket and most 6-volt motors tend to get stuck with the excess of weight, this motor will work just fine. This device can provide 4 months of uninterrupted operation when connected to a 12-volt lead acid battery.

After that time, you just need to recharge the battery, reconnect and you’re done. This motor can resist many years of use and abuse, keeping the same excellent performance from the first day.

This motor is absolutely fantastic because it never gets stuck when the load of feed is too high. Sometimes, deer feeders may stop working when dosing pellets or ground corn.

But it is compact on the base of the bucket, exerting excessive pressure on the spin plate. When that happens, the motor stops. This 12-volt motor generates a greater torque, preventing this from happening.

Unfortunately, not all deer feeders can deliver 12 volts. So you’ll probably have to make some minor modifications on the electric system.

The installation process in this case is a piece of cake. The motor comes with a pair wires attached to the base that you can extend to reach the power output.

Specifications

  • 12-Volt electric motor
  • Length: 4 inches
  • Motor diameter: 3 1/4 inches
  • Shaft diameter: 1/4 inch

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Superior torque generation
  • Durable and resistant
  • Quiet operation
  • Resistant to high impacts

Cons

  • Not compatible with most deer feeders
  • It may stop working in contact with water

Our Verdict

Big buckets require big motors, and this one has the required power to prevent malfunctions due to excessive load. This motor is great for dosing corn, pellets, flour and other products that may compact on the base of the bucket.

4 Highwild 6-Volt 1/8″ Shaft Feeder Replacement Motor

Highwild 6-Volt 1/8" Shaft Feeder Replacement Motor

This universal motor fits all Highwild deer feeders and other devices with similar specifications. It consumes less energy, extending the service life of your batteries up to 4 months.

The copper wire inside the stator is thick, capable to resist high temperature without getting it’s coating burned. The steel shaft is 1/8-inch in diameter, resistant to high heat and friction. That means the motor can reach its maximum speed without suffering damage on the shaft and the stator.

The rotor and stator barely touch each other, guaranteeing less noise, friction and residue. If you choose this motor, you can be sure you won’t need replacements for a long time.

The case that protects the inner elements of the motor is sturdy, made of quality galvanized iron. This case also prevents heat transference when temperature starts to rise inside the motor.

Ventilation holes on the base of the case let fresh air to enter and dissipate heat, protecting the rotor and stator from overheat. Not many motors can provide such a high level of performance and durability, making it an excellent choice for any deer feeder owner.

What’s more, the universal size makes it a must-try in case you’re not sure of the size of your feeder.

Specifications

  • 6-Volt electric motor
  • Shaft diameter: 1/8 inch
  • Universal motor

Pros

  • Compatible with several best deer feeder brands
  • Sturdy design
  • Resistant to high heat and friction
  • Low noise and residue generation
  • Easy to install
  • Low price

Cons

  • Water may enter through the ventilation holes
  • It may stop working with voltage changes

Our Verdict

The universal design of this motor guarantees that it will fit most deer feeders on the market. This makes it the most versatile option on our top 5 list. If none of the replacement motors on the market fit you deer feeder, give this one a try.

5 ForEverlast 12M 12v Motor

ForEverlast 12M 12v Motor

This is another excellent alternative to the 12-volt motor from Wildgame Innovations. This device can exert more torque than a regular 6-volt motor, which makes it suitable for dosing denser products.

You can also connect it to a 12-volt lead-acid battery and a 10-watt solar panel to guarantee a long lasting and independent operation.

This motor has a thick metal housing to protect the inner elements such as the rotor and stator from dust and water. On the top of the motor, around the ¼-inch shaft, there’s a pair of screws that let you fix the motor to any structure. You just need to drill a pair of holes, set the nuts and you’re done.

This is simply the best deer feeder motor for the budget-conscious buyer. You can get one for less than $25, which is an incredible offer.

Most electric motors with the same specifications usually cost 30$ or even more. The high quality of the materials totally justifies your investment.

Specifications

  • 12-Volt electric motor
  • Shaft diameter: 1/4 inch

Pros

  • Sturdy design
  • Durable and resistant
  • Low price
  • Easy to install
  • Quiet operation

Cons

  • It may stop working in contact with water
  • Not compatible with most deer feeders

Our Verdict

This motor is powerful, quiet and energy efficient. It generates more torque, so it doesn’t get stuck when the feed load is high. It also spreads feed in a wider range, so it can reach to a higher number of animals. This makes it a great buying choice for farm owners and those who raise animals for a living.

Best Deer Feeder Motor Kit – Buying Guide

Deer feeder kits buying guide

The motor is maybe the most critical element of a deer feeder. If the motor stops working, the feeder is completely useless. When that happens, you should act quickly and replace the motor as soon as possible so your animals don’t suffer the consequences.

  • Shape and size

With time, electric and electronic devices become obsolete. The same happens to deer feeders.

When a new model is released, the old ones disappear from the market and spare parts become more difficult to find. For example, some buyers may have trouble finding the same brand and model of motor that the feeder includes from factory.

If that happens to you, first make sure the technical features are similar. That implies same power, voltage, amperage and RPM.

If possible, try to find a motor model with similar shape and size than the original one. In case the motor you find is bigger or smaller, you can make some slight modifications on the feeder.

  • Voltage

In a DC motor, voltage helps surpass the back current and allows the current to flow in a single direction. That effect is what makes the rotor to spin. Motors with higher input voltage also generate a higher torque. However, it isn’t recommended to input more voltage than the required one.

In that case, the inner components of the motor may burn. On the other hand, if voltage is lower than required, the motor will never start.

Whether you buy a new feeder or build one yourself, remember that the voltage of the replacement motor should match the voltage of the original one.

  • Current

All DC motors require a minimum and maximum current. The operating current is the minimum current amount the motor needs to run under usual torque.

On the other hand, stall current is the maximum current amount the motor needs to move the rotor at 0 RPM. In simple words, it’s the amount  of current needed to start the motor.

If the feeder handles too dense products, like flour, ground corn or pellets, the motor should be able to exert more torque. In that case, you need a higher stall current to overcome the exerted pressure. However, if the input current exceeds the recommended one, the motor may get damaged.

  • RPM

If the motor is directly connected to the spin plate, it should be able to generate the sufficient torque to overcome the pressure exerted by the feed inside the bucket.

On the other hand, if the motor is connected to the spin plate with gears or pulleys, it’s convenient to have more speed. You can easily generate more torque connecting a small gear or pulley at high speed to a bigger one.

The faster the small gear or pulley rotates, the higher the torque the bigger gear or pulley exerts. For that reason, never choose a replacement motor slower than the original one.

  • Shaft diameter

The shaft is the metal bar joined to the rotor that transmits motion from the motor to the rest of moving parts. In a deer feeder, the shaft is usually connected directly to the spin plate or indirectly to a gear or pulley.

Usually, the best deer feeder motors are designed to fit shaft diameters of 1/4-inch or 1/8-inch. So, make sure the shaft of the replacement motor has the same diameter than the original one.

However, choosing a thicker shaft could also work. You just need to widen the existing hole so the shaft can fit.

A Quick Deer Feeder Motor Replacement Guide

Replacing the motor is easier than you think. To do it, you just need to follow these steps:

  1. First of all, make a quick test to make sure the replacement motor works properly. Just use a pair of cables to connect the motor terminals to a 6V or 12V battery. It the shaft starts rotating, you can go to the next step.
  2. After that, remove the screws that join the deer feeder to the bucket. Then, remove the feeder.
  3. Then, open the lid of the feeder and detach the power cables from the motor. Use a small Allen wrench to remove all the screws that join the motor to the feeder housing.
  4. Once you’ve removed the old motor, install the new one. Then, attach the power cables, close the lid and reinstall the deer feeder.
  5. Finally, use the test button to verify the feeder is working fine. Make some setup adjustments if necessary.

Motor Power Consumption

The maximum power of a DC motor is the result of multiplying the stall current by the nominal voltage. As said before, the stall current is the minimum current amount necessary to start the motor. So, the motor power should be capable to overcome the pressure exerted by the feed compressed at the bottom of the bucket.

If you don’t know how to calculate the required power, just make sure to pick a motor with the same voltage and amperage as the original one.

FAQs

1. What is the average duration of deer feeder motor batteries?

Ans. The average duration of a 6V battery connected to a deer feeder is 3-4 months. However, the duration can be even shorter when the motor starts to fail. Connecting a 10-watt solar panel can help extend the service life of batteries much longer.

2. What are the benefits of solar-charged batteries?

Ans. Solar charged batteries have a longer service life than regular ones. You don’t need to replace them once every four months and if the solar panel gets damaged, you can recharge them using your car.

3. How long does a deer feeder motor last?

Ans. The lifespan of your deer feeder motor will depend on factors like the quality of the motor, the frequency of use, and the environmental conditions it will be used in. In general, a well-maintained motor might last several years.

4. What are some common problems with deer feeder motors?

Ans. You may have wiring issues, motor damage, and mechanical issues with the feeder’s dispensing mechanism. Since they are not so expensive, you can easily replace them if you can’t fix a broken motor.

5. Can I use a deer feeder motor for other applications?

Ans. Yes, a deer feeder motor can have other applications that require a rotating or directional motion. But you’ve to make sure that the motor is compatible with the specific application you have in mind and is appropriately rated for the load it will be carrying.

6. Can a deer feeder motor be used in cold weather?

Ans. Yes, most deer feeder motors can operate in cold weather conditions. However, you may need to take additional measures to prevent the motor from freezing, such as using a heated cover or insulating the motor and battery.

About the author

Marc Niad

It’s been several years that Marc, a retired teacher and a proud dad, has silently been piling up mature bucks down the South. This humble hunter began his hunting journey at quite an early age and since then, he spent countless hours in the woods and learned good lessons in terms of woodsmanship. Along the way, he also made money sharing his skill with his followers and well-wishers.

The Ranger Expert is the brainchild of this veteran hunter who loves hunting the swamps and the hills around the Mississippi and Homochitto rivers. His most favorite hunting technique is taking his climbing gear and going to the top of pines with a 25.06 – the old-fashioned way!

He gets most of his games during late December through mid-January – his favorite hunting time. Marc strongly believes that hard work, passion, and a bit of luck can bring you success in the wild.

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