American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer Review

Let’s Dive into American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer

The American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer presents an accessible entry point into automated feeding systems, promising convenience and efficiency for wildlife enthusiasts. Manufactured by American Hunter, this kit boasts a straightforward design, adjustable feed rates, and photocell technology, all at an enticing price point.

My decision to explore this product stemmed from a frustrating and repetitive chore: manually distributing feed at our hunting lease. I was looking for a reliable and budget-friendly solution to consistently deliver feed without requiring daily visits, ultimately attracting and holding deer on the property. The promise of ease-of-installation and the built-in varmint guard also piqued my interest, as previous attempts at gravity feeders were constantly raided by raccoons.

Upon unboxing the American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer, I was immediately struck by its simplicity. The plastic housing felt lightweight, and the metal downspout gave an impression of durability. Compared to other more complex and expensive feeder systems I’d researched, the American Hunter kit seemed refreshingly basic, emphasizing ease of use over intricate features.

The Moultrie Feed Station and Wildgame Innovations Quick-Set 225 Feeder were also contenders, however I ultimately chose the American Hunter due to its lower price and simpler design, prioritizing affordability and ease of setup over larger capacity or programmable timers. Initially, I was optimistic but wary; the low price raised concerns about long-term durability, but the promise of automated feeding outweighed my reservations.

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Real-World Testing: Putting American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer on a repurposed 6.5-gallon bucket and deployed it at a clearing near a well-traveled deer trail on our hunting lease. The installation process was truly straightforward, requiring only a few minutes to attach the kit to the bucket. I tested the unit under normal weather conditions, which were dry with temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Setting the feed rate was intuitive, and the unit dispensed feed as expected during the daylight hours detected by the photocell. After the initial setup, I did not observe any immediate issues, though the noise of the motor was slightly louder than expected. I observed an immediate gathering of squirrels, which would have to be observed over a period of time.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a month of operation, the American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer has proven to be mostly reliable, but with some notable drawbacks. The plastic housing has started to show signs of sun-fading, and the cheap latch securing the battery compartment feels increasingly flimsy. The galvanized metal mounting bracket and slinger are showing signs of oxidation and wear as well.

While the unit continues to dispense feed at the programmed times, I’ve noticed that the feed rate can be inconsistent, likely due to variations in the battery voltage as it discharges. Cleaning is relatively simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down of the downspout, however, I am concerned about water intrusion into the plastic housing during heavy rain. While this kit is much more affordable than other feeders I have used in the past, I am concerned about longevity.

Breaking Down the Features of American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer

Specifications

• The American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer is constructed primarily of plastic and steel, weighing approximately 2 pounds. This lightweight design facilitates easy installation and portability.
• It features an adjustable feed rate ranging from 1 to 30 seconds, allowing users to customize the amount of feed dispensed during each cycle. It operates on a single 6-volt spring top battery (not included) providing a convenient power source.
• The kit includes a galvanized metal mounting bracket and slinger to ensure secure attachment to a bucket or drum. The metal downspout is powder-coated black for corrosion resistance and reduced visibility to animals.
• Photocell technology enables the feeder to automatically dispense feed at daylight and again up to 12 hours later. The built-in varmint guard is designed to deter unwanted animals like raccoons and squirrels from accessing the feed.

Performance & Functionality

The American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer performs adequately for its intended purpose, providing a basic automated feeding solution. Its primary strength lies in its simplicity and ease of setup.
It offers a wide range of adjustment and is very affordable.

However, it does face challenges in maintaining consistent feed rates and resisting wear and tear from the elements. The feed rate’s variability impacts the reliability of the feeder. It does not meet my expectations of long-term durability.

Design & Ergonomics

The American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer prioritizes functionality over aesthetics, featuring a utilitarian design. The plastic housing feels somewhat cheap, but the galvanized metal components add a touch of robustness.

The setup of the feeder is very user-friendly; it takes just minutes to attach it to any standard bucket or container, with a wide range of adjustment. The simple photocell-based programming eliminates the need for complex timers or settings.

Durability & Maintenance

The American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer’s long-term durability is questionable, particularly considering the plastic housing and cheap latch. The metal components are prone to rust, and the photocell does not appear to be waterproof.

Maintenance is straightforward, but the need to frequently check and potentially replace the battery adds to the ongoing upkeep. The components do not appear to be easily repaired or replaced.

Accessories and Customization Options

The American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer comes with a galvanized metal mounting bracket and slinger, providing the basic components for installation. There are limited customization options, as the design is relatively fixed.

The unit is compatible with any standard bucket or drum, offering some flexibility in terms of feed capacity. You can also purchase aftermarket varmint guards for greater protection.

Pros and Cons of American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer

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Who Should Buy American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer?

The American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer is perfect for budget-conscious hunters or landowners seeking a simple and affordable automated feeding solution. It’s ideal for those who don’t require advanced programming options or extreme durability.

Those who prioritize long-term reliability and weatherproof construction should skip this product. A must-have accessory would be a more robust battery compartment latch or a waterproof cover for the photocell.

Conclusion on American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer

The American Hunter E-Kit Economy Feeder Kit w/Photo Cell Timer offers a compelling value proposition for those seeking an entry-level automated feeder. While it has some shortcomings in terms of durability and build quality, its affordable price and ease of use make it an attractive option.

The price is justified for users with basic needs and expectations, but I would spend the extra money for a more dependable unit in the future. I would recommend this product to those on a tight budget who understand its limitations. I would recommend this product with the knowledge that it is not a long-term unit.