Buckeye Gravity Feeder Review

The Buckeye Gravity Feeder Made a Bold First Impression

The Buckeye Gravity Feeder, a promised solution to consistent and reliable wildlife feeding, piqued my interest immediately. Buckeye, as a manufacturer, isn’t exactly a household name in the outdoor feeding world, but the promise of a 200lb capacity, all-metal legs, and universal feed acceptance was enough to make me take notice. As someone with over a decade of experience dealing with various feeders for wildlife management, I was eager to see if this relatively inexpensive option could truly deliver.

My need was simple: a feeder capable of dispensing various types of feed for deer and turkey on a remote section of property I manage. I was tired of the constant refills required with smaller feeders and the unreliability of some of the more complex, timer-based options. The simplicity and large capacity of the Buckeye Gravity Feeder were what initially drew me in.

Upon unboxing, my initial thought was, “This thing is bigger than I expected!”. The metal legs felt sturdy, a welcome change from some flimsy plastic alternatives I’ve encountered. The overall build felt robust for the price point, though the finish wasn’t exactly showroom-ready; it had a functional, no-frills aesthetic.

I considered several other gravity feeders before choosing the Buckeye Gravity Feeder. Moultrie’s offerings were slightly more expensive, and Wildgame Innovations’ models had a reputation for attracting raccoons due to their less robust designs. I ultimately chose the Buckeye Gravity Feeder because it seemed to strike the best balance between capacity, durability, and price.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The large capacity and sturdy legs were encouraging. I was eager to see how it would perform in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Buckeye Gravity Feeder to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Buckeye Gravity Feeder took place on my hunting property, a mix of hardwood forest and open fields. I placed the feeder near a well-used game trail, hoping to attract deer and turkey. I filled it with a mix of corn and protein pellets, a typical feed blend I use.

The feeder was exposed to a range of conditions during its initial deployment, including rain and fluctuating temperatures. It remained stable despite the weather. The feed flowed smoothly from the hopper to the feeding stations, although the initial flow needed a slight adjustment by manually pushing the feed down.

I was initially impressed with the simplicity of filling the feeder and the relative ease of setup, requiring only the attachment of the legs. However, I noticed the metal legs began to rust almost immediately after being exposed to the elements.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of continuous use, the Buckeye Gravity Feeder has proven to be generally reliable. The feed consistently flows. The deer and turkey have readily accepted it as a food source.

The durability is acceptable, but the rust on the legs has continued to worsen despite my attempts to treat it with rust inhibitor. The metal, while initially appearing strong, seems to be a lower grade. This is likely one area where Buckeye cut costs. Cleaning the feeder is relatively simple. I typically use a brush and hose it down a few times a year.

Compared to previous experiences with timer-based feeders, the Buckeye Gravity Feeder’s simplicity is a major advantage. I no longer have to worry about batteries dying or timers malfunctioning. However, it lacks the control and customization of scheduled feeding times.

Breaking Down the Features of Buckeye Gravity Feeder

Specifications

• The Buckeye Gravity Feeder boasts a large 200lb (30 Gallon) capacity, significantly reducing the frequency of refills. This is crucial for remote locations or those who prefer less maintenance.
• It features three feed stations, allowing multiple animals to feed simultaneously and minimizing competition. This ensures that more animals have access to the feed.
• The Buckeye Gravity Feeder utilizes all-metal 2-inch legs. This provides a stable and durable base, raising the feeder off the ground and helping to prevent moisture damage and pest access.
• The feeder is designed to accept all types of feed. This allows for flexibility in choosing the most appropriate and cost-effective feed options for different wildlife species.
• The product model number is 71540.

These specifications are crucial because they dictate the practicality and longevity of the feeder. The large capacity means less work for the user. The metal legs provide much-needed durability.

Performance & Functionality

The Buckeye Gravity Feeder performs its core function of dispensing feed reasonably well. The gravity-fed system ensures a consistent flow of feed to the feeding stations.

The feeder’s primary strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use. However, the feed flow can occasionally become clogged, especially with smaller feeds. This requires periodic manual agitation.

The Buckeye Gravity Feeder meets expectations for a basic gravity feeder. The relatively inexpensive price point reflects that. It does lack the advanced features of more expensive models.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent for the price. The materials used appear to be cost-effective. The feeder is relatively heavy when full, requiring some effort to move.

The design is relatively user-friendly, with a wide opening for easy filling. The lack of a lid is a notable drawback, exposing the feed to rain and other elements.

Durability & Maintenance

The Buckeye Gravity Feeder’s durability is a mixed bag. The metal legs, while strong, are prone to rust. The hopper itself seems reasonably durable.

Maintenance is straightforward, involving occasional cleaning and rust prevention. The rusting legs are the biggest long-term concern.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Buckeye Gravity Feeder does not come with any accessories. There are limited customization options available.

There are no specific brand-name accessories designed for the Buckeye Gravity Feeder. However, the lack of accessory options is a reflection of its simplicity and basic design.

Pros and Cons of Buckeye Gravity Feeder