Milking machine question

[PotterWatch]

There is a used machine for sale in my area and I am going to look at it on Tuesday. I have never used a machine before, I have always hand-milked. We are planning to get a machine this time simply to save time on milking. We are planning to have three or four does and hopefully a cow as well. Anyone have any advice on what I should look for in this machine to make certain it is in decent condition?

The description says it holds up to four gallons and can be used for a goat or cow. It looks to be a belly milker that just doesn't have the strap to put it around the belly. Do you have to have different parts for goats and cows? I have been under the impression that you needed a different claw and different inflations for goats and cows.

 

[kstaven]

Hook it up to a vacuum supply. The portable pumps are expensive if you don't have one or if it doesn't come with it.

Check the pulsator, lid rubber ring, make sure the lid isn't warped.

Make sure it isn't scaled up.

Goat conversion kit for the surge belly milker is about $140.00
Pulsator rebuild kit $10.00
Lid gasket $40.00

Parts are easy to get. Portable Milkers or Hamby Dairy Supply usually have the best prices.

 

[PotterWatch]

Thanks for the help! I don't know why I didn't think of it before I posted here, but we have a dairy supply place down the street. I called and asked them if I could bring it there for them to look at and tell me what kind of shape it is in. They were happy to do so and I met the guy selling it down there this morning. It was in good shape and we were able to turn it on and make sure everything worked fine. We went ahead and got it. I think it was a decent price... at least I hope so!

 

[kstaven]

Thanks for the help! I don't know why I didn't think of it before I posted here, but we have a dairy supply place down the street. I called and asked them if I could bring it there for them to look at and tell me what kind of shape it is in. They were happy to do so and I met the guy selling it down there this morning. It was in good shape and we were able to turn it on and make sure everything worked fine. We went ahead and got it. I think it was a decent price... at least I hope so!

Belly milkers are fetching far more now than when they where new. Personally I think the surge was the best portable ever built. Easy to work, easy to fix, and almost indestructable.