Reel, Horizontal & Vertical Mixers Explained

Reel (Rotary) Mixers

Gentle, yet thorough mixes with exceptional batch flexibility 

Reel mixers use a horizontal reel that gently tumbles feed for top to bottom blending. Dual augers running alongside the reel move opposite of each other, the lower auger continuously charging the discharge door and the top auger providing load leveling.  

Performance Highlights 

• Lowest horsepower requirement of all mixer types 
• Fast blending of even partial loads 
• Excellent mixer final cleanout 

Key Advantages 

• Gentle tumbling action preserves particle size better than any other mixer type 
• Thorough blending across any batch size 
• Ideal for operations prioritizing ingredient integrity and low operating costs 

Important Considerations 

Reel mixers' tumbling action thoroughly blends all ingredients, even partial loads, but due to the nature of the reel design, they are sensitive to overfilling, which can compromise mix quality. 

Due to the close tolerances between the reel and the tub wall, ingredients must be pre-processed to avoid causing pinch point issues in a reel mixer. Whole bales may not be added.  

Horizontal Auger Mixers

Handling even the toughest ingredients 

Horizontal auger mixers typically use three or four augers (with four being most common). Lower augers move feed forward while upper augers move it rearward giving front to back mixing action, while the auger flighting direction causes feed to compress in the center giving the bottom to top mixing action seen. 

Performance Highlights 

• Strong compression action blends even sticky and hard to move ingredients quickly 
• Supports rations with up to 25% longstem forage, or 40% if preprocessed 
• Also is a great low horsepower mixing option for customers mixing basic silage and grain rations.  

Important Considerations 

While they can handle some more long stem forage compared to a reel mixer, whole bales cannot be processed in an auger mixer. 

Vertical Auger Mixers

Delivering versatility

Available in single, twin, or triple auger configurations, vertical mixers feature an open mixing chamber with no pinch points, allowing them to process entire bales. Augers and auger components interact with the tub wall design to deliver up and down mixing action as well as front to back movement. 

What Sets Vertical Mixers Apart 

• Open top chambers allow for 100% bale processing capabilities 
• Easiest type of mixer to add capacity to, resulting in the largest mixer capacities 
• Easier to accommodate different door locations and conveyor options to meet a variety of needs 

Important Considerations 

While an economical and versatile mixer option, vertical mixers do require more power to mix a similar volume of feed compared to a reel or auger mixer. They can process material down, but that means they can also over-process ingredients left to mix for too long. They perform best when the mixer is fully loaded.