How to Choose the Right Effluent Pond Stirrer

Looking for the right stirrer for your effluent pond or tank? Whether you’re tossing up between electric or PTO, or just need to know what size will actually do the job, this blog will point you in the right direction.

Let’s find you the right slurry stirrer…

If you’re reading this, chances are you need a new stirrer for your effluent storage, but you’re not sure which option would be best….not to worry, here’s some info to help!

The first thing to decide on is the type of stirrer you’ll need. Then we can get onto deciding on size.

For pond or above ground tank effluent storage, you’ll generally be choosing between an electric or PTO stirrer. Or for bladder tanks which have only a small area for access, you’ll need a submersible stirrer.

Nevada EL7 Electric Stirrer Typhoon Propellor 1
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Electric or PTO Slurry Stirrer?

The Nevada Electric and PTO pond stirrers are both excellent solutions. They both have strong galvanised frames, durable slide bearings and Nevada’s powerful propeller technology. However the two systems provide certain advantages that will suit different pond situations or farmer preference.

Recommendation: If you have power available, or can get power running to where you need it, we would recommend getting an electric stirrer over a PTO. The benefits of an electric stirrer over a PTO are:

  • Reduced labour time
  • More likely to be stirred regularly since you don’t need someone there to monitor it
  • Cheaper to run per hour (the cost of getting power supplied might be quickly paid in the savings from running costs)
Nevada PTO Stirrer
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Nevada EL9 Electric Stirrer in action
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PTO Pond Stirrers

  • Tractor-mount for mobility and manoeuvrability​
  • Can be inserted into pond from different positions
  • Multiple ponds (contractors)
  • Low power requirements / low tractor revs
  • Good for ponds with extreme crust and vegetation

Electric Pond Stirrers

  • Shore-mount for safety and convenience
  • Set and forget. Stirrer can be left running on a timer
  • Turn-key operation with complete FDE system
  • Low power requirements
  • Quiet operation
  • Good for daily / semi-daily use to maintain slurry

Pond/Storage Accessibility

Another consideration is how accessible your effluent pond, or effluent storage is for a stirrer.

Nevada Electric Stirrer Pondboom Cows
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Nevada Hydraulic Slurry Stirrer
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Nevada Pedestal at the side of an above ground effluent tank
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Easy Access

If you’ve got an easily accessible effluent pond, then either a standard Nevada electric or PTO stirrer could likely get the job done, you’ll just need to work out the best size for your needs (see below).

Hard To Reach Ponds

Electric stirrers are generally a better solution for hard to reach effluent ponds, as they don’t require a tractor to operate them. However Nevada PTO stirrers can be fitted with an extension for further reach, and there is also a hydraulic drive option.

Above Ground Tanks

Either option can be used for above ground effluent tanks. An electric stirrer will either need to be placed on a pedistal so it can reach into the tank from above, or there is a ‘through-the-wall’ option. A PTO stirrer will require an extension to reach over the top of the tank, or the hydraulic dive front-end-loader mount option.

Choosing a size

Careful consideration should be taken when it comes to getting the right size stirrer to get the job done. Your slurry stirrer size will depend on:

Pumping Frequency

For the DIY dairy farmer who pumps regularly, you’ll need to be stirring more often to keep a more even consistency in the effluent. In this case a smaller PTO stirrer or an electric stirrer is generally recommended depending on storage size.

If the pond is being emptied by a contractor, or getting stirred less regularly, a larger, more powerful stirrer may be required to churn through crust and vegetation build up. Additional to the powerful Typhoon™ propellor, Nevada stirrers have an optional high efficiency shredder which can help with mulching vegetation.

Nevada PTO Pump Bauer Hero
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Nevada PTO stirrer extension in action
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Solids Concentration

If you’re pushing off a feedpad, and have a high solids concentration, you’re more likely to need a bigger stirrer, or one with a powerful motor to be able to handle churning through the solids.

Pond/Storage Size

Effective pond stirring requires a horizontal flow across the pond. Submersible stirrers are suitable for small tanks where access is limited, however most smaller effluent ponds and above ground tanks will require a smaller to medium size stirrer. Larger ponds and tanks will usually need a larger stirrer of approximately 15-20HP to cut the mustard (usually an electric).

Nevada PTO Stirrer
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Ben and Mackenzies Nevada PTO stirrer in action
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Angle/Batter

Larger stirrers work best on larger ponds with a gentle batter, where smaller stirrers are ideal for shallow ponds with good access and steep banks.

More Blogs

A Nevada pond stirrer is a great investment to help you make the most of your dairy effluent. Find out how regular stirring can actually save you a heap of money by improving the nutrient levels of your effluent and maximising your storage capacity.
Not sure whether to invest in a slurry tanker for your farm? They are efficient, make good financial sense, are a great asset and they produce a lot of grass for your farm.
There are several efficient approaches to help maximise the nutrients you put on your paddocks, read more in this article…

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