milking machine for goat and cow?

[Shades of Gray]

Ok. Really how hard is it to have just one milker for both a cow and goats? I really want to get one but can't afford to buy each their own. Would it be better to get a goat milker and then just do the cow two teats at a time, or get a cow milker and just use two shells for the goats?
If I get the cow milker would the two shells that weren't in use for the goats suck also, so crud would get in the milk? Also what would be the best vacuum pump to use?
Alot of questions but these things are expensive and I want to get it right. Thanks!

[springvalley]

If you could find a DeLaval bucket milker, you could change the claw on it and use it for milking both. Or you could have a milker for a cow, and plug the other two cups so they don`t suck air. No tips on the vacuum pump, I use old ones you can`t get anymore. Hope it helps some. >Thanks Marc

[sammyd]

there are many ways to handle your problem.
We used a cow claw to milk our goats for a couple of years. We just purchased a length of suitable sized tubing and hooked the two front milk inlets together with it so only the back two had shells and inflations. We also had to run an extra air tube between the pulsation outlets.
Like this
http://script-host.com/self/drill/SANY0033.JPG

You could also use plugs to block off the front two shells. they look like this
http://coburn.com/display/product.as...09&BaseCatID=0
or this
http://coburn.com/display/product.as...09&BaseCatID=0

Currently we use an old BouMatic barrel claw that we picked up at an auction for dirt cheap. I cut off the two front inlets and had a buddy where I used to work weld them shut, but he was quite familiar with the 3A standard for milk equipment, not all welders are.....
We use Universal plastic shells with weights and a narrow bore inflation for our goats so they would work on most cows as well.

The best vacuum pump is one that will produce enough CFM at the proper vacuum level to milk out your animal.
You should have around 5 CFM at 11-15 inches of vacuum to run your milker and milk your animals correctly if you are using a bucket.

[farmmom]

It shouldn't be difficult. The milker I have is actually a cow milker that I have set up for one goat (I have two of the ports through the lid blocked.) I am going to set it up for milking 2 at a time.

[Alice In TX/MO]

http://cgi.ebay.com/COMPLETE-MILKER-...item3a5e485265