Caprine Supply product REVIEW GRRRRR!

["SPIKE"]

First let me say that the people I have been speaking with there have been pleasant and are trying to be helpful.

Now the bad news!
I'm not sure I like what I purchased. This was a splurge for me. I was not my usuall cheap self and thought I would get something that would serve me well for a long time.

Link to what I purchased, plus I bought a lid that would fit also.
Basic Milking Kit (3 or More Goats) - Milking - Products

When I placed the order, I asked to be sure that the lid fit the strainer and the pail.

Here is a picture with lid on pail,



Strainer will not fit under handle of pail,



Strainer will not fit between tabs that attach the handle,



Tabs that attach the handle must be pulled apart to force stariner to go between them, so now the handle to carry the pail is not usable.



Continue in next post, That is not all of the bad news!

SPIKE

[Hollowdweller]

Most of the Caprine Supply stuff is overpriced. Their milking machine stuff is like way out there.

["SPIKE"]

I ordered the above item on 5-8 and received it on 5-10. I call that day to discuss the complications in the above pictures.
This is what they have been selling, and nobody has ever called and complained about it before. The rep I spoke with said they would discuss this at Caprine. I asked that I be called with solutions before I decided to modify the strainer.

A week later, the strainer is starting to RUST!!!!!!!!



REAL UNHAPPY ABOUT THIS!!!
I have not tried to modify the strainer and have not used anything to clean it that would create this rust.

Called them on 5-17. Rep said that they got a bad batch and that the manufacturer was aware of the problem. They would sent me another strainer along with postage to return the rusting one.

Today 5-24. I have not received replacement so I called again. The manufacturer may not have solved this problem yet, but they will be sending me another strainer that may rust like the first!

Again I asked for input on modifying the strainer so it will fit between tabs. It still would be nice if it fit under the handle so the pail could be carried with the strainer in place and the lid on top.



SPIKE

[suzyhomemaker09]

As an aside....
I have the same set up I purchased quite a few years ago...
I milk into the bucket and use the strainer on top of the jars after I milk. If you want to filter as you milk something I looked at recently was to purchase from a food service company a hair net like they wear in food service.

Disposable Hair Net, Spun-Bonded Polypropylene, White, 100 per Bag - Sam's Club

Like this...I'm sure they could be washed and cleaned for more than a single use...but a < $5 for 100 not terribly pricey.

[Alice In TX/MO]

I would not expect that strainer to be used on a bucket in that manner. Never have seen it done that way.

[Minelson]

I think they should give you a refund and send you the postage if they want it back...I would put the whole scenario in an email (like you did here and then you have it in writing) and attach the pictures.
Sorry you got a bummer product and now having to jump through hoops over it!

["SPIKE"]

Originally Posted by Alice In TX/MO

I would not expect that strainer to be used on a bucket in that manner. Never have seen it done that way.

Why not? It was sold as a package. Why would you need a strainer that was the size of the pail if you were not going to use it that way?
Just asking.

SPIKE

["SPIKE"]

Originally Posted by suzyhomemaker09

As an aside....
I have the same set up I purchased quite a few years ago...
I milk into the bucket and use the strainer on top of the jars after I milk. If you want to filter as you milk something I looked at recently was to purchase from a food service company a hair net like they wear in food service.

Disposable Hair Net, Spun-Bonded Polypropylene, White, 100 per Bag - Sam's Club

Like this...I'm sure they could be washed and cleaned for more than a single use...but a < $5 for 100 not terribly pricey.

Thanks.

I have some usable filtering material and was going to just buy some LARGE rubber bands to use on an acceptable container.
Like I stated above, I thought it would be a nice thing to splurge on. (What a homesteader treat! LOL )

SPIKE

["SPIKE"]

Originally Posted by Minelson

I think they should give you a refund and send you the postage if they want it back...I would put the whole scenario in an email (like you did here and then you have it in writing) and attach the pictures.
Sorry you got a bummer product and now having to jump through hoops over it!

I'm already considering my next move if this can not be worked out to my satisfaction. If I can get a strainer that will not rust and modify ti to fit the pail, it would be a nice item. Even if I did pay too much.

I may email them the link to this thread!

When you are a retail seller, You really do not want too much bad information about your product on the internet.

How many people will read this thread?

SPIKE

[JBarGFarmKeeper]

Originally Posted by Alice In TX/MO

I would not expect that strainer to be used on a bucket in that manner. Never have seen it done that way.

In SPIKE's defense, I use my strainer like this every day. HOWEVER, we put it on the 3 gal. pail. We are milking 25 goats. I keep the 3 gal. pail in the cooler with Gatorade jug of ice. Milk a goat and pour it into the strainer, on the bucket in the cooler, close lid. Next goat, please. When we store the milk we strain the milk again with the same strainer (different filter) on top of the jar(s). Anyway, get the bigger bucket.

SPIKE, I am happy that you posted this. I am getting ready to order another strainer of this type (one for each barn) and was looking at either Caprine Supply, Hamby's or Hoegger's. Hamby's is REALLY big so it looks like Hoegger's may get this one by default.

I am a BIG review reader. So, for my 2 cents worth, the TUFFY filters are better that the ones in the orange box.

SIDE NOTE: I am considering ordering a CASE of TUFFY 4 9/16" or 6 1/2" filters. If anyone that I see or deal with frequently (locally) would like to purchase a few boxes at cost (w/shipping, of course) I would be happy to hear from you. I am in WP frequently and can ALWAYS make a reason to be in Mountain Grove, Ava, Mansfield also. I could meet you or drop them off on my way through town if you had a place willing. Or we could get together and have lunch with the goat folks around here. ***

Hope any of this helps, forgive me if I missed anything. Life in CRAZY right now and I have been trying to get my HT fix but have not been too successful.

[mabeane]

I,too, have never seen a strainer used in the milking bucket. I milk, pour it through the strainer into the jars. However the strainer should not rust.

[southerngurl]

Just get some light muslin cloth, boil to sanitize, and put over the pail with a large band to hold it at the top. Make it big enough it sags a bit into the bucket. Works great and cheap. I rinse it out after each milking, and quickly boil before each milking. Every couple of months or so cut a new piece and throw out the old one because it starts to become kind of felted and not strain well.

Sorry the product didn't work out for you!

[Chaty]

I have never had any problems with Caprine Supply ever in the years I have had goats and they are very helpful with any problems. I have never used the strainer that way either I keep mine in the house and strain when I get the milk inside. If I want to stop things from dropping in the milk I use the cloth also, then restrain when I get in the house into a large jar. Lots easier...I know they sell it as a kit but with a pail that small I wouldnt use in inside the pail, lots more work to me is seems...

[steff bugielski]

I too have a similar pail and strainer.
It is meant to be used with a jar or similar. You can use it however you wish but the proper way to hand milk, according to the PMO of many states is to milk into a hooded pail and then strain through a filtered strainer into a bulk tank or jar.


as for the rust are you using a filter and what type of spring holds the filter in place?

["SPIKE"]

Well guys and gals, I guess I showed my ignorance on the proper way to use this equipment. Where is Alice the English teacher? Isn't ignorance defined as the lack of knowledge? Now, if I start showing you my stupid, then I may be embarassed!

It seemed logical to me to milk through the strainer and save time. The milk is just for my house, but I guarantee you it is handled well/cleanly even if I do not follow proper guidlines.

I may still modify a strainer to fit the pail. I do not want to have more than 2 milkers, so it works well for me.

SPIKE

["SPIKE"]

Originally Posted by JBarGFarmKeeper

In SPIKE's defense, I use my strainer like this every day. HOWEVER, we put it on the 3 gal. pail. We are milking 25 goats. I keep the 3 gal. pail in the cooler with Gatorade jug of ice. Milk a goat and pour it into the strainer, on the bucket in the cooler, close lid. Next goat, please. When we store the milk we strain the milk again with the same strainer (different filter) on top of the jar(s). Anyway, get the bigger bucket.

SPIKE, I am happy that you posted this. I am getting ready to order another strainer of this type (one for each barn) and was looking at either Caprine Supply, Hamby's or Hoegger's. Hamby's is REALLY big so it looks like Hoegger's may get this one by default.

I am a BIG review reader. So, for my 2 cents worth, the TUFFY filters are better that the ones in the orange box.

SIDE NOTE: I am considering ordering a CASE of TUFFY 4 9/16" or 6 1/2" filters. If anyone that I see or deal with frequently (locally) would like to purchase a few boxes at cost (w/shipping, of course) I would be happy to hear from you. I am in WP frequently and can ALWAYS make a reason to be in Mountain Grove, Ava, Mansfield also. I could meet you or drop them off on my way through town if you had a place willing. Or we could get together and have lunch with the goat folks around here. ***

Hope any of this helps, forgive me if I missed anything. Life in CRAZY right now and I have been trying to get my HT fix but have not been too successful.

I'm glad this was a timely post for you.
And thanks.

SPIKE

["SPIKE"]

Originally Posted by steff bugielski

I too have a similar pail and strainer.
It is meant to be used with a jar or similar. You can use it however you wish but the proper way to hand milk, according to the PMO of many states is to milk into a hooded pail and then strain through a filtered strainer into a bulk tank or jar.


as for the rust are you using a filter and what type of spring holds the filter in place?

Yes I am using a filter. It is held in place by a metal ring that fits at the very bottom of the strainer. Not the area that is rusting.

What is the PMO?

SPIKE

[RedSonja]

I milk with the strainer on the milk pail. I also have the milk pail sitting in an ice bath, so the milk is strained and chilled immediately. My strainer fits in the pail fine and the airtight lid fits on the strainer and/or the pail.

My strainer, pail, lid, filters, etc., all came from Hoegger's. I bought them used but they came in the original packaging as they'd been used very little.

-Sonja

[chewie]

I use 2 pails, one I paid $30 from some online place, adn the other is the stainless dog pail from tsc, I added a thrift shop lid. both work as well as the other. I use that strainer you show, but mine has been solid and no rust in several years now. bummer yours isn't well made.

and oh yes those green box filters are way better imo, the orange brand left stuff thru, eww.

I've never milked thru the strainer, just a pail, and like other said, if its needed, I've used soemthing over like a fine mesh (fly season, ewww!). strain in the jar in the kitchen. I just don't need another thing to haul to the barn.

[steff bugielski]

Originally Posted by "SPIKE"

What is the PMO?

SPIKE

It actually stands for "Pasteurized milk ordinance", but it is where the state describes all the milking procedures as well as pasteurizing methods.