A plastic trough is an essential tool for any gardener or outdoor enthusiast looking for a practical, durable, and cost-effective solution for planting, storage, or decoration. Whether you’re growing flowers, herbs, vegetables, or simply organizing outdoor tools, the best plastic troughs provide ample space and easy mobility while offering long-lasting use. Made from lightweight, weather-resistant materials, these troughs are perfect for a wide range of gardening needs, from small balconies to expansive backyard gardens.
The best plastic troughs come in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs to suit your specific needs and garden aesthetic. Available in both rectangular and round shapes, these troughs can be used for planting directly in the soil or as decorative containers for potted plants. Many high-quality options are designed with drainage holes to ensure proper water flow, preventing root rot and promoting healthy plant growth. Additionally, their UV-resistant properties help maintain color and durability, even under the sun’s harsh rays.
Plastic troughs are highly versatile. They can be used for growing flowers, herbs, or vegetables, or even as functional storage containers in sheds or garages. Lightweight and easy to move, plastic troughs are ideal for people who want to rearrange their garden layout or bring plants indoors during colder months. Plus, they are incredibly easy to clean, making maintenance a breeze.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best plastic troughs available on the market, highlighting their features, durability, and advantages for different gardening applications. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, we’ll help you find the perfect plastic trough to suit your garden needs.
Elevate your gardening experience with the best plastic trough—a practical, affordable, and stylish solution for all your planting and organizing needs!
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Reviews
Seamless 150-Gallon Poly Stock Tank for Animals and Beverages
The Behlen Country Poly Stock Tank offers a spacious 150-gallon capacity for a variety of watering and beverage storage needs. With a seamless, single-piece construction and structural foam, this heavy-duty tank is incredibly sturdy and built to withstand the rough use of large animals. Reinforced top and bottom rims ensure durability, while the 2-year manufacturer’s warranty provides peace of mind. Easily transportable due to its patented stacking blocks, this Made in the USA tank is a practical and long-lasting solution for your watering and entertaining needs.
Behlen Plastic Trough, 27 Gallon Rigid Option
The Behlen 27-gallon plastic stock trough is a robust and seamless solution for keeping large animals well-fed. Its structural foam construction and clever stacking blocks make it both sturdy and space-efficient, while the reinforced top and bottom can withstand even the toughest grazing sessions. Adding to its convenience, the trough comes with a handy drain plug for easy emptying. Made right here in the USA, this high-quality product has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from its happy user base.
Durable Livestock Feeding and Watering Trough
Upgrade your livestock’s feeding and watering game with Stromberg’s 30-inch plastic trough. Available in two per carton, these versatile troughs come in 30 and 60-inch lengths, making them suitable for a range of needs. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, their durable plastic build can withstand harsh conditions, offering reliable access to feed and water. With dimensions optimized for minimizing waste and spillage, these troughs promote cleanliness and a hygienic environment for your animals. Plus, their smooth plastic surface is effortless to clean, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Little Giant 4-Pack Plastic Oval Water Trough
Say goodbye to heavy metal troughs with these lightweight, 15-gallon plastic options. Featuring an oval shape for superior strength and a 3/4-inch drain plug for easy watering, these multipurpose tanks are perfect for livestock, DIY projects, or even chick brooding. Ideal for a single horse or herd of sheep, you’ll love the convenience and durability of these Little Giant troughs.
Sturdy 15-gallon Poly Oval Stock Tank for Farm and DIY Solutions
Featuring exceptional durability and adaptability, the Little Giant Poly Oval Stock Tank is a perfect fit for a multitude of applications, encompassing farm responsibilities and DIY home initiatives. Crafted from lightweight yet resilient poly plastic, this stock tank boasts an unbroken oval shape that ensures superior structural strength. The tank’s robust molded rim ensures effortless handling, while its standard 3/4-inch drain hole is compatible with garden hoses, ensuring efficient filling and draining processes. A reliable choice for storing water, food, or any other essentials, this stock tank stands out as a robust option for diverse use cases.
100-Gallon Oval Stock Tank for Multiple Uses
The Little Giant 100 Gallon Poly Oval Stock Tank is a versatile multipurpose tub designed for various tasks, from being a feeder and water tank to a storage bin. With its oval shape, it eliminates the stress points typically found in square versions. A convenient drain plug allows for easy emptying using standard garden hoses. This 5-star rated product, ideal as a plastic trough, has earned positive reviews for its use as a chick brooder and for planting rose bushes.
Little Giant 40 Gallon Poly Oval Trough for Outdoor Living
The Little Giant 40 Gallon Poly Oval Stock Tank is a versatile and reliable choice for any farm or ranch. With its sturdy molded-in rim, this oval-shaped tank makes handling a breeze. It’s perfect for water storage, hay tubs, storage bins, and more. Available in several sizes, this durable plastic trough is worth considering for its great value and long-lasting performance.
Tuff Stuff Oval Stock Tank
Whether you’re seeking a watering trough for your livestock or a durable water tank for your garden, the Tuff Stuff Heavy-Duty 110 Gallon Oval Tank has your back. Crafted from eco-friendly 100-percent recycled low-density polyethylene, this versatile tank is not only rust-free but also resistant to discoloration and maintenance. With its UV-light resistance and heavy-duty construction, the tank holds up well against extreme temperatures, making it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor use. Plus, the smooth edges ensure a safe environment for your animals while the tank’s capacity and dimensions make it suitable for a variety of purposes. And with a 1-year warranty and a 4.8-star rating from over 776 satisfied customers, you can trust that the Tuff Stuff Heavy-Duty 110 Gallon Oval Tank will serve your needs with ease and reliability.
Rubbermaid 150-Gallon Plastic Stock Tank in Black
Say hello to the Rubbermaid stock tank, perfect for storing 150 gallons of feed or water, and designed with a wide base for added strength. This hefty, sturdy trough can withstand all weather conditions, ensuring year-round use. With strong molded ribs and a seamless structural foam construction, the trough boasts outstanding durability. Plus, its oversized drain plug kit makes emptying and cleaning a breeze. Whether you’re a farmer, a pet owner, or looking for a unique addition to your backyard, this Rubbermaid stock tank is sure to impress.
Behlen 100 Gallon Sturdy Plastic Trough
The 100-gallon Poly Stock Tank from Behlen offers a solution for both animal watering and beverage needs. Its reinforced top rim and bottom withstand harsh animals and corrosive liquids. The tank features patented stacking blocks and is made in the USA, coming with a two-year warranty. However, reviews have expressed concerns over its durability and craftsmanship, with some users experiencing cracks and leaks within a year or two.
Rubbermaid 50 Gallon Plastic Livestock Trough
The Rubbermaid 50 Gallon Stock Tank is a durable and hardy option for all your watering needs. Constructed of seamless structural foam for outstanding durability, it’s built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions without weathering or cracking. With oversized drain plugs for easy cleaning, this commercial-grade stock tank is ideal for livestock, pets, or even creating a small aquatic habitat for turtles. Its all-plastic anti-siphon float valve ensures consistent water levels, so you can focus on enjoying your outdoor activities without worrying about leakage or water level maintenance. And the sturdy, 12-inch-high structure, with widths ranging from 31 to 52.25 inches, can accommodate a variety of uses while withstanding even the most enthusiastic chewers and clawers.
Buyer’s Guide
Plastic troughs are versatile products that offer a wide range of benefits for various purposes. They are durable, lightweight, and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for outdoor storage, animal feed, and gardening needs. This buyer’s guide provides essential information on the key features, considerations, and advice for selecting the right plastic trough to suit your needs.
Size and Capacity
When shopping for plastic troughs, consider the size and capacity necessary for your intended use. Some factors to take into account are the volume of materials you need to store, the dimensions of the space where the trough will be placed, and the ease of handling and transporting the product. Larger troughs tend to be more expensive and may require additional support, while smaller troughs offer a more budget-friendly option with lower weight and portability.
Material and Durability
Plastic troughs are typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) materials. HDPE troughs are known for their strength, durability, and resistance to extreme temperatures. PP troughs, on the other hand, offer excellent UV resistance and chemical resistance, making them suitable for outdoor use and harsh environments. When choosing a plastic trough, consider the level of durability needed for your intended application and the environmental conditions it will be exposed to.
Design and Construction
Design and construction play a crucial role in determining the quality and performance of a plastic trough. Look for features such as sturdy construction, reinforced joints, and strong hinges or lids. A trough with a flat bottom is more stable and less likely to tip over, while a sloping bottom facilitates drainage and prevents water accumulation. Additionally, consider the trough’s weight capacity, compatibility with other equipment, and ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Price and Cost
Finally, consider the price and cost of the plastic trough you are interested in. While it is essential to find a product that fits your budget, be cautious of extremely low-priced options that may compromise on quality and durability. Research and compare prices from different suppliers to ensure you are getting a competitive deal while still receiving a reliable and functional product.
FAQ
Why should I choose a plastic trough for my livestock?
Plastic troughs offer numerous advantages over other materials like metal or wooden troughs. They are lightweight and portable, making it easy to move them around your farm or ranch. Plastic troughs also provide a hygienic solution for storing and feeding your livestock, as they are easy to clean and maintain. They resist corrosion, which can be common with metal troughs, ensuring a long service life. Plastic troughs also have a smoother surface which means that they reduce the risk of injury to your livestock caused by sharp edges in metal or wooden troughs.
In addition, plastic troughs are affordable and available in various sizes, allowing you to select the perfect size for your livestock needs. Their durability and easy maintenance save time and money in the long run, making them an ideal choice for caring for your living stock comfortably and efficiently.
What materials are plastic troughs made of, and are they eco-friendly?
Plastic troughs are typically made of a durable material called high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is a type of plastic known for its strength and longevity. HDPE is commonly used in large capacity containers, so it’s great for large animal feed and water storage. When it comes to environmental impact, HDPE is considered a recyclable material and is more eco-friendly than some alternative materials, such as metal.
However, it’s essential to remember that single-use plastic waste can negatively affect the environment. To minimize this impact, ensure that you recycle your plastic troughs at the end of their service life or repurpose them for other needs on your farm or ranch. Additionally, you can consider purchasing recycled HDPE troughs, further reducing environmental impact.
How do I choose the right size of plastic trough for my livestock?
When selecting the right size of plastic trough for your livestock, consider the number of animals you’re caring for and the amount of feed or water they consume daily. Always choose a trough that’s large enough to hold an appropriate amount of feed or water, while also taking into account your livestock’s space requirements and accessibility. It’s also crucial to consider the trough’s depth, as some animals might struggle to reach water or feed that’s too low.
For instance, a standard size trough could be 20 feet long and 6 feet wide, making it suitable for large groups of cattle or sheep. Smaller livestock like pigs or goats may not require a trough this large, so you could opt for a trough that’s 10-15 feet long and 4-5 feet wide. Take measurements of your livestock to make sure that they can easily reach the food and water, while ensuring that the trough is not overly large and cumbersome to move or maintain.
What precautions should I take when using plastic troughs for my livestock?
To ensure the safe and efficient use of plastic troughs for your livestock, take the following precautions into consideration:
- Always check the trough for any sharp edges or protrusions that could cause injury to your animals. A poorly designed trough might also have jagged corners that can pose a risk. 2) Maintain a clean and hygienic environment around the trough, as a dirty trough can lead to bacterial contamination and possible illnesses among your livestock.
- Monitor your livestock’s access to the trough frequently, especially in the case of newborn animals or those that might have difficulty navigating their way to the trough. Ensure that younger animals are not mistakenly getting into unfilled troughs, leading to injuries. 4) Also, be cautious about the depth of the water or feed in the trough to avoid any potential drowning incidents during sudden weather shifts. If you live in an area prone to extreme temperatures, consider using insulated troughs to prevent water from freezing during colder months. Proper precautions will ensure that your animals have a comfortable and safe space to feed and drink.
Can I expect the plastic trough to last for a long time?
Yes, plastic troughs are built to last. The high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material they are constructed from is chosen for its durability and longevity. HDPE is resistant to both physical impact and corrosive environments, such as harsh weather conditions or intense sunlight exposure. This makes it an ideal choice for long-lasting livestock feeding and drinking solutions on farms, ranches, and other large animal facilities worldwide.
Although plastic troughs are typically robust, some precautions should be taken to ensure their longevity. Regularly inspect the trough for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or dents. If any damage is noticed, repair or replace the trough immediately. Also, do not use any abrasive cleaning agents on the exterior of the trough, which could gradually degrade the HDPE material. Proper maintenance will further extend the lifespan of your plastic trough, ensuring that it remains an efficient and convenient feeding and watering solution for your livestock.
What is the ideal location to place my plastic trough for my animals?
Choosing the correct location for your plastic trough is crucial for providing a comfortable and safe drinking environment for your animals. Ideally, the trough should be placed in a sheltered area that offers protection from the elements, such as wind, rain, or direct sunlight. A spot with good drainage is also necessary, to prevent stagnant or contaminated water. This could be an area with natural drainage or a prepared runoff area to facilitate water flow.
When positioning the trough, consider the ease of access for your animals and the need for adequate space for all your livestock to reach the water or feed. It’s also important to ensure that the trough is not too close to the fence or other structures, which could impede movement or contribute to accidents.
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