Feed delivery plays a critical role in flock health, growth and consistency. From day-old chicks to full grow-out, poultry producers rely on smooth, efficient systems to keep birds fed and farms running on schedule.
As poultry operations expand and production demands increase, feeding systems must do more than just move feed. They need to perform reliably across a variety of house sizes and layouts, minimize downtime and reduce the need for hands-on maintenance.
“A consistent amount of feed delivered at the right time is what keeps birds healthy and uniform as they grow,” said Lynn Rae Hopkins, product manager for Grain and Protein Technologies, Cumberland’s parent company. “Feed and water access — and the environment as a whole — carry through the entire production cycle. If you don’t start with a healthy, well-fed bird, it can impact everything.”
The Cumberland Flex-Flo™ Feed Delivery System is built to meet those needs with durable, high-quality components. But, as operations have scaled, producers asked for more, including greater capacity, easier access and less maintenance.
“Operations and flock sizes may vary, but producers all want the same thing: to increase capacity without sacrificing efficiency,” stated Hopkins. “That’s where Cumberland saw the need for a design upgrade that could deliver increased capacity, improve accessibility and reduce maintenance time without compromising feed flow reliability.”
A next-generation unloader built for modern poultry operations
The Flex-Flo XD Ultra unloader is a next-generation modular design that brings added durability, efficiency and serviceability to feed delivery. Here are six ways the Flex-Flo XD Ultra supports bird performance and productivity:
- Wider opening for smooth feed flow: A 50% wider opening reduces the risk of bridging and clogs, helping feed move more freely through the system. This improved feed flow supports bird growth, especially as birds reach key development stages.
- Lower profile for better serviceability: The reduced height of the XD Ultra gives producers more working room under the feed bin. This improvement makes it easier to clean, inspect and service — especially in tight spaces. The low-profile design eliminates the need for taller bin legs or workarounds.
- Easier maintenance: Wear plates made from fiberglass-filled nylon provide four times the wear resistance of traditional metal plates. When replacement is needed, the plates can be swapped out using a standard wrench — no need to remove the auger or disassemble the unit.
- A clear boot for improved visibility: A molded access window and clear boot allow operators to visually confirm feed flow. This transparency makes routine checks easier and helps identify issues early.
- Protection from moisture intrusion: Custom-cut EPDM rubber gaskets provide a watertight seal between tube anchors and transfer plates, helping prevent feed clumping and quality loss caused by moisture.
- Configurations for any poultry barn size: The XD Ultra supports a wide range of configurations — single, twin, triple and quad lines. The recent addition of the 500 Twin series enables high-volume operations to move more feed without requiring additional bins.
“Poultry operations have grown. It’s not uncommon for a broiler farm to have six or more houses,” said Hopkins. “The Flex-Flo XD Ultra gives producers the flexibility to scale, with a modular design that allows multiple feed lines from a single boot. Whether it’s a broiler or pullet breeder farm, this product is built to meet the feeding demands of any poultry operation.”
Ready to improve your poultry operation with the Flex-Flo XD Ultra?
From improved feed flow to faster maintenance and greater flexibility, the Flex-Flo XD Ultra unloader delivers long-term value for poultry producers. Whether you’re retrofitting part of your system or planning a full-scale expansion, this next-generation unloader is built to keep pace with your operation.
To get started, connect with your local Cumberland dealer to find the right configuration for your barn.
