With a high-impact, 360° wrap-around solar panel powering a six-volt rechargeable gel-cell battery (included), the Elite is the first fully self-contained solar-powered feeder. The solar panel is fully waterproof with air-tight seals, doesn't have any external wires or any glass panels to break. Motor is four-times larger than a standard motor, but uses less battery power. Fully adjustable, it has three motor speeds and can handle up to six feedings per day and one to 30-second run times. Aluminum housing with cast-aluminum funnel. Easy operation, detailed instructions included. Limited lifetime warranty.
The Elite Solar Feeder works as advertised. The design of the built in solar panel is superb and really streamlines the unit. I'm sure it will save me untold dollars in batteries and battery charging equipment. My only complaint is that the start-up instructions were incomplete and not accurate. The unit is shipped with the battery disconnected -- but the instructions completely omitted that fact. I had to find out by trial and error.
I've had this unit for about 4 years now. I had to replace the battery once. This unit has never failed and I use it 365 days a year. Recently a wind storm knocked the feeder over. No damage to this unit but the aluminum bracket broke from the feeder funnel. The timer still works like a champ. It even survived a bear attack....The bear bent the aluminum bracket which is what I think weakend the metal...This is one of three other brands that I've used. This one has never failed...The other two ended up in the trash over time. Great produce.
We love the feeder. However, if you send your feeder in for repair under the warranty, you should know that you may not get your feeder back. The following is our experience story: On September 12, 2008, we sent to On Time Wildlife Feeder, Inc., one solar panel for repair. It was confirmed by signature and staff that our package arrived at headquarters on 9/16/08. We have called many times inquiring about where our feeder is in the process of repair, only to have them say for a couple months now, 'We are working on it and will send it out soon.' Today I have been told from headquarters that they do not know where our feeder is, when it will be done, or if it will be done. After much discussion, and the suggestion that I was going to contact Cabelas regarding said situation, the company agreed that they would send me a refurbished solar panel. Very unacceptable and disappointing that they have misplaced our item returned for repair under warranty.
I BOUGHT THREE OF THESE UNITS TO REPLACE SOME ONTIME TOMAHAWK UINITS THAT WERE ON A RANCH THAT I RECENTLY PURCHASED. I WAS AMAZED AT HOW EASY THE ONTIME SOLAR EILTE MODELS WERE TO CHANGE. THEY WERE EASY TO CHANGE OUT AS AS THE SCREW HOLE PATTERNS MATCH UP ON THE ONTIME BUCKETS AND THE MOTOR ASSEMBLY FUNNELL EASILY ACCEPTS ANY ONTIME REPLACEMENT MOTOR. I HAD 3 REPLACEMENT MOTORS UP AND RUNNING IN APPROX. 1 HOUR. ONTIME DID THEIR HOMEWORK ON ADAPTABILITY AND QUALITY. WHO ELSE OFFERS A LIFETIME WARRANTY ON A FEEDER PRODUCT AT THEIR PRICE POINT? THE TIMER IS EASY TO PROGRAM AND 3 MOTOR SPEEDS AND 3 FEED TIMES IS A GREAT BENEFIT TO THROW DIFFERENT TYPES OF FEED. I AM BUYING TWO MORE ONTIME TIME SOLAR EILTE MODELS. CABELLAS PRICE MATCHES ANY COMPETITORS LOWEST PRICE. GREAT COMBINATION...........CABELLAS AND ONTIME.