Why Choosing Compatible Houle Manure Tank Parts Matters
Reliability and uptime
When one small part fails—say a drain latch, impeller housing or bearing—the entire spreader operation can stall. Using genuine or properly engineered aftermarket parts ensures your machine remains reliable.
Safety and compliance
Liquid manure equipment often works under pressure, with heavy loads and challenging terrains. A faulty part can compromise safety, regulatory compliance (nutrient management plans, buffer zones etc) and increase risk. For example, one operator with multiple Houle tanks noted how regulatory changes required extra diligence in maintenance.
Efficiency and cost-control
A well-maintained tank runs smoother, wastes less time, uses less fuel, and avoids costly emergency downtime. Installing the correct Houle manure tank parts can extend the life of your tanker and make each application more efficient.
Key Components of Houle Manure Tanks to Focus On
Here are some frequently replaced or critical components you should monitor for your Houle equipment:
1. Drain latch and drain system
Leaks here can lead to spilled loads, inefficient emptying and fluid loss. For example, our catalogue lists a 6″ Drain Latch for Houle tankers.
2. Impeller housing, intake and front drain
These form the heart of the liquid handling system. The parts manual for the Houle EL-48 model lists a detailed breakdown of these components.
3. Bearing housing impeller/housing cover plate
Bearing failure can cause catastrophic breakdowns under load. The parts book lists multiple bearing housing assemblies for various models.
4. Discharge pipe, elbows and valves
Houle tanks come with various configurations of discharge pipes (6″, 8″) and fittings. The correct dimension and fit matter for flow rate and reliability.
5. Hardware, bolts, washers, seals
Often overlooked but entirely critical. The parts manual shows dozens of bolts, lock washers and seals listed for a single assembly. (e.g., part numbers 2018-7500-100 etc)
6. Structural and wear items (optional upgrades)
Over time you may wish to upgrade to stainless steel components, stronger bearings or corrosion-resistant items to extend life and reduce maintenance. Upgrades like these are featured in aftermarket offerings via Martin Welding and AgCom.
Real-World Example: How Proper Parts Maintenance Saved a Fleet
A custom applicator in Pennsylvania reported running six Houle tanks (with varying capacities). They experienced downtime when a non-OEM impeller housing cracked mid-season. After switching to OEM-spec replacement parts and scheduling preventive maintenance, they reported fewer stoppages, smoother operation and fewer emergency repairs.
The lesson: investing in correct Houle manure tank parts upfront avoided far greater costs later.
How to Source the Right Parts via AgCom LLC
Operating in the U.S., AgCom LLC supports customers with parts, manuals and service via our partnership with Martin Welding. Here’s how we make it easy:
We carry a full parts book for Houle tanker models (EL48, EL54, EL66, EL84) covering impellers, housings, drain systems, hardware.
Our online catalogue includes specific items—e.g., the 6″ drain latch listed for Houle tankers.
We ship across the contiguous U.S., and provide support to identify the correct part number and fit.
Because we partner with Martin Welding, you benefit from aftermarket parts engineered for durability and compatibility with Houle equipment.
Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Houle Tank in Peak Condition
Here’s a practical checklist that you (or your maintenance team) should run periodically:
| Item | Check | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Drain Latch / Valve | Ensure seal integrity, no leaks, proper actuation | Before each season |
| Impeller Housing Intake | Inspect for cracks, corrosion, wear; check fasteners | Quarterly |
| Bearing Housing Cover Plate | Listen for unusual noise, inspect bearings | Annually or after heavy use |
| Discharge Pipe Elbows | Check alignment, wear, sizing correct (6″ vs 8″) | Annually |
| Hardware Seals | Replace worn bolts, lock washers, gaskets | When replacing assemblies |
| Upgrade Opportunity | Consider stainless upgrades, corrosion protection | Every 3-5 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I mix generic parts instead of Houle-specific parts?
A: While you can, doing so risks mismatches in fit, durability and flow performance. For example, the specific impeller and housing dimensions for Houle EL series tanks are documented in the parts manual.
Q: How do I know which part number I need?
A: Use the parts book (AgCom’s “Houle Parts Book”) which lists detailed part numbers for each sub-assembly of Houle tankers.
Q: Are aftermarket parts as good as OEM?
A: Good aftermarket parts (such as those produced by Martin Welding) are engineered to match or exceed OEM spec. At AgCom, we trust these parts and provide them as a cost-effective alternative while maintaining fit and durability.
Conclusion
When it comes to keeping your Houle tanker operating smoothly, one of the smartest investments you can make is in the right parts. By focusing on key areas—drain systems, impeller housing, bearings, discharge piping and hardware—and sourcing them from trusted providers like AgCom LLC (partnered with Martin Welding), you earn reliability, efficiency and long-term cost savings.
If you’re ready to upgrade or replace any component of your Houle system, visit AgCom’s Houle parts page and let us help you identify the correct Houle manure tank parts for your model, application and budget.
