Hatching time CT 60, any failure out there with the heating element?

[Northeastchickenman]

Bought a hatching time ct60 a year ago. Had great success with it but only used it once. I was going thru the machine to clean it and disassembled the fan enclosure. I noticed that there is excessive corrosion on the heating element and worried about it not lasting long. Has anyone had any failures with heating element and how long did it take to fail? Seems there was a build up of the baby chick hair(or whatever they are called ) after they hatch. That's what it looked like after whiping heating element down. Just didn't imagine to see corrosion after one use, especially the lower fitting.

 

[2ndTink]

I could contact HT and see if they would cover a replacement under warranty just to be safe.

 

[jwcarlson]

I can't comment on HT possibly replacing it. But you can buy a new element for $25 it looks like. I'd personally buy one and just have it on hand. I'm guessing it wouldn't be too hard to change out. Otherwise, I'd just roll with the one that's in there and wait for it to fail (then install the new one that I bought just in case).

My guess is the chick fluff was wet and held moisture on the element. So, might be worth cleaning after each hatch in the future to help prevent that.

While you're ordering parts, it probably isn't a bad idea to have a fan sitting around too, just in case. If the fluff is circulating around, small fans like used in incubators are usually not particularly great. Their bearings fail fairly easily.

 

[2ndTink]

I can't comment on HT possibly replacing it. But you can buy a new element for $25 it looks like. I'd personally buy one and just have it on hand. I'm guessing it wouldn't be too hard to change out. Otherwise, I'd just roll with the one that's in there and wait for it to fail (then install the new one that I bought just in case).

My guess is the chick fluff was wet and held moisture on the element. So, might be worth cleaning after each hatch in the future to help prevent that.

While you're ordering parts, it probably isn't a bad idea to have a fan sitting around too, just in case. If the fluff is circulating around, small fans like used in incubators are usually not particularly great. Their bearings fail fairly easily.

Having some spare parts is a really good idea.

I wonder to also be safe, add a wifi thermometer so the incubator temperature can be tracked, set the alarm features on so you can catch the element if it starts giving any signs of failing.