Big Dutchman South Africa’s industrial coal-fired heaters have long been a trusted heating solution for poultry producers across the region — and we want to make sure producers in Zimbabwe and Zambia know these systems are fully available and supported for your operations right now.
With power reliability a persistent challenge across the region, many producers have already turned to our coal-fired heaters as a dependable, fuel-independent alternative. If you haven’t yet explored this option — or weren’t aware it was available to you — this is your opportunity to find out what the range offers and how it can work in your house environment.
Built for African Poultry Conditions
Our coal-fired heaters are designed specifically for large broiler and breeder houses where temperature consistency is critical to flock performance and feed conversion. Available in 220 kW and 300 kW models, the systems scale to match house length and bird density, delivering uniform heat from end to end through a lay-flat air distribution system that eliminates cold spots and supports optimal feed and water intake.
Reliable coal-fired heating built for Zimbabwe’s poultry industry — consistent warmth, automated operation and seamless integration.
— Big Dutchman South AfricaFully Automated Coal Feed System
A key advantage of the Big Dutchman heater is its automated coal feed system. The stainless steel hopper stores coal on the side of the heater, feeding it through to the burner head via a timer-controlled auger driven by a direct-drive gearbox. Operators simply set the feed cycle on and off times via the timer — the system does the rest, maintaining consistent heat output without constant manual intervention.
Coal size recommended for the system is approximately 32 mm. Ensuring clean, rock-free coal protects the auger from blockage and damage, and extends the life of the system significantly.
Dual Delta Temperature Controllers
The heater runs two independent Delta temperature controllers, each connected to a PT100 probe. The main controller (M/CONT) monitors and regulates the temperature inside the chicken house, while the safety controller (S/CONT) monitors the temperature inside the heater itself — with the safety set point not to exceed 75°C. This dual-probe setup provides reliable protection against overheating and gives producers precise control over house conditions.
Key Features
Timer-controlled auger feeds coal from the stainless steel hopper to the burner head automatically — consistent heat, less labour.
Separate PT100 probes for house temperature and heater safety — two independent systems for precise control and maximum protection.
Dry-contact relay (CPU point) integrates seamlessly with any farm climate computer for full house automation.
Hot air travels through lay-flat ducting the full length of the house — uniform temperature across the entire floor area, no cold spots.
Model Overview
| Model | Output | Main Fan | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| BD Coal 220 | 220 kW | 9-blade / 760 mm — 4 kW motor | Large broiler houses |
| BD Coal 300 | 300 kW | 6-blade / 900 mm — 5.5 kW motor | Breeder houses & large broilers |
Support in Zimbabwe & Zambia
Big Dutchman South Africa provides full sales support, technical advice, and after-sales service for producers in both Zimbabwe and Zambia. Our team is familiar with conditions on the ground and can assist with selecting the right model, planning lay-flat heat distribution layout, and ensuring your system is correctly set up and commissioned.
If you’d like to discuss your house size, flock type, or current heating setup, get in touch directly — we’re happy to talk through what would work best for your operation.
Why Coal-Fired Heating?
Where LP gas prices are high and grid electricity is unreliable, coal remains one of the most cost-effective and consistently available heating fuels in the region. Big Dutchman’s systems burn coal efficiently with automated feeding that minimises operator input and reduces fuel wastage. The result is lower heating cost per bird, more consistent house temperatures, and less dependence on manual intervention during critical brooding periods.
These heaters also integrate with the rest of the Big Dutchman portfolio — ventilation systems, climate computers, and feeding and drinking lines — giving producers the option to build a fully connected, automated house environment over time.
