Suction System Retrofit for Existing Barns
You do not need to build new to add permanent stall cleaning. A suction system retrofit for existing barns uses above-ground conveyance routed through professional chases so Clean Vortex™ becomes part of the building you already run.
Clean Vortex™ is engineered for commercial facilities of 20 or more stalls and is built to free up 90% of stall cleaning time — hours back for horsemanship, not a replacement for your people. Your team still directs manure to the in-stall port; the system handles transport to collection.
How a Clean Vortex™ retrofit works
- Facility Assessment — $9,500. Remote review of your layout (video walkthrough, photos, measurements and drawings). You receive a design concept, budget and return projection in 1–2 weeks. 100% credited toward your Keystone Retainer.
- Keystone Retainer — $30,000, by invitation. Full engineering: on-site visit, CAD drawings and equipment specification. 100% credited toward your system. Refundable less documented project costs incurred to date. Barns that commit become Keystone Barns.
- Installation. Pipe chases, stall ports and the vacuum unit are installed for your layout.
- Commissioning. System startup and handoff to your team.
Installation timeline and horse management
- Pipe installs typically take a week or two, depending on scope.
- The machine arrives pre-assembled and installs in under a week if all goes smoothly (1–2 weeks if issues).
- Power supply can take longer depending on what the barn needs. Clean Vortex™ is engineered to each site: 3-phase access, converters, or solar if needed.
- Horses: for above-ground installs in an existing barn, horses vacate each stall while work moves stall to stall. No full-barn shutdown.
The vacuum unit sits wherever the collection bin is housed. It runs 70–80 decibels, like an industrial vacuum, and Sairol provides sound dampening. Bedding handled: shavings, peat moss, and straw/hay.
What we study on a retrofit
- Aisle and stall layout, and clearances for routing
- Where the vacuum unit and collection point can sit
- Power availability at the site
- Daily routine and how your team works the stalls
Retrofit vs. new construction
Existing barn (retrofit) | New construction
Typical routing: Above-ground through chases | Underground beneath the floor
Planning: Designed around the building you have | Coordinated with the build
Horse management during install: Stall-by-stall vacation of the stall being worked | Coordinated with the build schedule
Most systems are a six-figure investment, depending on stall count, routing and site. More on how the system works: suction manure system guide and technology. Budget overview: stall cleaning system cost. Financing through Hearth: /financing.
Related reading
Manure vacuum systems compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any barn get a suction system retrofit?
Most barns with 20 or more stalls can be evaluated. Your Facility Assessment determines routing and feasibility for your layout.
Will my barn have to shut down during a retrofit?
No full barn shutdown. For above-ground installs in an existing barn, horses vacate each stall while work moves stall to stall. Pipe installs typically take a week or two depending on scope; the machine arrives pre-assembled and installs in under a week if all goes smoothly (1–2 weeks if issues). The power supply system can take longer depending on what the barn needs.
What power does a retrofit need?
Clean Vortex™ is engineered to each site: 3-phase access, converters, or solar if needed. We engineer for the power requirement to make it work with different setups.
What does the retrofit path cost to start?
The Facility Assessment is $9,500 and is 100% credited toward the $30,000 Keystone Retainer. The system itself is custom; most are a six-figure investment, depending on stall count, routing and site. Your Assessment delivers the budget for your barn.
Do you work outside California and Arizona?
Yes. We focus on California and Arizona and welcome facilities in every state.
Reserve My Facility Assessment
Limited Assessments each month. Questions first? Text 808-796-1964.