Morning @Al Gerhart . Our feeder didn't come with a french cleat, but Hubby did add a wood one. Not sure if it was done off your or Howard's mentioning. He put a 2x4 on the back secured via the middle holes and then made the cleat from a 2x4. He also made a base for the feeder to sit on and...
I take my Ratproof Feeder in each night (due to bears, not rat... originally purchased because of chipmunks getting into the feed.) Yes it can be heavy and awkward. I don't fill mine full of feed. I only fill it about 1/3 full and that helps keep the weight down.