Choosing a grain handling trailer – professional advice

6 parameters of the grain conveyor that you should pay attention to when buying.

ZP, with a capacity of 1000 bushels (= 35.24 m3) grain are in high demand this year, because farmers try in every possible way to avoid downtime during harvesting. Jerry Eklund, advertising manager for renowned manufacturer Unverferth Manufacturing, highlights the following options for choosing a grain handler:

• Capacity. high-capacity transfer trailers can transport from 1000 bushels (= 35.24 m3) of grain, the volume required to fill a semi-trailer. At the same time, the optimal size of the salary will depend on the farming practice, the number and size of combines. The maximum possible capacity today is 2000 bushels (= 70.48 m3), or about 50 tons of grain.
  Auger design. Grain conveyors can have one or two unloading augers. Manufacturers offering a single auger claim these benefits: better visibility from all sides and easier cleaning. Twin auger equipment manufacturers claim that this allows more grain to be unloaded faster.
  Auger size. High capacity trailer unloading augers typically range in diameter from 18 to 24 inches (45.7 to 61.0 cm) (1 inch = 2.54 cm). The larger the diameter, the faster the unloading speed.
• Unloading speed. The handlers can unload grain extremely quickly (in 90 seconds) or up to 1,090 bushels / min. (38.4 m3 / min.) Higher speed reduces trailer downtime and gives the SP more time to catch up with the harvester after the grain is unloaded.
• Undercarriage options. Most grain handling trailers are single axle. Manufacturers offer other undercarriage options to reduce the load on each axle: two or three axles, independent suspension, automatic axle steer or track. The choice depends on the size of the trailer, farming practice and soil conditions.

Jody de Jong-Hughes of the University of Minnesota says grain handlers can compact soil up to three feet (91.44 cm) (1 foot = 30.48 cm), which could reduce yields. If the axle load is kept up to 10t, then it is possible to localize soil compaction within 6-10 inches (15.7 – 25.4 cm) (1 inch = 2.54 cm). “Look for a minimum of two axles, independent suspension and large, high flotation wheels to minimize the effect of soil compaction,” says de Jong-Hughes.

Tractor power. Minimum 200 HP for a 1000 bushels reloader (= 35.24 m3). Consult us to calculate the power required to both pull and control the cart in the field. It should also be taken into account that part of the tractor’s power falls on the power take-off shaft to ensure the operation of the unloading auger.