The massive throughput of modern combines has made it imperative to devise a system that can remove vast quantities of grain from the land to enable the combine to run at, or near, its full capacity. Here are the latest crop of these implements:
1. Dolfyn motherbin/landsilo: Heavy trailers running in the land cause major compaction. The motherbin or landsilo concept uses a smaller chaser bin to transfer grain from the combine to a stationery silo at the edge of the land. The key feature of this bin is the capacity of the unloading auger. The Dolfyn Motherbin here can discharge a full 30t load in 10 minutes.
2. Tornado chaser bins: For Nampo, the Tornado chaser bin on the right was fitted with a set of Soucy tracks for maximum flotation in problematic soil conditions. The stainless steel bin has a capacity of 15 000l and a discharge rate of about 3t/ min. The dual- purpose auger can handle either grain or fertiliser. The bin on the left has 23.5×25 – 20-ply tyres and a capacity of 18 000l.
3. Balzer 2200: This has a capacity of 60t and can discharge up to almost 27t/min. The vertical unloader auger is 609mm in diameter and the 508mm horizontal auger has a patented hydraulic clutch engagement system. The carts come standard with an independent running gear and independent axle arrangement, utilising the Auto-Trail steerable axle system. This makes a heavy load feel light and enables optimal maneuverability.
The Balzer seen here has a steerable track system. The rear axle turns up to 10°, while the front axle remains fixed, acting as a pivot for the rear, while hydraulic suspension distributes the weight evenly. A state-of-the-art electronic weighing system provides accurate data management.
4. BPI 20t de-bulking trailer: This locally manufactured trailer has its PTO-driven 4,5t/min discharge auger at the front, providing good visibility. A unique sump design ensures fast unloading. The hydraulically folding auger has excellent reach for discharge into high trucks. The sump can be opened to dump grain directly into a pit.
5. Bestbier 20t de-bulking
trailer: Also built locally, this trailer has a volume of 28m³ and can carry 20t of maize. Discharge rate is 5t/min with the tractor PTO speed at 540r/min and 8t/ min (or more) at a PTO speed of 1 000r/min. Discharge height is 4,3m with a side reach of nearly 3m. The auger is driven from the tractor via a gearbox, eliminating chain and belt drives to reduce the power needed to drive the auger. The bin and auger layout ensures that no grain is left behind in the bin when discharging is complete. The trailer is fitted with high flotation tyres for minimal compaction.
6. Stara Reboke 6000 TSI: This is designed as a planter feeder wagon that also acts as a seed treating system. The central control panel allows the operator to monitor and adjust the two electric dosing pumps to ensure the correct treatment. There is also a remote control. One 35l polyethylene tank holds the herbicide, fungicide or insecticide; the other holds the inoculant in a thermal tank, ensuring the survival of the bacteria for longer. The tanks can be removed easily for cleaning and maintenance. The seed treatment auger is rubber-clad to prevent damage to the grain. The opening and closing of the gate to the auger is hydraulically controlled. Bin capacity is 5m³ and it can treat 100kg/min.
7. EmCasa Peso 10 000 de-bulking wagon: This has a capacity of 10,5m³ and a maximum weight of 11 500kg. Formerly imported from South America, it is now entirely manufactured at Ottosdal in South Africa. It runs on a walking beam tandem axle fitted with four 400/60/15.5 tyres and can be used as a combine chaser bin or as a feeder wagon when planting.
The dual-purpose PTO drive folding discharge auger can handle either seed or fertiliser with an unloading capacity of about 2 800kg/min (maize) or 1 000kg/min (fertiliser).
Handling systems from Agri Varia
This loads 1t bags into a hopper at the rear of the crane. It feeds into a 4m stainless steel spiral auger that can rotate through 180° to fill a planter or fertiliser spreader. It requires a tractor with two double-acting and one single-acting remote hydraulic valve.
Designed to feed seeders and planters, this has three separate 3 200l bins, each with its own chain and flight conveyor. There is also a 2 500l tank for liquid with a pump that can be driven hydraulically or by a small engine. The trailer has a PTO-driven hydraulic power pack and runs on 560/60-R22.5 tyres. It can fill a planter with four different substances at the same time.
The 13 600l capacity Agri Varia chaser bin has a 315mm hydraulically driven spiral auger and the tarpaulin cover is standard equipment. It runs on 500/60-R22.5 tyres.
