When it comes to different kinds of farm equipment, few sectors have as many manufacturers, as many choices or as much riding on your decision as in grain handling and storage. In many ways, that flexibility is a bonus, allowing you to assemble the system that’s exactly right for how you farm. Of course, the complexity is also a challenge. It takes energy and commitment to make the right choices on everything from galvanized bins and aeration systems to bucket elevators and conveyors.
In part one, we look at grain augers from four different manufacturers. As always, we urge you to budget ample time for followup.
- From the Grainews website: Auger Hog fits into tight spaces
Westfield MKX160 Series Auger
Brand new from Westfield is the MKX160, billed as the highest-capacity auger on the market. Available in 85-, 105-, and 125-foot lengths, it can move more than 23,000 bushels per hour. Westfield says it has drawn on the expertise of its research and development team to design this auger to meet the requirements of today’s large farms as well as commercial operators. They’ve added strength and stability, from the engineered top truss to an extensive list of standard features, adding long-lasting durability. This low-profile design also boasts Westfield’s leading Wear Edge technology, for long-lasting and reliable performance.
Brandt Standard Transport 840
Speed is important but so is reliability. Brandt says it designed its Standard Transport 840 auger for both. Durability and reliability are brand objectives with Brandt, with auger diameters ranging from eight to 13 inches and lengths of 35 to 50 feet. Heavy-gauge flighting is thicker and stronger for extended life, and heavy-gauge tubing and a one-piece undercarriage with square tubing add to the toughness of this unit. There’s also a long list of attachments, including direct drive PTO, belt drive PTO, or a tube-mount electric belt drive, all to meet specific conditions and requirements on your farm.
Wheatheart R Series Grain Auger
With six models to choose from, the Wheatheart R Series Auger adds versatility to its lineup of quality-built portable units. A straight-line auger, the R Series is engineered for toughness and dependability, along with a long reach and wear-edge intake. Among the options, there’s a hydraulic winch, electric clutch, intake hoppers, and a hydrostatic bin sweep. You can also choose from gas engine, electric motor, or belt-drive PTO for the drives. Either way, it means you’re moving grain fast. As for standard features, the R Series augers also feature an easy-access frame and proven design.
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Meridian Swing Away Auger
Meridan’s new 14-inch Swing Away Auger is the company’s tallest and strongest on the market. With a high-capacity mechanical drive unit, this swing auger moves more grain with greater efficiency. Standard features on this auger include a PTO holder with a mechanical advantage for ease of lifting, a hopper drive system consisting of steel-cut sprockets and a heavy-duty roller chain, There’s also a formed main frame and a formed A-frame, plus an axle design that greatly reduces sagging and allows for a narrow transport stance, yet a wider operational stance.
