Chaser bin
A chaser bin, also called grain cart or (grain) auger wagon, is a trailer towed by a tractor with a built-in auger conveyor system, usually with a large capacity (from several hundred to over 1000 bushels; around 15 tonnes (33,000 lb) is average).
Chaser Bin Usage
Chaser bins are typically used to transport harvested grain or corn over fields from a header to a road train or other hauling device which is used to cover larger distances over roads. The use of a chaser bin permits the harvester to operate continually, without the need for stopping to unload.
These bins usually require tractors with large power outputs and are popular on the large open fields of the United States and Australia, though usage in Europe is increasing.
The typical setup of a Grain Haulout Bin, is a Cross Auger which feeds the Folding Unload Auger which empties the contents into waiting semi trailers or into Field Bins / Mother Bins.
The bins ranges in size, from 12T to 38T in most cases. Single axle bins usually can only handle a maximum of 20T of grain, anything higher and it puts too much stress on the axle causing premature failure when traveling on rough terrain. Bins that are stated to have a capacity of 20T or higher, usually feature a Walking Beam Chassis. This is an independent axle setup, which allows the bin to smoothly travel across ditches, divets or access in and out of fields where the road is higher than the field level.It also allows the load the be evenly distributed along the length of the chassis, eliminating the risk of failure of axles when traveling over rough terrain with a full bin.
The design of the bins, usually follows the same profile regardless of capacity increase, with smooth flowing curves to allow the grain to easily unload via the cross auger. This helps prevent the grain sticking to the walls of the bin, preventing corrosion.
The cross auger is smaller than the main unload auger, which allows the unload auger expel the grain at a constant rate. The bins can also feature cross auger cut-offs, which allow the operator to choke the feed rate to the unload auger if it starts struggling. Unload augers can empty a full bin in a matter of minutes, with 15" Augers unloading at a rate of 6T per minute, and 19" Augers unloading at 10T p/min.
Mother Bins | Field Bins
Mother bins, also known as Field Bins in Queensland, offer the farmer a convenient storage location whilst harvesting. They offer a large storage capacity ranging from 55T to 130T. They are usually located on a paddock road at the entrance to the paddock being harvested, and allow chaser bins to unloaded into them and offer truck drivers a more convenient location to fill their semi-trailers. By keeping road trains out of the paddock, it helps prevent unnecessary compaction of the soil.
Mother Bins | Field Bins are not to be confused with Chaser bins. Although they both hold and unload grain in the same manner, Mother Bins | Field Bins, are not designed to be used as Chaser Bins. They are only to be moved when empty, or if needed at a maximum of 25% full on smooth terrain only. They are designed to be a static collection point only.
External links
Media related to Auger wagons at Wikimedia Commons