GOT a whopping new 60 foot header front but then realise you're not going to be able to get the grain into the chaser bin?
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Farm engineeering business Dunstan has come up with the solution to this problem with it's new 60 tonne chaser bin, fitted with a catching hopper to allow farmers on wide controlled traffic systems to continue to harvest efficiently.
The Jordan family, which farms in the the Wimmera region, came to Dunstans looking for a solution to the problem they had when upgrading the header.
They are a committed controlled traffic business on three metre centres and did not want to have to compromise this with grain moving equipment, but existing options did not fit the bill.
Dunstan sales director Craig Miller said the catcher was a simple solution.
However, while the concept was easy, the actual implementation of a seven metre lateral grain table extension, capable of reaching augers of headers with up to a 60 foot front. required a lot of engineering know-how required to get the catcher to work.
It can hold up to a tonne of grain in the catcher, which dangles out to the side of the chaser bin.
Mr Miller said the new bin would increase efficiency, particularly where multiple high-capacity headers were on the same paddock.
Along with the extension feature, the chaser bin has some serious out-turning grunt.
"It's fitted with a massive 24 inch auger, which pumps the grain out at 18 to 20 tonne a minute," he said.
"We engineered and built the bin last year and tested it over harvest to ensure it was performing as it should."
“The capacity of the bin and the grain table extension make this the perfect bin for grain producers using controlled traffic," he said.
The capacity of the bin and the grain table extension make this the perfect bin for grain producers using controlled traffic
- Craig Miller
“The extra capacity allows for added distances being travelled in and out of controlled traffic systems, while the lateral reach grain table allows you to use the bin without making significant change to your current header."
Mr Miller said the bin on show at Wimmera also included hydraulic brakes and load cells, improving safety and accuracy.
"Dunstan clients are repeat buyers and the 60 ton bin is a result of client demand," he said.
Mr Miller said the company also showcased a new centre-lift mother bin, aimed at farmers who wanted improved agility and portability, without going to full grain movement.
"The centre lift bin is a result of client feedback from producers who want more portability, the bin has less axles as it sits on a rigid frame when loaded," he said.
