How to choose a grain auger

When you've got two combines working in the field and a semi
to unload, you need a grain auger that's efficient and easily maneuverable.

According to Greg Giesbrecht, Westfield Industries, there
are seven key features you should look for in an auger.

- Drive system. What type of drive system do you prefer?
Choices include tractor PTO, electric motor, gas motor, and hydraulics.

- Unloading. What kind of truck are you unloading? Do you
require a swing-away hopper?

- Auger application. Will augers be used for unloading and
loading trucks and bins, for loading trucks only, or solely for loading bins?

• Storage. Augers are made for a flat storage bin with door
• access, flat storage bin with unload, hopper bottom bin, and flat ground
• storage.

• Seed or pulse crops. Is the auger intended for seed or for
• crops that need gentler handling? A conveyor belt should be considered for the
• gentlest handling.

• Capacity. Do you have a preferred capacity? Capabilities
• range from low (0 to 3,000 bushels per hour) to high (6,000 to 9,000 bushels
• per hour). "Make sure to match your auger capacity to your bin's grain
• spreader," notes Giesbrecht.

• Length. Augers can range anywhere from 26 to 111 feet.
• "Here's a helpful tool to calculate auger length: (Eve height of bin + 1/2
• bin diameter) × 1.4 = auger length," says Giesbrecht.

Safety first

Based on the number of hours used, augers are one of the
most dangerous machines on the farm. Even though shields don't significantly
affect grain feeding into the auger, the most common cause of injury is lack of
shields. Prevent safety hazards by leaving all shields in place.