Grain Conveyors Upcoming Auctions

About Grain Conveyors

Grain conveyors use a belt or chain to move high capacities of grain, corn, beans, peanuts, various seeds, and feed from a truck, grain wagon, or grain cart to a grain bin, elevator, processing plant, or other storage facility. Grain augers, sometimes also referred to as screw conveyors or screw elevators, are also available.

---

2018 BRANDT 1547LP Grain Conveyor

Conveyors may be found in enclosed, open, incline, low-profile, double barrel, and other configurations. Although grain conveyors are typically mobile, some models may be permanently attached to a grain bin, silo, or other structure. Models variously draw power from an internal combustion engine, tractor power take-off, or electrical source. In addition to overhead applications, conveyors are used under aeration floors in grain bins, with drive-over pits and grates, and in association with elevator legs.

Grain Conveyor Features

Compared to other equipment used to move grain and augers in particular, grain conveyor models are considered to handle grain and specialty crops with greater care and result in less overall crop damage while still offering the capability of moving thousands of bushels per hour. Westfield’s WCX 20105 belt-based model, for example, is rated to handle 9,000 bushels per hour via its 20-inch (51-centimeter) belt that spans an up to 105-foot (32-meter) available length.

Although grain conveyors are considered to be a typically more expensive initial purchase compared to augers, they are also considered to be more durable and longer lasting. Experts, for example, point out that growers will typically get longer use from belts before needing to be replaced than the flighting, or blades, that augers use, not to mention augers’ tubes. Conveyors are also regarded as requiring less horsepower to operate.

Types & Options

Due to the steep inclines at which some grain conveyors operate, many models integrate some form of cleats, buckets, or raised edges to keep the grain from slipping back down. Models may also variously include some type of collection system to catch grain that escapes the belt or chain. Elsewhere, some models include special liners to offer protection against abrasion.

In terms of functionality, belt models use a continuous belt and roller or rotor system, while chain models use a continuous chain. Of the two types, some experts consider belt-based conveyors simpler to work with. GSI, for example, bills its belt conveyors as being both ideal for long length runs and as requiring less maintenance than other conveyor styles.

Leading manufacturers of grain conveyors include Batco, Brandt, Convey-All, Kewanee, Universal, and Westfield.