Machinery
By Ralph Pearce, CG Production Editor
Here it is, late April, with harvest still a distant dream, yet we’re talking grain carts and wagons? Yes, because with agriculture evolving so rapidly, there’s no such thing as an off-season in farming. Farmers are always learning, always looking for options. That’s why this issue of MachineryGuide is taking a seasonally proactive approach. How you get your crop from the field is becoming every bit as important as growing it.
Gerber Model 650 Balzer — Field Floater 5 with steerable track It’s one thing to provide a sizable advantage in terms of volume, and still another to be able to unload in about 90 seconds. But to do all of that and take better care of your soils? That’s the total advantage promised by Balzer with its Field Floater 5 with steerable track system. The rear axle can turn as tight as 10 degrees, while the front axle remains fixed, providing the pivot point that the rear axle follows. Plus, with four tracks instead of two, there’s superior flotation, reduced compaction and improved production. With its hydraulic suspension system, the Field Floater 5 also provides smooth towing and manoeuvrability, no matter the terrain. Available in 1325, 1550 and 2000 models.
New to “Machinery Manager” but not to its customers, Gerber gravity bins, including the company’s Model 650, are fully gusseted and reinforced for long life and reliability. Designed with a significantly steeper slope than most of its competitors, the grain flow out of this near-650-bushel bin is faster and easier, according to company literature. That eliminates the need for an operator to shovel out the inside, even if the grain is sticky. The Model 650 also comes with 10-inch extensions, boosting the height to 97 inches and the capacity to nearly 750 bushels. Light kits and roll tarp covers are also available.
www.gerbergravityboxes.com
www.balzerinc.com
Demco Harvest Link Working to ease the bottlenecks between the combine, the grain cart and trucks waiting at harvest, Demco is working on its Harvest Link system. It was so new in July 2013, there were only two units. But its capabilities and data co-ordination potential are considerable. The key is keeping everything moving and reducing the wait times, thanks to 3,000-bushel capacity, and an unloading
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rate of 333 bushels per minute. The Harvest Link is also equipped with a radio-frequencyprogrammed electronic scale system, which allows the grain cart to unload at the same time a truck is filled without the loss of field data due to simultaneous loading or unloading. And with the unloading auger boasting a fore/aft adjustment feature, it means a truck can be loaded without leaving the road, reducing compaction concerns on your fields.
www.demco-products.com
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