Featuring Kondinin Group’s premium Research Report and community information
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egistered by Australia Post P
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June 2011 No. 17
Kondinin Group
Magazine
Exclusive to Kondinin Group members, this month’s Group Talk investigates chaser bins. The leading manufacturers and which model is right for your operation. And don’t forget to nominate for the Farmer of the Year 2011 Awards — see inside.
Visit www.kondiningroup.com.au for more informationor contact Kondinin Group on 1800 677 761
Kondinin Group and ABC Rural are proud to host the
second Australian Farmer of the Year Awards.
The Awards celebrate the highly professional,
innovative and sustainable approach of our farmers,
showcasing their passion and raising the profi le
of the important role they play in Australia.
Diversifi cation Farmer of the Year
www.rirdc.gov.au
Farm-industry Leader of the Year
Biosecurity Farmer of the Year
Wool Producer of the Year
Livestock Producer of the Year
Grain Grower of the Year
Australian Farmer of the Year
Young Farmer of the Year
abc.net.au/rural
abc.net.au/rural
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au 3
June 2011 No. 17
Kondinin GroupKondinin Group
June 2011 No. 17MagazineMagazineMagazine
Kondinin Group and ABC Rural are delighted to announce nominations for the 2011 Australian Farmer of the Year
Awards are open.
Do you know someone who is over-achieving in agriculture, or do you think you’re worthy of recognition?
And don’t be shy. Nominating yourself, or someone you know is a positive way to contribute to the future of farming in this country and the remarkable achievements of Australian farmers.
There are a number of categories in this year’s event including:
Farmer of the Year – Kondinin Group/ABC Rural
Young Farmer of the Year – Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Farm Industry Leader of the Year – Rabobank
Biosecurity Farmer of the Year – Plant Health Australia and Animal Health Australia
Diversifi cation Farmer of the Year – Rural Industries Research Development
Corporation Wool Producer of the Year – Australian Wool Innovation
Livestock Producer of the Year – Elders
Grain Grower of the Year – Grains Research and Development Corporation.
So, put your modesty to one side and nominate today. Kondinin Group also encourages all its members to nominate for an award.
Nomination forms are available on the Kondinin Group website www.kondiningroup.com.au or email [email protected]
About Australian Farmer of the Year AwardsThe Awards showcase the professional and
innovative approach of today’s farmers.
The event aims to promote a positive image of Australian agriculture, inspiring the next generation of career farmers and encouraging investment in the industry.
Winners will be announced at a gala dinner, which will be held in Sydney on September 7, 2011.
Nominations open June 1 and close July 17, 2011.
Go to www.kondiningroup.com.au for more information.
The opinions expressed in Group Talk are not necessarily those of Kondinin Information Services Pty Ltd, trading as Kondinin Group. All material appearing in Group Talk is the subject of copyright owned by Kondinin Group and is protected under the Australian Copyright Act (1968), international copyright and trademark law. No portion may be reproduced or duplicated by any process without the prior written permission of Kondinin Group.
DISCLAIMER: This publication is for information purposes only. The publisher and its agents or employees shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of reliance on any of the contents hereof, whether such loss or damage arises from the negligence or misrepresentation or any act or omission of the publisher or its agents.
KONDININ GROUP MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Beef is backDid you know the humble steak is
Australia’s most popular dining option when it comes to a healthy
and nutritious meal?
And with the release of the latest title in Kondinin Group’s award-winning Workboot Series, The Story of Beef, Australian consumers have a golden opportunity to devour the full story about their favourite meat.
First published during 2002, the much-anticipated revised edition covers all aspects of Australia’s modern beef industry.
The Story of Beef gives readers the opportunity to discover how beef cattle are managed, and how fresh, nutritious meat is delivered to consumers.
For more than a decade, Kondinin Group has been educating Australian consumers about agriculture and the release of the revised beef book is timely.
Meat and Livestock Australia’s general manager communications, David Pietsch, said Australian beef producers work under tough conditions to deliver high quality beef to market.
“The beef industry is a vital agricultural industry, locally and worldwide. Australia is the world’s second largest exporter of beef,” David said.
“As food security tightens during the coming decades, the effi ciency of Australia’s beef producers will come to the fore on the international stage.”
“MLA is delighted join with Kondinin Group to support this unique resource, which showcases the industry in a positive, dynamic and engaging light.”
The Story of Beef was published by Kondinin Group and supported by MLA.
To purchase your copy contact Kondinin Group on 1800 677 761 or go to kondiningroup.com.au.
Other titles in The Workboot Series include wool, chicken, wheat, eggs, vegetables, rice, honey, timber, cotton and dairy.
Goldacres big gunsIn last month’s Group Talk, which featured trailing boomsprays, Kondinin Group’s review of Goldacres line-up left off the biggest weapon in its arsenal — the Prairie Evolution range. The Prairie models are available with tank sizes from
4000–8500 litres, with TriTech boom widths between 24–36 metres. Goldacres says its TriTech boom gives unmatched boom strength and stability, with three-way suspension to dampen the forces of pitch, roll and yaw. The range is priced from $91,455 GST exclusive.
Goldacres big gunsIn last month’s Group Talk, which featured trailing boomsprays, Kondinin Group’s review of Goldacres line-up left off the biggest weapon in its arsenal — the Prairie Evolution range. The Prairie models are available with tank sizes from
From eight tonne to fi fty tonne, chaser bins come in all shapes and sizes. But there are two questions you need to answer before taking the plunge. Can I justify the expense and which model is the right one for me? Kondinin Group, with the support of chaser bin manufacturers, compiled this special report to help you answer these questions and others.
The choice is yours: The number of chaser bin brands available in Australia is on the rise. Photo: Ben White
At a glance
Chaser bins can potentially increase harvest effi ciency by 35 per cent.
The cost of owning and operating a chaser bin can be viewed as insurance on the extra grain harvested as a result of harvest effi ciency.
When purchasing a chaser bin, fi nd out what’s included in the price as there are many handy extras such as a role-top tarp, which may or may not be included.
Consider the capability of the towing tractor and the typical paddock and operational conditions to determine a suitable sized chaser bin.
With thirty different brands of chaser bin listed in this report, it pays to shop around.
The calculation explainedA theoretical example shows the calculation is
simple using the core infl uencing factors and assuming potentially damaging weather.
Step 1Consider a harvester with a work rate of 40 tonnes
per hour, a grain bin that can hold 9.5t and the harvester spends fi ve minutes out of the crop each time the bin needs to be emptied. This means the harvester is spending 35 per cent of the time out of the crop.
Step 2In this example, the true harvester work rate is
therefore reduced by 35 per cent because it is only in the crop for 65 per cent of the time.
Multiplied by the value of the grain being harvested ($200/t) and the percentage reduction in value of that grain after it is weather damaged (40 per cent), the potential loss is therefore $1123/hour.
Of course, there are events that will damage the crop completely such as hail, or fi re making the reduction in value of that grain 100 per cent. In this case the loss would be $2800 for each hour spent harvesting due to the ineffi ciency from stopping to empty.
But typically weather-damaged grain is downgraded in value by about 40 per cent. Therefore, running a chaser bin would enable an extra $1123 worth of grain to be harvested during each hour of harvester operation.
The number of chaser bins available in today’s market is a refl ection of the increased demand from growers. But how do you justify
purchasing a bin that will set you back more than $50,000.
During harvest, getting your timing just right can mean the difference between profi t and loss.
Some simple calculations show that stopping a harvester to unload the grain bin can potentially reduce harvest effi ciency by 35 per cent, which in effect means harvest can take 35 per cent longer than it needs to.
So, the real question is how much does a chaser bin cost in comparison to what it can save you?
The effective costCalculating the fi nancial return on a chaser bin is
diffi cult because savings are unknown until a disaster strikes and the crop is damaged.
But if viewed in the same way as insurance, a chaser bin enables more grain to be harvested, removing the risk of weather damage to the extra portion of your crop.
The cost of owning and operating a chaser bin can be compared to the value of the extra grain that can be harvested each hour because the harvester doesn’t need to stop to empty the grain bin.
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au4
Step 3The cost of running the chaser bin is simply the
tractor running costs plus the chaser bin running costs plus the cost of a driver to operate it.
In this example, the tractor running costs are estimated at $60 per hour which includes fuel, depreciation and a repairs and maintenance allowance.
The cost of the chaser bin has been simplifi ed to just the depreciation rate per hour. (Calculated bythe purchase price, minus the salvage value and divided by its total working life).
The hourly cost of running a chaser bin in this example is therefore $41 for depreciation, which doesn’t include interest.
The total combined cost of running the tractor and a chaser bin in this example is $126 per hour.
Step 4The cost of running the chaser bin at $126 per
hour compared to the value of the potential loss at $1123 per hour is equal to 11.3 per cent.
This means it is costing 11.3 per cent to ensure the extra $1123 worth of grain that is harvested each hour.
Likelihood of damage and lossWhen considering the cost of running a chaser
bin as effective insurance, the likelihood of a weather event damaging the crop needs to be considered. Taking into account the recent wet harvest in the eastern states, it is easy to imagine that the chance of weather damage is high. But you need to remember the long-term pattern — how often in the past 10 years has grain been downgraded due to weather damage?
Additional considerationsThere are several other key factors to consider
before purchasing a chaser bin:
• Cash fl ow for the capital outlay and interest.
• Purchasing a second-hand chaser bin may be an affordable alternative.
• Consider the option of hiring a chaser bin, with or without tractor and driver.
• Availability of labour (not just the cost).
• Availability of a spare tractor at harvest.
• Likelihood of crop loss due to weather damage and the likely percentage of damage.
• Crop insurance costs, what it covers and when it takes effect.
• Paddock size and harvesting direction.
• Size of chaser bin suitable to the operation balanced with the need for fi eld bins and mother bins.
• Other limiting effi ciency factors such as trucks being able to keep up with the harvester work rate.
• Yield loss on grain harvested after the ideal time.
Phot
o: B
en W
hite
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au 5
Interrupting cash fl ow: Stopping a harvester for fi ve minutes to empty each box full can equate to an effi ciency decrease of 35 per cent.
Photos: Contributed and Beth Field
Interrupting cash fl ow:harvester for fi ve minutes to empty each box full can equate to an effi ciency decrease of 35 per cent.
Photos: Contributed and Beth Field
The cost of running the chaser bin at $126 per hour compared to the value of the potential loss at
This means it is costing 11.3 per cent to ensure the extra $1123 worth of grain that is harvested
Step 1. Harvest effi ciency loss:In-crop work rate (40t/hr) X time out of crop
to unload (5mins)Harvester bin capacity (9.5t X 0.6)
= Percentage harvest time lost due to unloading time (35%)
Step 2. Value of potential loss:Work rate (40t/hr) X harvest time lost (35%) X grain value ($200/t) X reduction in grain
value after weather damage (40%)= Potential loss ($1123/hr)
Step 3. Chaser bin cost:Tractor running cost ($60/hr) + chaser bin cost
($41/hr) + driver cost ($25/hr)= Cost to run a chaser bin ($126/hr)
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au6
RESEARCH REPORTCHASER BINS
Yield lossResearch carried out by South East Premium
Wheat Growers Association (SEPWA) in Esperance, Western Australia, shows a cereal crop can lose 0.18–0.75 per cent of yield for every day it stands in the fi eld post-maturity.
Unlike the potential loss from weather damage, which is variable, yield decrease on over-ripe crops is a known value (within the variations of the research done).
Assuming a yield of 2.7t/ha at maturity, a grain value of $200/t and a yield loss of 0.5 per cent for every day grain is not harvested post-maturity, the loss would be $2.7/ha/day (see Figure 1). The yield loss of over-mature crops is not considered in this calculation.
Online calculatorAn excel-based calculator, available at
www.kondiningroup.com.au, allows growers to input their own variables to calculate a more attuned cost of running a chaser bin in their own operation.
The calculator is an easy way of running through the basic calculation shown in this article however it
does not take into account the entire range of variables and other possible considerations.
What to buyAfter doing the sums and realising that you can
justify a chaser bin, the task of choosing which one to buy can be daunting. This report discovered there are at least 30 different brands of chaser bins available in Australia.
Made up of both locally manufactured and imported models, Kondinin Group provides some information to help get you started.
Tractor sizeWith chaser bins now available in sizes up to 50t,
making sure your tractor can handle it is one of the fi rst considerations. As a general guide, a tractor with 112 kilowatts would be suitable for bins up to 18t. For chaser bins over 25t a front-wheel assist, or four-wheel drive tractor, with 150kW and more is needed. If the ground is damp, soft or undulating, the tractor power requirement is higher.
Recent developmentsDuring the past fi ve years chaser bins have seen
some developments become mainstream.
• Steerable axles are now a common option if not a standard feature on bins with multiple axles.
• As road transport laws tighten and penalties for overloading trucks increase, the option of load cells on chaser bins is becoming popular. Claimed to be highly accurate, load cells on a chaser bin can be used to load trucks to capacity without overloading them.
• Some manufactures now offer extended reach conveyer belts on the top of chaser bins, which allow the chaser and harvester to operate on wider tram lines for controlled traffi c farming (CTF).
What to look for in a chaser binA chaser bin in theory is a simple piece of
machinery – a bin on wheels, with an auger to get grain from A to B. But chaser bins are usually given a tough life, loaded to the brim and driven at speeds up to 40 kilometres per hour across paddocks. (Reportedly, but not recommended)
• Joins — Look for a chaser bin on a strong chassis with solid joins. As a general rule, the fewer joins the better as there is less places for stress fractures to start.
• Tyres — Don’t underestimate the load and stress put on the tyres of a chaser bin. Be sure to check the tyres supplied are of an appropriate load rating for the bin.
• Capacity — Some manufactures quote capacity in tonnes while others quote in litres. The general guide for conversion is 0.77 kilograms of wheat per litre. It’s also worth confi rming with the manufacture if the quoted capacity is measured level with the top of the bin, or heaped.
• Discharge rate — Working under pressure a chaser bins main goal is to be able to empty quick enough to get back to harvester(s) before they are full again. A higher discharge
FIGURE 1 Value of loss from harvesting post maturity
Source: Kondinin Group and SEPWA
Yield at maturity 2.7t/ha
Grain value $200/t
Yield loss post maturity 0.5% loss/day
Value of loss $2.70/ha/day
Staying in control: A conveyor belt on top of this chaser bin means the harvester and the chaser bin can remain on controlled traffi c wheel lines while emptying.
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au 7
RESEARCH REPORTCHASER BINS
rate can reduce pressure on travel speeds across the paddock.
• Options and inclusions – When comparing prices check what competing manufacturers include as standard equipment. For example, roll-top tarps, ladders and lights.
• Wheel spacing – As many growers adopt CTF consider whether the chaser bin will, or can be made to fi t on the wheel tracks of 2.5m or 3m centres.
• Multipurpose bins — Many manufactures now offer chaser bins that can have a divider installed, so it can be used as a seed and fertiliser bin at cropping time.
• Ease of clean out — If the chaser bin will be used in various crops during harvest make sure it can be cleaned out quickly, easily and safely.
• Number of axles — Many smaller bins at around 18t are available on single or tandem axles. While a single axle bin will be cheaper, a tandem axle bin will ride a lot smother over rough and undulating paddocks.
• Ease of servicing — While maintenance on a chaser bin is generally minimal, check that daily greasing points are easy and safe to access.
OptionsPrices displayed in this report are indicative
recommended retail only and will vary with freight costs and selected options. The manufacturer contact details are provided, so a more accurate price can be obtained.
Offered by different manufactures as standard or extras, some of the options available include:
• Roll-top tarp
• Ladders on the front and rear
• Tail lights for road transport
• Work lights
• Fire extinguishers
• Water tanks and fi re fi ghting pumps
• Rear beacon light
• Hydraulic chute to close of the discharge auger
• Load cells
• Tool boxes
• Breaks
• Remote cameras for rear view and auger view.
Options: Ask manufactures what is included with their chaser bin as things like roll-top tarps and steerable axles may be standard or optional extras.
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au8
MODELS 24 and 30 tonne.
Previously made by MPH Rural, Illabo chaser bins are owned, branded and manufactured by Ahrens.
RRP 24t — $76,890
CONTACT Ahrens 1800 810 420
www.ahrens.com.au
MODELS 18 tonne Hornet and 27 tonne Super Hornet.
Recently established engineering company, Badengi build and sell their two models of chaser bin direct from their Moree factory in New South Wales.
RRP 18t — $55,000
CONTACT Badengi Engineering (02) 6752 6090
www.badengi.com
MODEL 25 tonne.
Made in Argentina, the Akron chaser bin is imported and distributed by Vennings in Kadina, South Australia.
RRP 25t — $80,000
CONTACT Vennings (08) 8821 3463
www.vennings.com.au
MODELS 18, 25 and 32 tonne.
The Davey Group AFM, based in Toowoomba, Queensland is the importer and distributor of the Argentinean made, AFM-EL Grillo chaser bin range.
RRP 18t — $70,100
CONTACT The Davey Group (07) 4634 7767
www.thedaveygroup.com.au
Ahrens Illabo Badengi Hornet
Akron
AFM-EL Grillo
PRICES Prices quoted are indicative RRP only and may or may not include options or accessories. Due to the vast number of options available, it is advisable to quote a machine up with your local dealer. All pricing quoted includes GST.
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au 9
RESEARCH REPORTCHASER BINS
MODELS 15 and 18 tonne single axle, 25, 30, 32 and 36 tonne tandem axle.
Located in Horsham, Victoria, Barber Engineering build a large range of chaser bins to complement their other main product lines, mother bins and truck trailers.
RRP 18t — $64,900
CONTACT Barber Engineering Horsham (03) 5381 1240
www.barberengineering.com.au
MODELS 36, 42, 55 tonne with steerable axles.
Made by Balzer in Minnesota in the US, these chaser bins are imported and distributed in Australia by DOM Distribution based in Dalby, Queensland.
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au10
RESEARCH REPORTCHASER BINS
MODELS 9,000, 15,000, 20,000, 27,000 and 29,000 litre.
Made in Argentina, Cestari chaser bins are imported and distributed by Vennings in Kadina, South Australia.
RRP 20,000L — $54,000
CONTACT Vennings (08) 8821 3463
www.vennings.com.au
MODELS 18 and 32 tonne.
Named after their location in New South Wales, Coolamon Steelworks offer two models of chaser bin.
RRP 18t — $49,500
CONTACT Coolamon Steelworks (02) 6927 4000
www.coolamonsteel.com.au
MODELS 18, 20, 25 and 28 tonne.
The single and tandem axle Chase Mee bins are made Middle East Engineering. Based in Kondinin, Western Australia, they have been in the manufacturing game since 1989.
RRP 18t — $53,790
CONTACT Middle East Engineering (08) 9889 1200
www.chasemee.com.au
MODEL 30 tonne on tracks.
New entrants to the chaser bin market, Bullock Engineering build their bins in Oakey, Queensland and mount them on tracks imported from the United States.
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au12
RESEARCH REPORTCHASER BINS
MODELS 15 and 18 tonne single axle and 25, 30 and 36 tonne tandem axle.
Dunstan Farmers Engineering (DFE) based in Kerang, Victoria specialise in the design and manufacture of mobile fi eld bins, chaser bins and grain bins.
RRP Price on inquiry
CONTACT Dunstan Farmers Engineering
(03) 5452 1488
www.dunstanfarmers.com.au
MODELS 10, 12 and 15 tonne single axle and 18, 22, 25, 30 and 35 tonne tandem axle.
Made near Dalby, Queensland, Finch Engineering chaser bins are sold throughout Australia as well as exported to Germany, China, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
RRP 18t — $59,950
CONTACT Finch Engineering (07) 4663 4221
www.fi nchengineering.com.au
MODELS 18,000, 24,000 and 32,000 litre with steerable front axles.
Made in Argentina, Howard Australia import and distribute the Fabimag chaser bins through their national network of dealerships.
RRP 24,000L — $83,650
CONTACT Howard Australia (02) 9674 2966
www.howard-australia.com
MODELS 18 and 24 tonne.
Located in Molong, New South Wales, Davimac has been manufacturing farm machinery since 1982.
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au 13
RESEARCH REPORTCHASER BINS
MODEL 40,000 litre.
New to the market, the Hornet Bin is manufactured with local and offshore components and distributed by Niche Equipment, based in Western Australia. At the time of print it is retailed through dealer networks in WA, SA, QLD and NSW.
RRP 40,000L — $82,500
CONTACT Niche Equipment 0427 782 222
MODELS 18 and 23 tonne single axle and a 23 and 29 tonne tandem axle.
Garnelle Auger Wagons (chaser bins) are made by Bryemax Pty Ltd near Toowoomba, Queensland.
RRP 18t — $61,589
CONTACT Bryemax (07) 4693 3590
www.garnelle.com
HornetGarnelle Auger Wagon
Goldney Welding
MODELS 18, 24 and 30 tonne.
With a workshop in Balaklava, South Australia, Goldney Welding service most of that state, with a range of machines and welding services specialising in the manufacture of chaser bins.
RRP 18t — $61,930
CONTACT Goldney Welding (08) 8862 2322
www.goldneywelding.websyte.com.au
ScalesChaser Bin
CUS TOM
DESIGNED FOR
AUS TRALIAN
S TANDARDS
CHASER BIN SCALES ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA THROUGH “AUSSIE SCALES”.
WITH A TYPICAL ACCURACY WITHIN 1/2 OF 1%, THESE SCALES ENABLE THE
LOADING OF GRAIN TRUCKS TO THE LEGAL LIMIT, ACCURATELY CHECK CROP YIELDS ON THE MOVE
AND CAN BE USED TO ACCURATELY CALIBRATE YIELD MONITORS.
CHASER BIN SCALES ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA THROUGH “AUSSIE SCALES”. WITH A TYPICAL ACCURACY WITHIN 1/2 OF 1%, THESE SCALES ENABLE THE LOADING OF GRAIN TRUCKS TO THE LEGAL LIMIT, ACCURATELY CHECK CROP YIELDS ON THE MOVE AND CAN BE USED TO ACCURATELY CALIBRATE YIELD MONITORS.
For further details contact Shane Cummins at:
11 South RoadPO Box 542, Yarrawonga VicP: 03 5743 1610
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au14
RESEARCH REPORTCHASER BINS
MODELS 15 and 18 tonne.
McDougall Weldments make two small model chaser bins in their Cuballing, Western Australia factory.
RRP 18t — $55,000
CONTACT McDougall Weldments (08) 9883 6020
www.mcdougallweldments.com.au
MODELS 14, 18, 22 and 26 tonne.
Manufactured in Argentina by OMBU S.A. Agricultural machinery, these chaser bins are imported and distributed in Australia by Bunker Bags and can be purchased pre-assembled, or for on-farm assembly.
RRP 18t pre-assembled — $61,200 (price varies with AU$ and freight)
CONTACT Bunker bags (03) 5491 1818
www.bunkerbags.com.au
MODELS 20 tonne single and tandem axle and 24, 28 and 32 tonne tandem axle.
Another manufacturer offering a seed and fertiliser combination chaser bin is Norrish Services Group, based in Bakers Hill, Western Australia.
RRP 20t — $47,407
CONTACT Norrish Services Group (08) 9574 1414
www.norrish.net.au
MODELS 16 and 19.5 tonne single axle and 26 tonne tandem axle.
Pumpa Engineering own Lusty Australia and manufacture chaser bins in Swan Hill, Victoria.
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au16
RESEARCH REPORTCHASER BINS
MODELS 25 and 30 tonne.
Made in Warracknabeal, Victoria by Smale Farm Equipment, the Crop Chaser features a 40t Titan self-steering axle.
RRP Price on inquiry
CONTACT Smale Farm Equipment (03) 5398 1366
www.smale.com.au
MODELS 20, 26, 33 and 40 tonne.
Tuff Equipment manufactures a range of chaser bins and mother bins in their factory at Minyip, Victoria.
RRP 20t — $58,740
CONTACT Tuff Equipment 0428 136 134
MODELS Grain King 18, 25, and 30 tonne, with self-steerable tandem axle; 40 tonne, with self-steerable tandem axle and 40 tonne, with self-steerable tri-axle.
Made in Western Australia, Grain King is distributed through a number of dealerships in Australia. Trufab also make a range of dual and triple bins, which can be used as a chaser bin as well as for carting seed and fertiliser to the airseeder during cropping.
RRP 18t — $52,800
CONTACT Trufab Farm Machinery (08) 9635 1401
www.trufabfarmmachinery.com.au
MODELS 12, 17 and 23 tonne.
As the name suggests, Parkes Steel Products is located in Parks, New South Wales and offer chaser bins in three sizes.
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au 17
RESEARCH REPORTCHASER BINS
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au 17
MODELS 8, 12 and 18 tonne single axle and a 25 tonne tandem axle.
One of few manufactures using galvanised steel, South Australian company, Vennings has been manufacturing grain handling equipment since 1951 at Kadina.
Located in Dalby, Queensland, Walsh and Ford offer three types of chaser bins, including standard chaser bins, grain buggies for use as a chaser bin and a seed and fertiliser bin as well as a row-crop chaser bin.
RRP 18t — $54,208
CONTACT Walsh and Ford (07) 4662 6174
www.walshandford.com.au
MODELS 15 and 20 tonne.
Australian made in Deniliquin, New South Wales, Turner make two size chaser bins to complement their range of bulk fi eld bins and have dealers in southern New South Wales and Victoria.
RRP 20t — $46,200
CONTACT Turner Grain Bins (03) 5881 1803
www.turnergrainbins.com
Vennings
Walsh and Ford
Turner Grain Bins
CONTACT Ben WhiteAgricultural EngineerKondinin Group
Kondinin Group research provides you with the information you need to make confi dent decisions when buying new or used equipment, improving farm practices or seeking rural services.
Group Talk June 2011 No. 17 www.kondiningroup.com.au 19
Kondinin GRoupideas and innovations
phot
o: B
en W
hite
Next issue...
Kondinin Group rates the performance and price of today’s leading models of slashers.
slashers
our engineers talk to manufacturers about recent health and safety developments, design improvements and what options are available to customers.
all this and more inside your July Group Talk.
Coonamble farmer Pat Cullen has knocked days off the time it takes to dip his sheep.
designer and engineer ian ‘ike’ andrews said the system is based on a circular rotating platform design similar to the old ‘hurdy-gurdy’ children’s play equipment.
it moves wet, or dry sheep slowly around from the opening of the race until they fall into the dip.
ike has also incorporated a safety system in the design that allows individuals stationed at the opening of the race, the dip, or the area where the sheep drain, to stop the platform at any time.
When you’re used to wide-open spaces, the last thing you want is banking that fences you in.
To see how we can help your business, call 1300 791 338 I commbank.com.au/agrisolutions
We believe in banking that sets you free. That’s why we offer a full range of award-winning online banking solutions. With our fl exible online tools, Brent and Simone Alexander can manage their fi nances from the comfort of their farm night or day, seven days a week: from interest rate and commodity hedging to bill paying and invoicing. All the while knowing they have the full support of their Agribusiness Manager Jade Freeburn behind them. Because the way the Alexanders see it, the only thing better than complete freedom is complete freedom with personalised service.
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