Author: Josh Devenish

Advantages Of A Grain Tube Conveyor Over An Auger

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Understanding the Key Advantages of Grain Tube Conveyors Over Augers

 In this article we will discuss the key advantages of a grain tube conveyor over an grain auger, helping you understand which unit is best suited for your operation. When it comes to choosing the right equipment for moving grain in your operation, the decision often comes down to grain conveyors versus augers. Both have their unique benefits, but understanding the specific advantages of each can help you make an informed choice. At Commander Agriculture, we offer a range of grain tube conveyors and grain augers designed to meet your needs. Here, we delve into why a conveyor might be the better option for your grain-handling requirements.

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Gentle Handling of Grain

One of the most significant advantages of grain conveyors is their gentler handling of grain. This is especially important for crops that are prone to damage, such as peas, lentils, and edible beans. Using a conveyor helps minimize cracking and splitting, which can significantly affect the quality and market value of these crops.

In contrast, augers can be harsh on grain, particularly when running at half capacity or higher speeds. The metal-on-metal contact in augers increases the risk of damaging the grain, which is something to consider if maintaining high quality is essential for your operations. We do offer the option of bean flighting on augers which does help reduce cracking of the beans, using a smaller sized flighting to the barrel (eg. 9 inch flighting in a 10 inch barrel).

Efficiency and Capacity

15 Inch grain conveyors have equivilant capacity to an 11 inch auger, and are often more efficient than augers of this size, when compared to energy (horsepower) needed to run the units. The 15inch crescent belt in the 10 inch barrel offers a capacity of 180-220 THP. This is comparative to a 11 inch auger capacity, of approx. 205 THP, depending on the product.

This efficiency means lower operating costs and higher throughout, which can be crucial during peak harvest times. Conveyors can handle larger volumes more smoothly, making them ideal for large-scale operations, needing to unload more fragile products quickly.

Moisture Content and Versatility

Conveyors also have the edge when it comes to handling grain with varying moisture content. Augers can getting clogged up with grain with higher moisture, due to the friction involved in their operation. Conversely, conveyors are less affected by moisture content, allowing for more consistent performance.

Additionally, conveyors are excellent for moving fertilizer. The belt system protects the product and makes cleanout much easier compared to an auger, which can retain residue in the barrel. Fertilizer being a finer product can become compact in an auger barrel and makes the auger work very hard to get the product moving.

Longevity and Maintenance

When it comes to durability, conveyors generally have a longer lifespan than augers. The belt in a conveyor tends to last longer than the flighting in an auger, meaning less frequent replacements and lower long-term maintenance costs. This durability can be a significant advantage in reducing downtime and ensuring continuous operation.


Auger Advantages

While conveyors offer numerous benefits, augers still have their place in grain handling, especially in specific scenarios. Augers can operate at steeper angles than conveyors, meaning a shorter unit can achieve the same height. Most silos above 100 tons, a conventional auger will reach the height but you would need up to a 80 foot conveyor to reach this, which reduces its usefulness for unloading.

Augers are also generally more cost-effective upfront compared to conveyors of similar capacity. For instance, a 46×11 auger is around $15,000 cheaper than a 4615 conveyor, making it a more viable option for smaller operations or those with budget constraints.

Moreover, augers provide more consistent capacity regardless of the angle, which can be advantageous for certain types of grain. For example, canola and other oil seeds often move well through augers. However, it’s worth noting that the conveyor industry is continually innovating, with advancements like self-cleaning belts improving their ability to handle oil seeds without deteriorating the belt.

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Conclusion

Choosing between a grain conveyor and an auger depends on your specific needs and the type of grain you handle. Conveyors offer gentler handling, higher efficiency, and greater longevity, making them ideal for operations focused on maintaining grain quality and maximizing throughput. Augers, on the other hand, provide versatility with angle operation and cost-effectiveness, suitable for various grain types and smaller budgets.

At Commander Agriculture, we provide both grain conveyors and augers to suit all your agricultural needs. Contact us today to learn more about our products and find the perfect solution for your grain handling requirements.

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  • Tube Conveyor Features & Options:
  • Australian Made
  • S-Drive
  • Adjustable Belt Tension
  • Collapsible Hopper
  • Quick Remove Tow Hitch
  • Hydraulic Lift Winch
  • Self Propelled
  • Operating Angle Indicator
  • 15” Wide Cresent Belt
  • Lowered Intake End
  • Mechanical Drive
  • Available from 41 foot to 66 foot.

Colac VIC Cattle Yards

Cattle Yard Project in Colac, VIC

Cattle Yard Project in Colac, VIC

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Upgrading your cattle yards improves your cattle handling efficiencies and is making an investment that will service your property & operation for decades to come. 

 

Commander Ag-Quip manufacture Quality Australian Made permanent cattle yards, made with Australian Grade Steel and using cutting-edge design programs to ensure your investment is efficient, safe & will stand the test of time. 

Project Details

Project Type: Permanent Cattle Yards

Location: Colac, VIC.

Date: 2023

Size: 120 head working cattle yards

Customer Requirements

Our client approached Commander Ag-Quip looking for a new set of quality Cattle Yards for a new property he had purchased. The cattle yards on the property were run down and not safe to use. The client had an existing crush and ramp which he wanted to incorporate into the design. The client had seen a set of Commander Ag-Quip Sheep yards installed for his brother, and knew the quality of the product and hence chose Commander Ag-Quip to safeguard his investment, and supply his new Permanent Cattle Yards.

Customer Confrontation 1

Cattle Yard Requirements

This Permanent Cattle Yard design is carefully designed to offer optimal stock flow, removing baulk points and other features to make the working safe and stress free for staff and stock alike.

 

Features of the cattle yards:

 

    • 120 head working/drafting capacity.
    • Force tub with walkway to maintain good flow into the working and loading race.
    • Incorporates customers existing crush and loading ramp.
    • Commander Ag-Quip 3-way drafting module.
    • 180 degree curved V-sided race to hold 12 head of cattle.
    • Cattle free working area for staff & access gates.
    • Spring latch gates.
    • Cattle King permanent panels & gates.
    • Installed by customer.
    • Australian Made Permanent Cattle Yards
    • To view more information and enquire regarding our cattle yards, click here!
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What Auger Do You Need For Your Operation?

What Auger Do You Need For Your Operation? Filling SIlos, feeders, trucks? Sizes and capacity. Read more here..

What Grain Auger Do You Need For Your Operation? Features, Specs & Recommendations

Are you in the market for a new grain auger? It is essential to consider all the requirements of your new auger, to maximise your investment.

 

In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for farmers highlighting the importance of choosing the right size grain auger for various applications. From the loading of trucks to the filling of silos, each task requires a specific auger size to optimize productivity and minimize wastage. We will explore the different factors that should be considered when selecting a grain auger and delve into the range of options offered by Commander Ag-Quip, a trusted name in agricultural equipment.

 

Commander Ag-Quip, a leading provider of high-quality Australian Made grain and livestock handling equipment, understands the diverse needs of farmers. With their extensive range of grain augers designed to suit different applications, they ensure that farmers have access to reliable and efficient tools to maximize their productivity.

 

Throughout this article, we will discuss the key considerations that should influence your choice of grain auger, including the type and volume of grain being handled, the distance and height requirements of your operation, and the power source available on your farm. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision about the most suitable grain auger for your specific needs.

 

We will explore the various grain auger sizes available from Commander Ag-Quip and provide practical insights on how each size can enhance your loading, unloading, and storage processes. Whether you’re a small-scale farmer or managing a large agricultural enterprise, finding the right grain auger will enable you to achieve greater efficiency, a safe working environment and minimize grain loss.

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Key questions to consider:

– What is going to be the main use for your auger?

– What capacity are you looking for?

– What is the height requirement for your auger?

– What product are you going to run through the auger?

– Are you looking for a hydraulic drive self-propelled auger?

– Is Australian Made an important factor for you?

– What options and features are you needing?

 

Commander Ag-Quip’s range of Self-propelled augers, Ezy-lift augers, Pencil Augers and Mini Augers will be sure to have the adequate grain auger that you need for your operation.

What is going to be the main use of your auger?

Are you going to be unloading or loading trucks? Loading silos? Filling feed-out bins? Needing a paddock auger?

 

Truck loading: if you are looking for an auger to quickly fill or unload a truck, we would recommend one of the larger capacity augers in our range. Offering a range of barrel diameters from 7″ – 13″, either 10″, 11″ or 13″ augers are best suited for this. One point to consider here is what the hopper/discharge configuration is on your silos if your are filling trucks. This can sometimes limit the diameter you can fit under the silo. Typically, we would recommend a 41×11 self-propelled auger, offering great capacity, while being a handy size to be able to be utilised for multiple operations on your farm.

 

Loading Silos: If the main purpose of your auger is going to be filling silos, the size of the silo will largely determine which auger is best suited or necessary. A 51×10 self-propelled auger is the most common auger for this purpose, being suitable to reach most silos up to 70 tonnes, while still being suitable to use as a multi-purpose auger for filling trucks etc. Later we will discuss what size augers are required for different sized silos.

 

Loading feeders/feedout bins: When looking for an auger to load small feeders, feedout bins or grouper bins, the range of pencil & mini augers are adequate to carry out this task. Commander Ag-Quip offer a range of 5 inch pencil augers in 15, 20 & 25 foot; otherwise mini augers in 5 & 6 inch in 25 or 30 foot options. We would recommend a 25×6 mini auger, being a cost-efficient unit for a farmer who does not want to tie up his main auger or spend extra money on another larger auger, while still having a petrol motor and the extra capacity to quickly fill a feedout bin.

 

There are many factors that contribute to the decision of what auger is best suited for your needs, these are just recommendations, and the Commander Ag-Quip team are always willing to run through your requirements and assist in recommending what auger you need. Contact us today to speak with out team!

Auger Barrel: Options & approximate tonnes per hour (TPH) capacity. 

Have you ever wondered is it worth going up a size in barrel to get extra capacity? or how long would a auger take to unload a truck? Below are some approximate capacities of the auger barrel options we can offer.

Ezy-Lift & Self Propelled Auger Barrel Options (34′-66′):

7″ – 60 TPH

9″ – 110 TPH

10″ – 160 TPH

11″ – 205 TPH

13″ – 230 TPH

Pencil & Mini Augers Barrel Options(15′-30′):

5″ – 12-15 TPH (Depending on motor)

6″ – 25-30 TPH

Auger Lift Height: Max lift height & silo specifications

Ensuring you have researched and know the required lift height for your new auger is essential to maximise your investment. Each silo manufacturer will provide product specific recommendations as to required auger sizes, in the below information we have used GE Silos as an example.

 

*The following is just a guide and we recommend you check the recommendations of your specific silo manufacturer before purchasing your auger.

Lift Heights:

Pencil Augers:

15′ – 2.3m

20′ – 3.3m

25′ – 4.2m

Mini Augers:

25′ – 5m

30′ – 5.9m

Larger Augers:

34′ – 7m

37′ – 7.3m

41′ – 8.2m

46′ – 9.4m

51′ – 10.4m

56′ – 11m

61′ – 12.3m

Silo Minimum Auger Requirements (GE Silos)

21 tonne silo – 33′

30 tonne silo – 36′

40 tonne silo – 36′

50 tonne silo – 40′

65 tonne silo – 46′

69 tonne silo – 50′

77 tonne silo – 56′

83 tonne silo – 56′

97 tonne silo – 65′

110 tonne silo – 65′

Product specific options: Barrel & flighting

Going to be moving beans or fertilizer? No problems!

There are a range of options available to ensure your new auger is best suited for the specific tasks you need to complete:

 

Bean flighting: The option for bean flighting is recommended to maximise the efficiency of the auger & reduce waste. Bean flighting when auguring beans reduces waste, damage to the beans & the strain on the auger.

 

Hot dip galvanised: Commander Ag-Quip are one of few companies who offer a hot dip galvanised barrel option on new augers. In high corrosion areas such as near the coast or if you are going to be moving a lot of corrosive materials such as fertilizer, the hot dip galvanised options offer extra longevity. The flighting remains not hot dip galvanised and it only reduces the corrosion, it does not eliminate it.

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Features & Options

Features of Commander Ag-Quip Augers:

– Australian Made: Commander Ag-Quip augers are fully Australian Manufactured in Albany WA. 

– One piece barrel & flighting: imported augers have split barrels and flighting due to transport. The single barrel option offers superior longevity & strength.

– Precision round spiral would barrel.

– Stretch fitted flighting: smoother operation, less contamination.

– Solid main drive shaft: longer lasting.

– Machined driveline couplings: less vibration.

– Intake end: Fully guarded double start flighting & cupped edge for better grain pickup.

– Final drive: Oil bath top end reducing maintenance & drive shaft, & duplex chain drive.

– Reversible Gearbox.

 

Optional Extras:

– Self Propelled Auger (Driver Kit): Available on all the larger augers (34′-61′), the option for hydraulic mover kit for the auger & also the barrel lift and tail lift. Alternatively there is the manual winch option. Recommended to go the self-propelled option for any auger you often move and any auger over 46′.

– Hydraulic Belt Tensioner:

– Diesel engine upgrade: recommended on all 13 inch augers, offering extra power and better output capacity.

– Dual work lights.

– Poly hopper.

– Poly flexi chute.

– Manual intake end choke.

Commander Ag-Quip offers a large range of augers to cater for your every grain moving need. Contact the team today to receive a obligation free quote for your new grain auger. Click here to view our grain auger range!


📞1800 655 033

💻sales@commanderagquip.coma.au


GET A QUOTE TODAY FOR YOUR NEW AUGER

Modular Shearing Sheds – Pros & Cons – Commander Ag-Quip

Modular Shearing Sheds - Pros & Cons

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Looking for a cost effective & simple shearing shed solution? The Commander Ag-Quip modular shearing sheds are your answer!

 

As efficient, functional and safe facilities become an increasingly important aspects to farm operations to comply with Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) requirements, shearing sheds are a common area of concern.

 

Many operations are using sheds built in the 1950-1980s, where the across board drag was considered the best solution, and now, up to 70 years later, the structural integrity of the fitouts are not up to scratch.

 

As staff and shearer availability and retention is becoming a growing focus in the agricultural industry, having the adequate facilities to cater for all the operational requirements on farm is essential. A new and safe shearing shed setup will attract staff and shearers, reducing stress of all farm operations and improving the productivity of your sheep enterprise.

 

When is a modular fitout best suited?

For many farmers, especially small to medium sized wool producers, the extensive investment for a entirely new shearing shed & shed complex is unattainable. The Commander Ag-Quip shearing module system offers flexibility and options, being able to be used to fitout an existing shearing shed, other existing infrastructure such as a machinery shed or a new shed. The modular fitout is still considered a permanent solution, custom designed and installed to suit your shed, and the modules won’t move when in place.

Building a multi-purpose shed or using an existing machinery shed for your new shearing fitout is sometimes an effective way of reducing the investment needed for your new shearing shed fitout. It is also common to build an extension onto your existing wool shed to utilise all possible grating area, and using Commander Ag-Quip shearing modules to provide a safe and effective catching pen & board configuration. A great project that utilised this concept was this 2-Stand Module for Banquet White Suffolks, in Mortlake VIC. More details on this project can be found here!

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Modular Shearing Shed Fitout Pros:

– Cost effective solution to a new, safe & efficient shearing shed solution.

– Reduced time on site: coming as prefabricated modules.

– Ideal solution for fitting out existing infrastructure.

– Custom designed modules to fit area available.

– Australian Made using first grade Australian Steel.

– Simple installation – client can fit themselves.

 

Modular Shearing Shed Fitout Cons:

– Difficult to build around central columns in existing shed.

– Need large and easy access into the shed to bring the modules into the shed.

– Extra steel framework underneath the modules, running along the ground level.

– Limited with the height and hence clearance underneath the modules.

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Before & Afters

Transforming old pig shed into 2 Stand Shearing shed on Yorke Peninsula, SA!

Revamping old 3 stand shed in Pinaroo, SA!

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Goba Creek Sheep Yards

Sheep Yard Project in Goba Creek, NSW

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Upgrading your sheep yard improves sheep handling efficiencies and is making an investment that will service your property & operation for decades to come.

Commander Ag-Quip manufacture quality Australian Made sheep yards, made with Australian Grade Steel and using cutting-edge design programs.

Project Details

Project Type: Sheep Yard

 

Location: Borrowa, NSW

 

Date: 2023

 

Size: 2500 head working sheep yards

Customer Requirements

Our client approached Commander Ag-Quip seeking new sheep yards due to the degradation and increasing safety concerns of their existing ones. The old yards required constant repairs and were becoming inefficient, requiring significant time investment before each use. In order to address these issues and improve their operations, the client recognized the urgent need for a new set of yards and turned to Commander Ag-Quip, seeking their expertise in providing safe, efficient, and durable sheep yards for their farming needs. The client made the trip to see multiple completed Commander Ag-Quip Permanent Sheep Yards, and after seeing the quality and standard of installation, decided to choose Commander Ag-Quip to supply & install his new set of large sheep yards.

Customer Confrontation 1

The Yard Cover

Commander Ag-Quip worked in collaboration with ABC Shed who supplied the yard cover. Working closely throughout the entire design process ensured that the installation was seamless and that the cover didn’t clash with the yard design and hinder stock flow at all.

Shed Details: 26m x 24m x 3.5m

Sheepyard Breakdown

This design is a large scale set of sheep yards that incorporates multiple working stations and offers optimal stock flow through all stations:

 

Features of the sheep yards:

 

    • 2500 head working/drafting capacity.
    • Dual bugle design to feed multiple working stations and work more than one station at any time.
    • Manual Drafting Module
    • Tepari handler station
    • Secondary handler/crutching trailer provision
    • Dual drenching race with walkway in between; including Tumble-Swing & guillotine race gates
    • Access gates in thoroughfares with dogflaps.
    • Custom designed to link with existing shed loading ramp & letouts.
    • To view more sheep yard projects click here!
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Banongil South Sheep Handling Complex

Project Case Study - Banongil South Sheep Handling Complex

Sheep Handling Project in Banongil South, VIC

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Upgrade your shearing shed and sheep yard complex  for safer and more efficient sheep handling.

 

Commander Ag-Quip provides state-of-the-art facilities that offer numerous benefits. Increase productivity, reduce stress on sheep, enhance worker safety, streamline operations, and improve overall efficiency. Experience quality and cutting-edge solutions for optimized stock handling facilities.

 

Commander Ag-Quip’s Sheep Yards & Shearing sheds are 100% Australian Made, using Australian grade steel in all manufacturing. Offering customised designs, the Commander Ag-Quip team work closely with the client to provide a design that is tailored and specific to the needs of their operation.

Project Details

Project Type: Shearing Shed & Sheep Yard Complex

 

Location: Skipton, VIC.

 

Date: 2023

 

Size: 6 Stand Curved Board Shearing Shed & 3000 head working sheep yards

Customer Requirements

The iconic Banongil South property was purchased by the client, a stunning property located 18km south west of Skipton, VIC. The share of the property our client purchased did not have a shearing shed on the farm, and with the plans to increase the flock size considerably on the property, it was apparent that the investment had to made for on a new sheep yard and shearing shed complex.

 

The client came to Commander Ag-Quip, looking for a state of the art facility to cater for his shearing and sheep handling needs.

Having seen the previously completed project by Commander Ag-Quip at Lal Lal Estate, it was evident Commander Ag-Quip could be the team that brought his vision to life & deliver his new Sheep handling complex.

Customer Confrontation 1

The Shed

Commander Ag-Quip worked in collaboration with Action Steel who supplied the shed and yard cover. Working closely throughout the entire design process ensured that the fitout was seamless and that the installation was completed and finished off to an impeccable level.

 

Shed Details: 88m x 24m x 5.5m

 

To read more into the shed details and specifications, view Action Steel’s project case study here!

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Shearing Shed Breakdown

The Commander Ag-Quip team worked closely with the client and his shearing contractor to create the ultimate shearing shed solution for this complex. The design incorporates the fundamental AWI chute/catch pen door configuration, while maintianing the tried and proven Commander Ag-Quip front fill pen design.

 

Some key features of the shearing shed include:

 

    • 6-Stand Curved board, incorporating the AWI specified chute configuration.
    • Flat board design to improve roustabout safety.
    • 1285 head holding capacity up on grating.
    • Australian Made using Australian grade steel.
    • Using the iconic WA jarrah timber on the board, fascia and in the catching pens.
    • View more about our Permanent Shearing Shed Fitouts here!

Sheepyard Breakdown

Looking for a large scale set of sheep yards to comfortably work large mobs at one time, the Commander design team worked closely with the client to design this impressive set of Stud Manager permanent sheep yards.

 

Some key features of these Sheep Yards:

 

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