What Is a Chaser Bin?

Modern farming methods strongly rely on various equipment to increase efficiency, maximise crop yields, and reduce waste. Modern farmers widely use tractors, combines, irrigation systems, and specialised equipment for applying fertilisers and pesticides. One of the essential pieces of equipment used in harvesting operations is a chaser bin.

So, what is a chaser bin? Also known as a grain cart, auger wagon or bank out wagon, a chaser bin is a container pulled by a tractor and used in conjunction with a combine harvester. The function of the transport is to carry the harvested grain or other agricultural produce from a harvester to a transport truck. This allows the harvester to operate continuously, without the need to stop and unload.

Auger wagons come in a variety of sizes and designs, with capacities typically ranging from 10 to 20 tonnes. They use conveyor belts or augers to move the produce and hydraulic systems that enable its fast emptying. Bins can also incorporate built-in scales and GPS so that farmers can effectively track the quantity and location of produce in real time, optimizing logistics and storage decisions. If you're looking for high-quality options to streamline your farming operation, consider Kobzarenko, a brand that offers reliable chaser bins.

How Does a Chaser Bin Work in the Field?

As already mentioned, an auger wagon's primary purpose is to collect produce straight from the combine harvester, resulting in continuous harvesting without the need to stop and empty into a fixed storage unit.

So, here's how it works. A combine and a bank out wagon are used together, with the latter being pulled by a tractor alongside the former in the field. As the combine fills up, it unloads grain or seeds directly into the vehicle. The bin is equipped with an auger system that moves the produce into the storage compartment. Once the bin is full, it's driven to a storage site or truck, where it unloads the grain.

Key Benefits of Chaser Bins in Farming

It offers several decisive benefits for farmers. They reduce downtime and increase harvest efficiency, minimise the need for human labour, help minimise soil compaction, and maintain high quality of produce. Let's explore the key benefits of this equipment in more detail.

More efficient harvesting

As Wikipedia confirms, by using chaser bins, farmers can significantly reduce the time needed to empty produce from the harvester, enabling uninterrupted harvesting operations. What is more, they allow you to transport more produce in fewer trips due to their capacity, which is higher than that of standard grain carts. 

Higher quality of produce

Auger wagons feature gentle auger systems and cushioned unloading mechanisms, which significantly reduce damage during harvesting. This way, unlike traditional unloading methods, they help maintain high crop quality.

Reduced costs

Chaser bins enable farmers to cover a larger area in less time, reducing the need for labour. Moreover, this piece of machinery is operated by a single person, meaning you don't need to hire an extra workforce for the harvesting season.

Lower environmental impact

One of the major benefits of chaser bins is their ability to reduce soil compaction in contrast to conventional harvesting techniques, which involve driving large machinery over the fields back and forth. The equipment, on the other hand, help preserve the soil's structure and decrease erosion.

Minimising crop loss

Bins allow you to discharge the harvested crop directly into trucks or storage units, removing the need for multiple handling stages. This way, they offer a more effective way to move and empty grain or seed, which helps substantially decrease spillage and losses. 

Improved safety

Last but not least, employing machinery considerably improves the safety of the harvesting crew. They reduce the need to operate heavy machinery on uneven ground and physically handle bags. As a result, this minimises the risk of injuries.

How to Choose the Right Chaser Bin

When selecting a chaser bin, farmers should consider the following factors: 

• capacity — it should align with the volume of produce you harvest and the size of your equipment
• design — discharge height, the unloading method, and auger length should be compatible with your existing harvesting machinery
• unloading speed
• quality and durability

Final Thoughts

The role of chaser bins in modern farming is hard to overestimate. They allow the harvester to operate without stops to unload, thus decreasing downtime throughout the harvesting process. This translates to improved efficiency, helping farmers support a more environmentally friendly way of harvesting and minimise crop losses at the same time. If you're looking for high-quality equipment to serve you for decades, explore the offerings of Kobzarenko, one of the leading farm machinery manufacturers in the UK. Kobzarenko offers a wide range of innovative solutions for agricultural needs, including durable chaser bins produced from the highest quality materials and components.