What are chaser bins?
A chaser bin is a trailer with a large capacity to withstand the big loads it needs to carry. It is typically towed by or attached to a tractor tailored with an auger conveyor belt. A typical chaser bin set-up is the cross auger. In this case, the grain hopper trailer or mother bin is usually loaded with contents through a folding unload auger that feeds a cross auger.
Using these types of bins, the harvested grain, corn or crop is transported from a header to another haulier, which covers longer distances on roads. This makes the entire process more efficient and convenient. It eliminates the need to stop, unload and reload the products, allowing the harvester to perform steadily during the process.
Generally, chaser bins consist of a steel body, a junction box, tyres, a mother bin, a yield monitor and load cells. Most of the latest types of yield monitors used for these bins are run by software that can generate, load and store data in computers and other gadgets like tablets and smartphones.
What types of load cells are used for chaser bins?
1. Chassis Load Cells
A chassis load cell is similar to an ordinary platform load cell, but it is designed to be mounted underneath a chassis of a mobile vehicle like an agricultural tractor, chaser bin or heavy truck. These load cells measure the weight of individual axles and provide vehicle operators with an accurate reading of the chassis loading in real-time, allowing them to adjust loads accordingly.
Essentially, chassis load cells combine accuracy and reliability with the ultimate convenience. They accurately provide significant details regarding weight and forces, generating more precise data for more robust analysis and precision. allow a user to measure weight and force by responding to stress produced from either loads or forces from connected equipment.
2. Shear Beam Load Cells
A shear beam load cell is typically used to measure weight using compressive force. It is widely used in many applications, including agriculture and farming, construction, logistics, manufacturing and other huge industries.
The shear beam load cell’s core element is a spring. This elastic metal component deforms as the weight is loaded on it and retracts when the weight is removed. To convert the signal into an electrical readable measurement, strain gauges are installed on the metal spring to measure deformation or strain.
3. Double-Ended Shear Beam Load Cells
A variation of the shear beam load cell is the double-ended shear beam. This type of load cell measures the compressive force that acts on the centre of the equipment or in this case, the chaser bin. Comparatively, it makes the bin quite sensitive to uneven weight loads.
Double-ended shear beam load cells are usually seen in weighing scales found in heavy-load industries. They come in the range of thousands of tons and are most applicable for silo, container and vehicle scales, as well as large weighing frames. In some cases, they can also be used in a wide range of testing machines.
Which type of load cell should you use for your chaser bins?
Choosing the right type of load cell for chaser bins requires careful consideration. After all, chasers rely on measuring the accuracy and stabilisation of grain flow to maximise grain flow and productivity.
A chassis load cell is generally considered the go-to type for chaser bins due to its precision, sensitivity and durability. They come in various sizes to suit different bin models, making them very versatile.
Where portability is required, such as transporting chasers to different sites, then a compression load cell, such as a shear beam or double-ended shear beam load cell, maybe more suited. Ultimately, it's best to select the most appropriate load cell for your chaser bins that meets your expectations regarding accuracy and performance and your budget constraints.
Why do chaser bins need a mother bin?
Chasing for grain is a popular practice among farmers, but it isn't always easy. Lucky for them, chaser bins come to the rescue!
A chaser bin allows a farmer to quickly and efficiently move grain from one area to another without returning the chaser bin between locations. This is only possible having connected to its mother bin, which provides a significant storage solution on-site.
No more long journeys back and forth mean less effort, faster turnaround times and of course, happy farmers. Indeed, chaser bins get a lot of help from the ever-reliable mother bin.
Thanks to the mother bin, "chasing" has become a new meaning in the agricultural industry. However, optimal results are also a product of choosing the correct type of load cell that can make all the difference when using chaser bins.
If you’re looking for the most befitting load cells for your bins and other farm equipment, consult the expertise of Meltrons Australia today!