Coolamon multi-purpose chaser bin “a world first”

Australian manufacturer Coolamon Steelworks has unveiled its latest offering – the innovative All Rounder chaser bin which the company says offers producers year-round flexibility and cost savings.

It is a chaser bin, seed-super grouper and fertiliser spreader in one machine, a combination Coolamon Steelworks claims is a world first.

“The All Rounder functions as a chaser bin at harvest time, a seed-super unit at sowing time and a fertiliser spreader throughout the year,” says Coolamon Steelworks general manager, Heath Hutcheon.

“The All Rounder effectively replaces two other machines in the machinery shed. It decreases capital expenditure and cuts operating costs due to hiring machines or paying contractors.”

The bin will be available in capacities of 22, 28, 34 and 40 tonnes.

“The large volume spreading option allows growers to increase production. It gives the grower the ability to spread two different variable rates at once, reducing spreading passes.”

The All Rounder will make its public debut at the Henty Machinery Field Days that will run from September 19 to 21.

Designed and manufactured in the Riverina (NSW), it is an entry in the coveted Henty Machine of the Year Award.

“In this machine and everything we design, we are always looking to the market and what farmers want us to deliver,” Hutcheon says.

“The All Rounder has already captured the attention of the industry.”

At harvest, the bin functions as a fully hydraulically operated chaser bin, with a large dropper box to transfer grain from the conveyor belt to the dual delivery augers.

The All Rounder is equipped with dual 14-inch unloading augers, and a 800mm wide troughed conveyor belt. The conveyor belt acts as a cross auger, reducing damage to lupins and chickpeas.

The spreader is powered by local spreading specialist Haze Ag’s patented 600mm twin spinners, feeding out via a rear hopper with a horizontal variable gate.

The cast iron, curved back spinner blades give a controlled spread of up to 36m with urea, with no damage to product.

“We have partnered with Richard Hazelton from Haze Ag as we see synergies in our products that are both leading edge and ahead of the industry,” Hutcheon says.

“We wanted to redesign how a conventional seed-super unit was done, and the way we did that was to use a conveyor belt, with the two augers out the front so it looked like a conventional chaser bin.”

A key feature of the seed and super unit is the hydraulically operated diverter plate that allows the operator to switch between seed and super without causing contamination.

The diverter plate is then removed to create a normal chaser bin when required.

Hutcheon adds the All Rounder will unload much faster compared to existing seed-super units, and the augers installed at the front of the bin will give clear visibility and ease of use at harvest time.

Growers will be able to inspect the All Rounder at the Henty Machinery Field Days with the track undercarriage system option.

Coolamon Steelworks says the tracks reduce ground pressure between 60 and 70 per cent when compared to traditional tyre systems.

Other standard options include weight scales, rear steering, side delivery chute, right hand delivery auger, flotation tyres, light pack and camera pack.

The All Rounder has a transport width of under 3.5m.

Coolamon Steelworks is planning demonstration days throughout the country to showcase the All Rounder’s capabilities.

Dates and locations will be announced on coolamonchaserbins.com.au