Oztec has designed and released some of the largest locally manufactured mother bins with three bin compartment sizes available
Oztec Manufacturing continues to expand its range and capabilities in the design and manufacture of quality grain-handling equipment.
Over 21 years in business, Oztec has developed a reputation for innovating and delivering high-quality machinery to the agriculture industry that is locally made in Toowoomba QLD.
Their core line of products includes grain handling equipment such as chaser bins, field bins, augers, belt conveyors, elevators and drag chains, as well as other cotton handling and bespoke machinery. See further details on the product range here.
The latest product release from Oztec has gained the attention of many grain-growing operations and is appropriately titled “The Mother Load”.
This massive handling capacity mother bin is designed and built with centre-lift axles available in three variants with capacities of 104, 130 and 156 tonnes.
The overall height and width of the units remain the same at 4.1 metres maximum height and 4.3 metres maximum width, while the length increases depending on the capacity.
The bin compartment length is 12 metres for 104 tonnes, 15 metres for 130 tonnes and 18 metres for 156 tonnes, with the drawbar length remaining the same at 2.9 metres for all models.
Two heavy-duty roll tarps are fitted on the symmetrical curved top which roll up to a centre ridge cap. The profile of the bin and roll tarp design allows for the bin to be filled from both sides.
The centre lift axles also include hydraulic suspension with two pairs of connected hydraulic cylinders, one pair on each side.
The oil is allowed to move between the cylinders so that the wheels follow the terrain during travel and these cylinders are utilised to lay the bin on the ground for filling.
A key function of the Oztec design is the capability to move the bin with 30 tonnes of grain inside.
This is possible because of the high lifting force offered by the hydraulic suspension cylinders and high load capacity 445/65-R22.5 Super Single tyres.
The pivoting drawbar includes two hydraulic cylinders for height adjustment and suspension and a greaseable 51mm (2-inch) spherical ball hitch. When raised, a 725mm ground clearance is achieved.
Oztec Mother Bins are fitted with a 483mm (19-inch) discharge auger as standard with the capacity to unload at approximately 10 tonnes/minute.
The 330mm (13-inch) floor auger utilises 2/3 pitch flighting towards the rear and full pitch at the front for even unloading.
The auger drive is identical to Oztec’s time-tested chaser bins, with mechanical componentry including a 32mm (1.1/4-inch) pitch duplex chain, heavy-duty gearbox and a quality Walterscheid pto-shaft.
High-quality Japanese bearings are fitted, and maintenance is simple with external greasing points throughout.
Grease lines are run to the side walls for all floor auger hanger bearings, and a central grease bank is fitted at the discharge box for the top bearing, bronze bushes and hinge bushes.
Access to the inside of the bin is achieved with a rear-mounted ladder, and an additional access hatch can be included as an optional extra.
The floor gates that open to feed the floor auger are split into front and rear sections for blending purposes.
Two external independent hydraulic cylinders at the front of the bin open and close the gates utilising lever arms along the length of the auger hood, with no hydraulics on the inside of the bin.
A floor gate indicator at the front shows the position of the floor gates, and clear acrylic sight windows are fitted front and rear.
The floor auger clean-out door is split into three sections and control levers are externally positioned along the side of the bin for operation, allowing for quick and easy operation along the full length.
A removable panel is fitted underneath the discharge auger for clean out in this area.
The interior of the bin is designed with no horizontal surfaces and a smooth galvanised or painted finish to minimise areas where grain may sit. Painted components are coated with a 2-pack epoxy system.
Experience built into the design
Oztec has called on their experience in the design and manufacture of their chaser and other bins, as well as hoppers and material handling components, to develop the detail and construction of “The Mother Load”.
The importance of quality workmanship is evident in the weld quality throughout, and augers and mechanical systems are thoroughly tested to ensure correct operation.
The heavy-duty construction is bolstered by reinforcement in critical areas, and RHS trussing is incorporated into the chassis frame to support the bin.
The side wall panels are fabricated from 3mm sheet and fixed together with permanent high-strength pin and collar lock bolts, ensuring strong connections and a rigid structure for supporting the grain load.
Oztec offers various optional extras and modifications that include custom colours, left or right-hand unload, camera system, fire extinguisher and a road kit.
Along with a hydraulic adjustable discharge chute, weigh scales, an access hatch and remote control operation of floor gates.
With in-house engineering capabilities and a wealth of experience, Oztec is well-equipped to successfully deliver a solution to meet your needs.
“The Mother Load” is the latest model in a long history of innovative home-grown solutions for the agriculture industry. Contact John Sheehan and the team to discuss your next project.
For details on ordering a mother bin and grain handling equipment for next season, call Oztec on tel: 07 4635 2600 or see the full range here.
