Get everything you want from long reach augers to chaser bins and drive over hoppers and catch exclusive model releases from Oztec this season
There are many circumstances where local manufacturers such as OZTEC can hold their own against the big multi-nations and that all due to the constantly evolving nature of farm operations adopting more innovative ways to improve production.
This is most prominent in grain growing where an arsenal of high-priced planters and then harvesters step-up to produce record breaking yields each season.
And at the point of harvest comes the most vital step in any grain growing operation, the handling and care of the grain.
This is where Oztec has played a vital role for over 20 years, by recognising the need to continually improve on existing technologies and keep up with burgeoning grower demand by expanding the range of their grain equipment.
Oztec has relished in its role for over 22 seasons and has continued with its innovations to develop a well-earned reputation for delivering locally made high quality equipment that can match any foreign imports.
With the worldwide move to manufacture within country of supply, this Toowoomba QLD based company is one of the best placed to supply the strong local grain growing thrust that appears to be harvesting past record levels each year.
See the confirmation of the third highest grain tally on record from the just completed 2024-25 winter season here.
Regular customers of the Oztec range have been satisfied in the way the company goes about updating and augmented its suite of grain handling equipment by adding design changes to incorporate the latest technology.
And as a result, allow busy grain operations to improve functionality and gain maximum efficiency for each operation.
Extensive model range
The core line of grain handling equipment available from Oztec includes Chaser Bins, Augers, Tube Conveyors, Elevators, Drag Chains, and the most recent addition, a locally designed Mother Bin built to last.
Another recent addition to the Oztec product list is the Double-Reach conveyor especially designed for 18m controlled traffic farming (CTF). This chaser bin attachment has proven ideal for systems running 18m fronts and was developed from their well-established Long-Reach conveyor used with 12m CTF systems.
And while Oztec is a specialist in grain handling, their reputation has drawn the company to develop specialist products offerings for other areas of farming, such as cotton handling equipment and the nut industry.
In addition, Oztec as a local manufacturer can readily supply many types of material handling equipment, Drive Over Hoppers, Dryers for grain and other commodities, and are the best people to discuss a piece of bespoke machinery that could help your own operation.
Mother Bins
Oztec has created a great deal of interest from large-scale farm operations with the release of its appropriately titled The Mother Load. This mother bin is built for local conditions and comes with strong centre-lift axles available in capacities of 104, 130 and 156 tonnes.
The centre lift axle configuration gets the benefit of a hydraulic suspension with two pairs of connected hydraulic cylinders, one pair on each side.
This design allows the oil to move between the cylinders so that the wheels follow the terrain contours during travel. And when stationary the cylinders are also utilised to lay the bin lower on the ground for filling.
A key function that many growers are taking advantage of is with the design capability to move the unit with 30 tonnes of grain in the bin. This is possible because of the high lifting force offered by the hydraulic suspension cylinders and high load capacity tyres.
While the profile of the bin and roll tarp design allows for filling from both sides. The auger drive is identical to Oztec’s time-tested chaser bins, with a 483mm (19-in) discharge auger as standard.
The heavy-duty construction of the The Mother Load is bolstered by reinforcement in critical load areas, while RHS trussing is incorporated into the chassis frame to support the bin.
Grain Dryers
Oztec has been involved in the design and manufacture of a series of dryers for grain and pistachios, since 2022.
One of the break-through developments was a trailered grain dryer that was conceptualised, designed, manufactured and commissioned by Oztec and Tronlec.
The unit is capable of 3% moisture removal at 40 tonnes/hour at standard ambient conditions (65% RH, 25° C) with two independent cascading continuous flow dryers that can dry 20 tonnes/hour each.
An intake hopper feeds two grain loops that move the grain into the dryers, which can then be recirculated through the loop if more drying is required, and finally the dried product is diverted to the out-loading auger system.
A multi-stage diesel burner is fitted for heating and a diesel generator powers the electric motors and control board, and inclusion of grain level sensors allows for automatic operation.
Remote access for system monitoring and technical support via phone is available as an optional extra.
The trailered grain dryer is road registered with rear tandem floating axle group and ABS braking, and a 12 tonnes kingpin.
The hydraulic retractable axle suspension rests the dryer on the ground for operation. The drying unit can also be installed as a fixed installation.
The second major grain drying project was to supply a series of pistachio dryers for Australian Pioneer Pistachio Company (APPC) in Robinvale Victoria, with the first two sets being completed in 2023. Each set of dryers consists of a pre-dryer and main dryer.
Chaser Bins
Since their inception, Chaser Bins have been a core product line for Oztec and company engineers have constantly looked for ways to improve the design, by adding extra functions and options.
In many instances being able to stay ahead of increasing yields and offer solutions for next season’s requirements.
Regular production line runs of chaser bins at the Oztec factory, include bin capacities from 21 to 60 tonnes.
There is a wide range of chaser bin configurations to choose from, including: Single axle bin models with capacities of 21 and 25 tonnes.
To carry heavier loads there are Tandem axle bins available in 25, 30 and 36 tonnes product capacities.
While for large-scale farm operations there are Tri-axle bins in 45 and 50 tonnes capacities and Quad axle bins can also be ordered with capacities of 45, 50, and 60 tonnes.
All multi-axle bins are fitted with self-steering systems and flotation tyres, and various optional extras are available.
CTF Roof-mounted Conveyors
In response to the introduction of 18 metre header fronts, Oztec has expanded their range of roof-mounted conveyors to include the Double-Reach model.
The Double-Reach is an expansion on the original Long-Reach system, that is still used for 12 and 15 metre systems.
The 18 metre length became about with the addition of a secondary telescoping belt conveyor to achieve a reach of 8.1 metres from the centreline of the bin, from a retracted overall width of 4.2 metres.
Twin roof augers mounted in the top of the bin enable the bin to be filled to capacity.
With the combination of belt and hungry boards it provide a 1.8-metre-wide grain landing area, making it an easy target for the header operator. The sliding double-conveyor system is supported by a stable platform that rests across the centre of the bin.
Scorpion designed for cotton bales
Oztec is in the final stages of testing and developing the Scorpion, an advanced trailer for handling cotton bales that allows the operator to carry up to six bales at once, with safety and efficiency as top priorities.
The Scorpion is designed for dryland cotton and is able to save time and money by picking up more bales on every run, cutting the number of trips required.
The wheel tracks stay on tramlines during operation, while the tractor only moves off momentarily during bale pick up.
A pendle front axle rides the terrain with the capability to switch between self-steering, locked straight and forced steering, while the rear tandem axle features a walking beam suspension and flotation tyres.
Cotton bales picked up by the Scorpion are controlled throughout the loading and unloading process.
At the front, Pincers are fitted on a side shift carriage to line up the bale, and phasing hydraulic cylinders ensure secure clamping during pickup.
The design incorporates a travelling Monkey with hydraulically controlled arms that allows the operator to move and stow the bales as required. Then, is subsequently used for controlled unloading by guiding bales off the back with the rear tail lowered.
A floor of galvanized pipe rollers always ensures safe handling.
Build to order
Oztec continues its unique service where company engineers will assist in the design of a special piece of high-quality equipment for the grain industry, that may not currently be available.
Unique equipment builds such as Self-Propelled Augers and Tube Conveyors, Bucket Elevators, Under/Over Silo Belt Conveyors, Drag Chains and Drive Over Hoppers.
With in-house engineering capabilities to back this up, Oztec can offer the most current custom design solutions for any specific requirement.
Contact the team at Oztec to discuss a currently available production model or one specific to your next project. See more on this link.
Call John Sheehan on tel: 07 4635 2660, or mobile: 0407 676 746, or email: john@oztecman.net.au
