Grain semi-trailer: features of selection and use

In order for grain to continue to meet standards after transportation by road, a lot of requirements must be met. This is for example:

• Purity
• Certain humidity limits;
• Maximum and minimum temperature indicators;
• Tightness of containers;
• And others.

It must be remembered that grain is a special cargo: it is heavy, loose in consistency and can spill along the road even due to a small gap in the body or tank. Therefore, vehicles that are used to transport grain must be carefully selected by the customer and prepared by the transport company.

Attention!
Grain can only be transported if it is properly prepared, mature, free of insects (that is, after disinfestation), and has a satisfactory level of humidity!

What should a grain carrier be like?

Trucks specially modified for the transportation of grain are called grain carriers. They must be prepared to perform a number of essentially different tasks. Firstly, the transportation of grain cargo by road often begins from the field. Then the grain truck must travel along roads and highways without losing the cargo. The moment of unloading also implies a special design of the body or other container for transportation.

In addition to grain, such vehicles are capable of transporting other agricultural crops: cereals, various seeds, beans, malt, etc. Since transportation begins directly from the harvesting site, the chassis of this type of vehicle must be off-road. The sides, if it is an on-board vehicle or a dump truck, must be high enough. Profitability when transporting grain can only be achieved by transporting large volumes of cargo.

How to make a grain truck from a flatbed semi-trailer

The process takes a couple of days. Making a grain truck is simple and does not require any special equipment.

Homemade semi-trailer.

You will need to do the following:

1. Move your “finger” forward one meter. This will lighten the load on the rear axle. You can fix it on a 10 mm sheet of steel and weld the old hole.
2. Reinstall the axle and strengthen the chassis. This can be done by replacing the mounting plates from 3mm to 8mm. This modification allows you to load a trailer up to 40 tons.
3. Strengthen the attachment of the pads to the frame, prepare the paw to lift the front axle.
4. It is possible to improve the fastening of wheel pairs with a vertical stiffener. Such structures are used in dump trucks; they strengthen the frame, reducing “fractures.”
5. Install 1.5 mm bent iron on the bottom side, and place unloading hatches in the floor.
6. Cut off the excess from the top sides, close the holes from the old rivets. Prepare the surface for painting.
7. Install a ladder in front.

If you are looking for cheap options, you can look at ads on alim and buy a used semi-trailer second-hand. This will save time on modifications.

Types of grain machines

Transportation of bulk grain crops can be carried out by different types of freight vehicles:

1. Onboard vehicles.
   They are most often chosen due to the relatively low cost of transportation. Prices for grain transportation here are lower than in other categories due to the simplicity of the machines. In fact, these are the most ordinary trucks. The difference is the higher sides. The body is covered with some kind of waterproof material, which should protect the cargo from moisture and wind. Usually the tonnage does not exceed 20 tons. The downside is that loading/unloading grain will take more time and effort. It is possible to transport grain packaged in bags.
2. Dump truck.
   Also a popular option. Capacious - up to 22 tons. The main advantage of the design is ease of unloading and the absence of the need to use additional labor in this process. For this reason, the cost of transporting grain by these vehicles may be lower. And you won’t have to waste time looking for workers. It is advisable to use for transporting grain over short distances.
3. Tank truck.
   This specialized vehicle is best used for delivering grain over long distances. The tightness of the tank will ensure reliable storage. You can be sure that no moisture, no wind, no dust will get into the grain. The downside is that grain delivery by this type of vehicle implies a high price.
4. Road train.
   In essence, it is a truck with a trailer. Pros:

• You can transport a large amount of grain - up to 40 tons.
• Possibility of transporting different types of grains.
• Thanks to the body, which can be turned over, the loading/unloading process becomes simple.

Important!
The unloading/loading process for on-board vehicles is complex and time-consuming!

Why are there so many types of grain trucks? The answer is simple - there is a large demand for transporting grain crops, and each type of grain truck is designed for different needs and conditions.

Manufacturers

There are dozens of dump truck manufacturers. The characteristics and appearance of the structures can be found in the photos on the Internet.

The most popular manufacturers are as follows:

DAF

Dutch automaker specializing in the production of heavy trucks. The model range includes grain semi-trailers with side unloading.

The company began its activities in 1928. In the 45s they produced semi-trailers for transporting military equipment.

Today the concern is one of the leaders in the Eurotruck market.

Scania

Aluminum grain semi-trailers can be purchased from a Swedish company that has been on the market since 1891. Initially, the plant began its history with the production of bicycles.

Today Scania presents dozens of heavy truck model lines.

Renault

The company, known for producing cars, produces high-quality trucks. The product range includes trailers, semi-trailers, especially grain dump trucks.

The plant has experience in the international market, recognition of millions of customers. Today it is one of the most popular concerns for the production of trucks.

MAN

A German brand that has been producing commercial vehicles for the whole world for a hundred years. It occupies a leading position in terms of vehicle sales results on the Russian market.

Trucks are reliable, comfortable, and efficient. The machines are manufactured according to European standards. They have a carrying capacity of up to 40 tons, allowing you to carefully transport cargo over thousands of kilometers.

Bodex

The history of the company begins in Poland in 1991. Today the plant occupies a leading position in the sale of semi-trailers in Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Armenia and Ukraine. Since 2008, products have entered the Russian and Belarusian markets.

Bodex makes reliable, high quality trailers.

Schmitz

Schmitz.

Schmitz is the best company in 2022 for the production of trailers, dump trucks. Good quality and reasonable prices captivate many who are looking for where to order goods.

Amkar

The company began its history in 2000 with the creation of military special equipment for the Russian government. Afterwards, the production of special cargo equipment for logistics specialists of agricultural companies began.

Amkar is one of the best trailer manufacturers on the Russian market. Makes equipment according to customer requirements.

steelbear

The company is engaged in wholesale and retail sales of special equipment. The latest Stilbeer technologies are used in development. We produce high-quality, affordable equipment for companies and individuals.

Various load capacities allow customers to choose an option for any need.

Meusburger Novtrak

The manufacturer begins its history in Russia in 2009, acquiring a controlling stake in Novtrak CJSC. Every year the plant opens new directions and applies bold technologies. It ranks first among domestic analogues in terms of trailer quality.

"AvtoKrAZ"

The history of the brand begins in 1945. Over time, the manufacturer changed direction three times. Despite the reorganization, it is included in the list of leaders.

In Ukraine, it is the only manufacturer that has a technological cycle at the enterprise.

Includes 33 models, 350 modifications. Their number is constantly growing.

"MAZ"

Minsk company, well-known in the CIS and abroad. The plant's cars are supplied to 45 countries around the world.

After a short break, the company decides to return to the mechanical engineering market. The technology is reliable and relatively cheap.

"Tonar"

Russian plant for the production of semi-trailers. The equipment does not differ in quality from its European counterparts. The price is 1.5 times cheaper.

"OdAZ"

In 1947, the company began producing the first 7-ton semi-trailer for KAZ and ZIL tractors.

Today it continues to manufacture dump trucks and semi-trailers for wholesale and retail sales. It is distinguished by reliability and low price.

"NEFAZ"

The story begins in 1977 with the first KAMAZ. Today the company produces not only special equipment, but also various components.

"Kardeshler Trailer"

Kardesler is a German brand that supplies special equipment for the Russian segment. The structures are resistant to weather conditions and road surfaces.

How to choose a grain truck?

When choosing a dump truck for transporting grain or another type of grain carrier, the first thing that needs to be assessed is the volume of future transportation

.

Let's say you are a farmer who allocates a relatively small field for grain, the yield from which will be within 20 tons. In this case, an onboard vehicle is the right choice for you. If it is important to you not to use additional labor during loading and unloading grain, then it would be logical for you to choose dump trucks whose bodies can tilt.

Attention!
Only a tank truck can ensure ideal preservation of grain during transportation.

If you are concerned about precipitation, it would be advisable for you to choose a tank. Transporting grain by road has its own rules. Here are the main ones:

1. The body must be kept clean.
   It must be not only clean, but also dry. There must also be no odors, otherwise the product may be rejected upon arrival.
2. The body must be free of holes and cracks.
   If you find them during inspection, use a sealant.
3. Always cover the body with a tarpaulin.
4. Never mix dry and wet grain.

Otherwise, take into account the mileage of transportation, whether grain will be transported from the field, what the weather conditions will be and how much cargo needs to be delivered.

Calculation of the price of grain transportation

Prices for grain transportation can be very different and depend on a number of circumstances.

Firstly, the distance you plan to transport plays a role. The length of the path depends on the type of grain truck, fuel consumption, depreciation, driver qualifications and time of use of the machine.

Secondly, the weight of the grain also plays a role when calculating the price. This is the same fuel and type of grain truck. By the way, transporting grain is difficult, so the driver must have the appropriate competence.

The following factors will also participate in determining the cost of transportation:

1. Road condition, which directly affects transportation time, fuel consumption, depreciation and possible emergency situations;

transport turnover;

2. Fuel prices, which may vary depending on the region;
3. Loading/unloading method;
4. How weight control is carried out on the roads;
5. Payment for downtime.

Whether grain will be transported from the field also plays a role. The price in this case depends on whether additional equipment will be used.

Bottom line

Transporting grain is one of the most important logistics tasks in agriculture. Since transporting grains is a complex task due to the specifics of the cargo, special freight vehicles are used for transportation - grain carriers. Grain is a special cargo that requires a certain temperature regime and compliance with humidity standards. Also, the grain is heavy and loose - any, even minor, gap in the body will lead to the loss of part of the cargo right along the road. Grain will also spoil if the body or tank in which it will be transported is dirty or contains foreign odors.

Depending on the volume of grain transported, distance and weather conditions, grain trucks are divided into several types. Each of them is selected in accordance with the budget, route length, level of grain protection, and transportation volume. Onboard vehicles are considered the most affordable, however, the loading/unloading process will take a lot of time and human resources. A dump truck will cost more, but it can unload itself. A road train is essentially a dump truck with a trailer. It is used for large volumes of grain. The most expensive option is a tanker, but it will provide ideal storage. This option is preferred for long distance transport. Machines for transporting grain are special equipment, the choice of which must be made with the utmost care.

Grain trucks with a moving floor (chip trucks)

These are semi-trailers equipped with an automatic horizontal (without tipping) loading and unloading system for almost all types of bulk cargo and Euro pallets.

The metal floor consists of steel or aluminum profiles driven inside the semi-trailer by three hydraulic cylinders. The floor movement moves the load quickly and safely towards the rear gate.

The sliding floor system allows loading and unloading:

• indoors;
• on the ground.

The device does not require complex maintenance. Monitoring and management of loading and unloading operations is carried out remotely using a remote control (built-in button). Climatic conditions, seasonal temperature changes and dirt do not affect the operation of the system; it functions equally effectively regardless of the season and human factor.

One of the best moving floor systems in the world is produced under the Dutch brand Cargo Floor. She is notable:

• High speed of cargo movement, which can be adjusted depending on the task at hand, ranging from 0.01 to 2.6 m per minute. At a travel speed of 2.6 m/min, it takes from 6 to 10 minutes to unload a trailer with moving floors with a length of 10-12 m. Carrying out a similar manipulation using a crane takes up to 2 hours.
• Large supporting surface;
• Wear resistance;
• Light weight - from 60 to 300 kg, which does not have a significant impact on the total weight of freight transport;
• Environmentally friendly - system parts do not oxidize and do not have a harmful effect on transported food products;
• All seals and joints between floor profiles are well protected from the effects of transported cargo;
• The supports are protected from dust and street dirt;
• Hydraulic parts can be replaced if necessary;
• The system is repairable, strong, durable;
• The impact-resistant XHDI is suitable for transporting any cargo (including glass, sand, gravel, etc.).

Cargo Floor is a truly reliable manufacturer that has been on the market for a long time and has a high level of trust. All STAS chip trucks are equipped with a moving floor system of this particular brand.

Thus, the main difference between this type of semi-trailers and dump semi-trailers is the method of loading and unloading operations. The moving floor can work:

• only for unloading (loading will be carried out from above)
• for unloading and loading (the body can be filled horizontally)

Now about the advantages and disadvantages of chip trucks.

Pros:

• grain trucks with a moving floor system can unload in rooms with not too high ceilings: all such a semi-trailer needs is the ability to safely drive inside, that is, a reasonable headroom between the body and the roof;
• multifunctionality is retained, the ability to transport not only agricultural products, but also other cargo, for example, industrial or construction.

There are no disadvantages to such grain trucks. They are easy to operate, reliable, and they are also very comfortable and safe to use, which is clearly demonstrated by the BioSTAR and FarmSTAR semi-trailers from STAS.

BioSTAR

It represents a line of universal semi-trailers with a moving floor for transporting a wide range of cargo - from bulk to long and indivisible. The cubic capacity varies from 72 m3 to 94 m3.

BioSTAR combines amazing strength and lightness of the body. The moving floor system from the leading European brand Cargo Floor is also suitable for transporting wet loads such as fertilizers or biomass.

The wireless remote control can be easily adapted to the parameters of the moving floor of a particular manufacturer. It can also be used to simultaneously control the floor, rear doors, hydraulic roof system and other mechanisms.

Let's take a closer look at the technical characteristics.

• Stretcher

A key part of the design that directly affects the load distribution and correct operation of the semi-trailer. All STAS brand chip trucks, including BioSTAR, are equipped with a unique aluminum subframe model, which reduces the pressure on the axle by 8%, the tension on the floor slats by 24%, and the load on the chassis by 30%. Today it is the strongest and most reliable semi-trailer on the chip truck market.

• Rear doors

The main attention is paid to fastening elements - double and additionally reinforced locks. They will not open under pressure on the side wall, are extremely ergonomic and easy to use.

There are door options with four locks. It is especially relevant for the transport of fertilizers and waste.

At the customer's request, the rear door can be equipped with a hatch for taking samples from products. This is very convenient - the driver does not have to open the awning to take a sample of raw materials from above. The rear door can be equipped with grain hatches, then the grain will move into storage even faster.

• Closing system

STAS offers a wide variety of body closing systems:

1. With manual control

– the awning closes and opens using a handle without any extra effort.

2. With single-leaf roof and hydraulic drive

- an ideal solution for transporting goods that cannot be wet in the rain. Two hydraulic torque motors combine with a fully welded frame construction to create an extremely stable and reliable system that will withstand even strong winds.

3. With double roof and hydraulic drive and hydraulic tailgate

— you no longer need to leave the cab and open and close the closing system. Fully welded and galvanized steel legs push the load a little deeper when closed. Ideal for transporting waste. This additional equipment reduces loading and unloading time by as much as ten minutes. These options are essential for anyone who makes a lot of short trips and frequently loads and unloads a trailer.

4. Fully automatic roof system Cramaro Overquick

— easily adapts to loads that protrude above the top edge, and also works perfectly in any, even extreme weather conditions. Curved top edges at the front and rear and a central support tube connected to the roof crossbars ensure that water does not accumulate at the top of the awning.

5.
FAST-Click snap-on roof
system without tension belts is especially popular among farmers due to its ease of use and reliability.

• Additional storage spaces

Boxes for pallets and tools will be appreciated by any driver. They are waterproof and lock securely.

• Cleaning equipment

With the additional options that STAS offers, cleaning the floor from a long and monotonous procedure turns into a completely simple operation that does not require much time and effort on the part of the driver. BioSTAR can be equipped with various cleaning systems that operate autonomously, that is, without an external energy source.

A real hit is the built-in high-pressure washer with hydraulic drive. The hose is long enough to go completely around the semi-trailer. The sink is completely retractable into a lockable stainless steel tool box. Carry less dirt and more payload!

• Tail lift

We have already said that STAS semi-trailers are famous for their versatility. Although BioSTAR was originally created to work in the agricultural sector, it can successfully transport other cargo, and their range is further expanded with the use of a loading platform from one of the leading European manufacturers - Dhollandia. With it, you can transport anything in a chip truck - from bulk materials to distributed goods, and unloading and loading them will take even less time. Using a tail lift, you can effortlessly roll a trolley with pallets into the body of a trailer with a moving floor.

• Additional lighting

The six additional LED tail lights not only enhance safety, but are also an excellent design element.

We have listed only a small part of what makes the driver's work efficient and enjoyable. In addition to the options mentioned, STAS offers technical solutions for the convenience of transporting cargo based on its specifics:

• To protect the inner surface of the body from premature wear when unloading abrasive, rubbing substances, wear-resistant linings were developed. They can be of different shapes and thicknesses depending on the type of specific product;

• for particularly fine-grained cargo, special floor strips are suitable, which, overlapping each other, prevent grains of product from entering the moving floor system, which increases its service life and at the same time minimizes maintenance costs.

• To protect the floor from contact with the tent, a protective floor awning is used - with it, finely dispersed cargo and “wet waste” do not leak through the slats.

• For safe and convenient entry of a loader into a semi-trailer, STAS offers special reinforcements above the wheels, reinforcements of the rear floor beam of the body, installation of an improved Cargo Floor system and a floor with a thickness of 10 mm or more. This ensures that the floor slats are not damaged by the weight of the forklift, and you can load and unload pallets and large bags without having to worry about raised unloading platforms.

• To transport perishable goods, a ventilation grille is integrated in the rear of the trailer, through which air is blown through the products while driving.

• The built-in funnel is an ideal solution for unloading grain and seeds

  into the dump pit. Due to the reduced speed and volume of cargo supply, it ensures targeted and portioned entry of crops into the storage compared to unloading with the rear gate fully open, and gives the driver full control over the process. It can also be used to unload the trailer in the usual way through the rear doors.

• If the cargo needs to be inspected during transportation, a window in the tail or on the side wall will come in handy. Through it you can always see whether the trailer is completely unloaded. In addition, when checking at a checkpoint, the driver does not need to leave the cab and open the rear doors to demonstrate complete unloading to security personnel.

• Additional protection of the upper edge of the body from impact of the bucket. The skid plates are bolted on and are very easy to replace.

Each BioSTAR model is individual, as it is developed for the specific needs of the customer. The type of cargo, its volume, conditions of transportation, loading/unloading, storage and elevator dimensions, and simply the driver’s wishes are taken into account. By customizing your trailer, you get a comfortable, custom-built vehicle that won't let you down in the toughest situations. STAS is confident in the quality of its semi-trailers and provides them with a 2-year warranty.