Their suspension, design and body capacity are designed for easy transportation and unloading of grain - there are hatches for bottom and side unloading, high sides, fastenings for quick tensioning of the awning, a reinforced floor and reliable pneumatics. All this allows us to make the transportation of grain efficient and most economical - especially for those who transport it in large quantities.
In essence, transportation using grain trucks is the most rational and cheapest way to deliver grain in our conditions. Not every city has ports, and, naturally, it is not economically feasible to deliver grain by air, so transportation is the only option. Even if a small farm does not have the funds to purchase its own semi-trailer, it can rent one from a factory or another farm. As a rule, the rental price ranges from 15 to 120 thousand per month.
What is a grain semi-trailer?
One definition. A grain semi-trailer is a special vehicle for transporting grain, hay, feed, and other bulk goods.
The vehicle has the following features:
- Increased load capacity.
- 3- and 4-axles and more.
- Air suspension.
- Reinforced braking system.
- Convenient sides that make unloading easier.
- Aluminum or steel frame.
Vehicles are often leased or purchased by manufacturers of industrial agricultural products.
Purpose
Unloading option.
Trailers are used for transporting grain, feed, hay, and oats. Also other bulk products in large quantities.
Thanks to the high load capacity and protection from external weather conditions, the goods are safe.
Grain trucks are convenient for loading and unloading operations.
Varieties
Trailers are divided into 4 types:
- dump trucks;
- freight road trains;
- onboard;
- dump-type road trains.
The structures can withstand up to 40 tons and have different types of unloading.
By body type there are: American, European.
However, let's consider a different type of classification.
Onboard
Another name is curtain. The flatbed semi-trailer is ideal for transporting grain crops. Also – bulk materials.
The hulls have a steel platform, sides made of two strong fences. A curtain cover can be installed on top if desired.
Advantages of the latter:
- protection from bad weather and external factors;
- prevention of cargo spillage;
- protection against theft.
Tipper
No less popular than the previous ones. The grain dump truck combines the advantages of a container carrier.
The large volume allows you to transport a huge amount of cargo. The tipper type simplifies loading and unloading.
The car body is made of hard metal. This increases the operating time and allows you to transport hard materials.
Cargo grain carriers-road trains
Reinforced type of transport. Road trains are equipped with two clutches, increasing the load capacity compared to conventional semi-trailers.
The tipper type of grain semi-trailer saves time and fuel. An alternative to trains. The compounds are capable of transporting 100 tons.
Dump-type grain truck trains
Improved view of the previous version. A grain road train is a combination of a car and a trailer with a dump body or a bunker.
The machine is made of steel or aluminum. Suitable for transporting grain crops, hay or oats.
Design Features
A grain truck is not just a platform with large side walls, like a conventional semi-trailer. Vehicles have a design of increased rigidity. In their production, special beams are used, onto which steel sheets are welded.
A board or aluminum covering is laid on the floor, then paraphernalia is welded to attach the awning and sides.
The design can withstand a load of 100 tons even on the worst roads.
Body types
Trailers for transporting grain are divided into several types:
- station wagons, which have an awning or sides with retractable walls for greater capacity;
- semi-trailers;
- dump trucks.
Each type differs in capacity, tonnage, complexity of unloading and loading. Read more about this.
Unloading methods
Unloading method.
Depends on the body type.
If these are dump trailers, the cargo is thrown onto a special platform. The process is carried out by a special hydraulic lift.
The person will not need outside help. Time – up to five minutes.
If these are flatbed trailers, you will have to use the services of loaders and shovels. In time - from half an hour.
Number of axes
The transported weight directly depends on the wheel sets.
Depending on the number of axles, grain trailers can be two-axle, three-axle, or four-axle. The strength of the body and service life also depend on this.
If desired, dump trucks can be equipped with additional axles. The maximum allowed quantity is 10.
Advantages
Trailers and semi-trailers have a number of advantages.
Namely:
- Capacity, load capacity.
- Convenience of unloading and loading grain.
- Protection of goods from external weather influences.
- Quality of grain transportation.
- Protection from external hazards.
- Wide model and price range.
- Increased cross-country ability.
- Savings on transportation.
Chassis 6X2 - a difficult choice
The decoding of the specification P400LB6X2HSA CP19N suggests that this is a heavy-duty long-haul vehicle with a 6x2 wheel arrangement, a low sleeper cab, a 400-horsepower engine, a front leaf spring axle and a rear air suspension with a rear lift axle. The total weight of the vehicle is 26 tons, while the technically permissible 29.5 tons indicates that there is still a margin of safety.
The DC13 Euro 4 engine develops 400 hp. and 2100 N∙m of torque, which provides high dynamics on the highway. The 12-speed manual gearbox is combined with a transfer gearbox, with a 2-speed range and a “noise blocking system.” At the same time, the 12th stage in the gearbox is also increased - overdrive with a gear ratio of 0.80. The air intake is protected from snow, and the crankcase ventilation is provided against freezing.
Among the equipment installed on the frame, it is worth paying attention to the spacious 650-liter fuel tank. The 6x2 chassis version with air suspension is interesting because it is almost 2 tons lighter than the traditional all-spring design, which increases efficiency. All axles of the tractor and trailer are equipped with drum brake mechanisms, which were selected as the most optimal.
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.
Large cabin for large holding
Corporations try to save on small things. The once luxurious tachograph is now included in the required equipment of the truck, so it has turned from a nice option into a supervisor. The equipment uses the simplest lighting technology - no daytime running lights or fog lights, no cruise control, no driver's seat ventilation, no armrests. Even the gearshift lever is standard, not folding. However, the air conditioning and electric windows are left.
The choice of a main cab type CP19N with a sleeping bunk measuring 2000x700 mm is due to the specifics of the work of drivers in agro-industrial holdings. Grain road trains transport root crops, cobs, grain and seeds to remote elevators and granaries not only during the sowing and harvesting seasons. The lands of agricultural holdings are spread from the Ob to the Don, and the timing of work on pre-sowing and post-harvest work differs by months due to climatic zones, which makes it possible to drive a car in migration all year round.
For example, in April the delivery of humus to the fields of Kurgan, in May in the Volga region - sowing of spring crops, in June - harvesting of winter crops in the Stavropol region, and in July the harvesting of spring crops begins, which lasts until October in different regions with a difference of a week. In the off-season, the road train transports post-harvest residues, feed loads, and technological chips.
In such conditions, a 20-meter road train is unthinkable without an assistant loader, who performs the most difficult and thankless work. Therefore, additional space in the cabin for rest and camping gear is a primary requirement for creating comfort.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Strengthen the attachment of the pads to the frame, prepare the paw to lift the front axle.
- 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.”
- Install 1.5 mm bent iron on the bottom side, and place unloading hatches in the floor.
- Cut off the excess from the top sides, close the holes from the old rivets. Prepare the surface for painting.
- 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.
Trailer in tractor size
The designers were faced with a complex task - to minimize the equipment in order to keep the cost within acceptable limits and at the same time compete with Russian and Belarusian manufacturers of similar equipment. The creators of the road train believe that 60 cubic meters is the golden mean, allowing you to pass weight control without problems. It is also noteworthy that the weight and dimensions of the tractor and trailer are deliberately brought to the same standard size. The volumes of the car and trailer bodies are the same - 30 m3 each, the length of the trailer and the body on the tractor is 7.2 m. The bodies have reinforced transverse stiffeners and a floor, which allows it to be used for general household work, for transporting wood chips or expanded clay.
The trailer drawbar is manufactured by the German company Jost, the turning circle is also from Germany, brand SAF Holland. The diameter of the coupling ring is 50±1 mm. Side underrun bars are installed at the rear and sides. The chassis uses three axle units manufactured by BPW on pneumatics with a lifting capacity of 9 tons each.
