A new detachable hopper manufactured in Swift Current, Sask., is said to increase auger speed by 20 to 30 percent.
The big Auger Hog is designed and built by Gatco Manufacturing, which has also developed the Grain Air Tube.
“I’m a farmer myself and I needed a high volume hopper to go under trucks and hopper bottom bins,” said Gatco owner Gary Schreiner.
“There are other detachable hoppers on the market, but there isn’t one I know of that’s suitable for today’s big new augers and hopper bins. So I built one.
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“We’ve managed to increase auger speed by 20 to 30 percent, eliminate overflow and spilling. And it prevents product from blowing away while you’re augering. It keeps everything contained in the shroud.”
Schreiner said the key component is the canvas shrouding that surrounds and encloses the gap between the auger bucket and the chute.
The canvas height adjusts from 14 to 31 inches, but Schreiner said he is working out a way for the minimum height to be lower than 14 inches.
“The front of the hopper is adjustable. The back comes up to where you want it with just a push on the handle,” he said.“There’s a hitch inside with just a single pin to hold the Auger Hog and the auger together.”
The hopper works on augers from eight to 13 inches. Schreiner said Gatco has sold 100 units.
He said the feedback has been positive.
“Guys have found that it allows them to properly use their grain vacs to work under hopper bottom bins. They can leave the chute open and it won’t overflow.”
The Auger Hog weighs 118 pounds and sells for $1,100.
For more information, contact Gary Schreiner at 306-778-3338 or visit www.gatcomfg.com.
