Technology | Summer 2009
Put grain carts to work in the spring.
As western grain growers integrate grain carts into their harvest operations and see efficiency gains, some think that’s only the tip of iceberg. They believe carts could also speed up seeding operations.
Equipment manufacturers agree. “Let’s start using them in the spring, too,” says Paul Degelman of Degelman Industries, which builds grain carts in Saskatchewan. He sees potential for getting seeders filled faster and more efficiently. But for most, the dual-season use of grain carts is still just an interesting idea.
“I think there’s a nursing component to grain carts that many are overlooking. The trend is in its infancy right now,” adds Degelman. And he says his company is keeping a close eye on producer interest in the concept. “You’ve got to be quick at harvest, but you’ve got to be quick in the spring, too,” he adds.
To maximize a cart’s potential as a spring seed tender, manufacturers may need to offer additional features. A dual-compartment tank may be the most logical. Then seed and fertilizer could be delivered at the same time. But that modification would likely mean significant design changes or extra engineering, increasing a cart’s purchase price.
Whether multipurpose options like that could add to a cart’s market appeal is a guess right now, but Degelman is optimistic. “I think farmers are looking for a grain cart to be multipurpose.”
But there is one major drawback. Producers’ tractors already have a job in the spring. “We don’t use our grain cart in the spring because we have the tractor on the drill,” says Dave Horvath, a producer at Raymore, SK.
Despite that, Degelman thinks the concept remains viable. He’ll be keeping an eye on how grower interest develops.
