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Hay, Forage & Livestock EquipmentGrain Cart Basics
A grain cart lets a combine keep cutting while the grain is hauled to a truck or bin. It saves time at harvest, and it brings its own weight, tipping and road hazards.
Key points
- Size the cart to the combine, distance and tractor, not to the biggest one available.
- Slow down with a full cart and avoid sidehills.
- Keep shields on and shut down before clearing jams.
- Check state rules for width, lighting and marking.
- Inspect tires, axles and the auger on any used cart.
What does a grain cart do?
A grain cart is a large wagon with an unloading auger. It rides next to the combine, takes grain on the go, then carries it to the edge of the field to load a truck or trailer. The combine does not have to stop and drive to the truck, so more of the day is spent cutting.
Small farms with a few hundred acres may use a modest cart behind a mid-size tractor. Larger operations use big carts and dedicated tractors.
Think about who runs the cart. In many operations it is the least experienced driver or a family member helping at harvest. Make sure that person has been shown the controls, the shutdown steps and the hazards before the first load.
How do you size a grain cart?
Match the cart's capacity to the combine's tank, the number of trucks, and the field distance. A cart that is too small means constant trips. One that is too big strains the tractor, compacts soil and is hard to move on the road.
Check your tractor's operator's manual for hitch capacity, drawbar rating and recommended tongue weight. Never pull a cart heavier than your tractor can safely stop and control.
On a small farm, a cart is sometimes shared or hired. Ask neighbors or a custom operator before you buy, since the cart sits idle most of the year.
- Combine tank size.
- Distance to the truck or bin.
- Tractor drawbar and braking capacity.
- Field slope and soil conditions.
How do you drive a loaded cart safely?
A loaded cart is heavy and sits high. It can push a tractor on a downhill and can tip on a side slope. Drive slowly, turn gently, and avoid steep sidehills. Keep the tractor's ROPS in place and wear the seat belt.
Do not drive over rough terrain with a full cart. Plan routes that avoid ditches, washouts and soft spots.
What are the PTO and auger hazards?
The unloading auger and PTO driveline can catch clothing and limbs. Keep all shields in place. Never climb on the cart or reach inside while anything is running. Shut off the PTO and the tractor before clearing a jam or checking anything inside.
Keep bystanders away from the unloading area, and watch for power lines when the auger is extended.
Never walk behind a cart while it is moving, and never allow anyone to ride on the tongue, the ladder or the fenders. Make eye contact with the combine operator before you pull alongside, and agree on hand signals.
What should you consider for road travel?
Moving a grain cart on public roads brings rules on width, lighting, marking and speed. These vary by state, so check your state DOT, department of motor vehicles, or highway patrol. Make sure your slow-moving vehicle emblem and lighting meet local requirements.
A wide cart takes up much of a narrow country road. Travel at off-peak times if you can, and use a pilot vehicle or flaggers where recommended.
What should you check on a used grain cart?
Look at the auger flighting, the gearbox, the driveline, the tires and the frame. Check for cracked welds, worn bearings and leaks. Test the scale if it has one. Ask about the service history and parts support.
Tire and axle condition matters more than most buyers think, because the load is concentrated on a few tires. Have a mechanic inspect brakes and axles if the cart is equipped with them.
How do you maintain a cart year to year?
Grease the fittings per the manual, check gearbox oil levels, and inspect the auger for wear. Clean out leftover grain to prevent mold and rodent damage. Store the cart under cover and release the tension on belts if the manual advises it.
Check the tires and the hitch before the season starts, not on the first day of harvest, when parts and service are in short supply.
Sources and further reading
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