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Hay, Forage & Livestock EquipmentWagon and Forage Boxes
Forage wagons and boxes carry chopped crop from field to storage. The right size, unloading style and running gear keep the harvest crew moving and keep the load under control.
Key points
- Pick unloading style by where and how you store silage.
- Check wagon capacity against your tractor's towing and braking ability.
- Inspect running gear, tires and hitch before each season.
- Stay clear of loading streams and never climb into a wagon with a moving unloader.
- Check state road rules for towing wide or heavy wagons.
What is a forage wagon or forage box?
A forage box is a high-sided container that catches chopped forage from a harvester and unloads it at the storage site. It may sit on a wagon running gear that is towed behind a tractor or truck. Forage wagons often have a built-in unloading mechanism such as a bed chain, cross conveyors or a rear door.
You use them behind a pull-type or self-propelled harvester for silage and haylage, and sometimes for hauling other loose material.
A small farm might share a wagon with a neighbor, and a larger operation might run several in rotation. Plan the number you need so the harvester never waits. Ask neighbors about the wagons they run and what they would change.
What unloading styles are there?
Common styles include a bed chain that moves material to the rear, cross conveyors that unload to the side, and tilting or dumping designs. The right choice depends on where and how you unload, whether into a bunker, a bag, a pile or a feed bunk.
Think about how many people you have and how fast you need to unload. A wagon that unloads quickly keeps the harvester and packing crew moving. Also consider how tall the wagon is compared with your overhead clearance at gates, barns and power lines. Look up before you drive in.
- Rear unload: fits bunkers and piles
- Side unload: fits feed bunks and bag machines
- Tilt and dump: simple, needs clearance
- Check hydraulic or PTO needs for the unloader
How do you match a wagon to your tractor?
Check the wagon's rated capacity and the tractor's ability to pull and stop it. A loaded forage wagon is heavy, and a small tractor can run away downhill. Check the hitch type, the PTO needs and the hydraulics.
Check your operator's manuals for hitch, drawbar and towing limits. Do not tow more than your tractor and wagon are rated to handle. Brakes on the wagon, where fitted, should be checked by a qualified mechanic if you tow heavy loads on slopes.
What should you look for in running gear?
Look at axles, bearings, tires, brakes where fitted and the hitch. A forage box is only as strong as the gear it rides on. Check tire condition and wheel bolts, and grease bearings as the manual says.
If you are buying used, look for cracks, rust-through and weld repairs. A tired running gear can fail under load.
Do not load beyond rated capacity, even if the box looks like it can take more. Overloaded running gear is a common cause of failure. Ask the seller for service records and look at the floor, sides and chain for rust and wear.
How do you load and unload safely?
Do not stand near the wagon while it is being loaded, because chopped crop is thrown with force. Never climb into a wagon with a running unloader. A moving chain or conveyor can pull you in.
When you unload on a bunker or pile, watch the ground. Packing tractors and wagons working on the same pile risk rollovers and collisions. Keep your ROPS up and your seat belt fastened.
Stay out of the way of the packing tractor on the pile, and agree on a traffic plan so drivers know where to go.
What are the rules for towing on the road?
Check your state DOT, highway patrol or state agriculture department for rules on towing, brakes, lights, markings and licensing. They vary by state, and a wide or heavy wagon may have its own rules.
Slow down for turns, hills and rough crossings. A loaded forage wagon can sway and push the tractor on a downhill grade. Carry a spare tire or know who to call, because a flat with a full load in a field is a long job.
How do you maintain wagons and boxes?
Grease the bearings and fittings the manual shows. Check chain tension, conveyor condition, hydraulic hoses and tires. Clean out residue after use, because wet silage corrodes steel.
Fix hydraulic leaks only after you shut off and relieve pressure as the manual says. Call a qualified mechanic for hydraulic repairs and brake work. Never check leaks with your hands.
Store wagons under cover if possible, and block them so they cannot roll.
Sources and further reading
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