Auger-Steer Kit Helps Align Big Augers

Auger-Steer Kit Helps Align Big Augers AUGERS Augers (29B) 33-4-40 Large-scale augers and conveyers get a lot of work done quickly, but they can be tough to move around. That's why Bernie Toews of MacGregor, Man., invented the "Auger-Steer." Toews farms and also owns Triple Star Manufacturing Ltd. His patented steering device is selling well. It mounts on the auger's axle and is hydraulically-controlled from the tractor. It allows the tractor operator to independently steer the auger wheels in any direction, independent of the moving tractor. The Auger-Steer can also be used while the tractor is stationery, to move the auger as much as 11 in. in either direction. This makes it easier to maneuver the spout into exactly the right spot. "Because the pivot point is on the hitch and not the auger axle, it doesn't change the angle of the pto shaft like it would if you were jack knifing the tractor," Toews points out. "The pto's U-joint stays in alignment and isn't affected by the repositioning of the spout, so risk of damage to the pto shaft is reduced." Auger-Steer consists of a steerable knuckle between the auger's axle and wheel assembly (there's one knuckle on each end of the axle). The addition of these parts gives the auger 9 extra inches on each side, so the wider wheel stance means better stability and safety. Buhler type augers allow easier conversions than other types because the spindle attaches to the end of the axle with two matching square steel plates, bolted together. In this case, installation of each knuckle requires the removal of 4 bolts so the knuckle can be inserted. Then, the steering arms and hydraulics are installed. Non-Buhler type augers require Auger-Steer kits that either replace the entire axle, or provide new square axle tubes to be bolted onto the ends of the existing axle. "The bushings in the knuckle are hardened polypropylene, so there's no metal-to-metal contact, which means they should never seize," Toews points out. Auger-Steer kits for Buhler-type augers start at $1,350 (Can.), while kits that include new axles start at $1,650 (Can). Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Triple Star Manufacturing Ltd., P. O. Box 149, MacGregor, Man., Canada R0H 0R0 (ph 204 685-2045; tsml@mts.net; www.triple starmfg.com).

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