Bin Capacity: Grain Weight and Density Chart

What is Grain Density?

Grain density refers to the mass-per-unit volume of a specific grain. Bulk density is typically measured in tonnes per cubic metre (t/m 3 ) and is a crucial parameter that affects grain transportation, storage, and processing.

You can estimate bulk density by weighing 1 litre of grain. Its weight in kilograms is the bulk density in tonnes per cubic metre.

1 kg per litre (kg/L) = 1 metric tonne per cubic metre (t/m 3 )

Common Units to Measure Grain Capacity

Hectolitres

Hectolitres are a common metric unit used in the agricultural industry to measure large volumes of grains and other farm produce. To convert litres (L) to Hectolitres (hL), divide the value by 100.

eg: 100 Litres = 1 Hectolitre 

Bushels

A bushel is a volume unit used in the United States and (less commonly) in Australia to measure grain quantity. Unlike metric units such as kilograms or tonnes, which measure weight, a bushel measures volume. However, it is often converted to weight for practical purposes since the weight of a bushel can vary depending on the type and condition of the grain.

For example, one bushel of:

• Wheat typically weighs about 60 pounds (27.2 kg).
• Corn typically weighs about 56 pounds (25.4 kg).
• Barley typically weighs about 48 pounds (21.8 kg).
• Oats typically weigh about 32 pounds (14.5 kg).

Refer to the chart at the bottom of this article to convert crop weight to bushel volume.

Chaser Bin Size and Capacity

Wheat Capacity

Our chaser bin models are named based on their wheat-holding capacity in tonnes. Other manufacturers may name their models after their volume (L or m3) or bushel capacity.

Davimac bin wheat capacities:

• Our 25T chaser bin holds approximately 25 tonnes of wheat
• Our 30T chaser bin holds approximately 30 tonnes of wheat
• Our 35T chaser bin holds approximately 35 tonnes of wheat
• Our 45T chaser bin holds approximately 45 tonnes of wheat

Carrying Crops Other Than Wheat

Davimac models may hold more weight than their wheat rating if the overall loaded weight (i.e. machine weight + load)  does not exceed the maximum undercarriage rating, including axle and wheel/tyre load ratings (check OEM specifications).

For example, the 35T dual-axle model can hold over 37 tonnes of lentils (0.81 kg/L), as the total weight of the empty machine (approx 14 tonnes) + load (37 tonnes) is less than the maximum undercarriage axle and wheel rating of 80 tonnes using Harvest 900/60-32 20pr HB45 185A8 tyres (10km/h @ 60PSI). 

14 tonnes + 37 tonnes = 51 tonnes < 80 tonnes maximum rating

Chaser Bin Size: Other Factors to Consider

Farmers must ensure their tractor has an appropriate towing capacity by confirming the tractor's OEM documentation and specifications. They should also match the chaser bin size to the combine harvester's capacity and discharge output rate, and understand the impact heavy farm machinery loads have on the soil, such as soil compaction.

The  35T dual-axle chaser bin is considered the sweet spot for practicality, load capacity and performance.

Understanding the Total Loaded Weight of Your Chaser Bin

Operators must always be aware of the total weight of their fully loaded chaser bin, including the weight of the empty machine plus any load . Knowing the total loaded weight is essential when determining the chaser bin's safe carrying capacity. 

Chaser Bin Load Ratings

Chaser bin maximum load ratings (incl OEM tyre ratings) and empty machine weights can be found in the Davimac Chaser Bin  Operators Manual .

Empty machine weight, axle capacity, and the load rating of the fitted tyres should be considered when calculating the overall maximum loaded weight of a chaser bin. 

Calculating Crop Load

To calculate the weight of a full load of wheat, we can use the following formula:

Bin Volume (L) x Bulk Density (kg/L) = Bin Capacity (kg)

For example, the weight of a full load of wheat in our 35T model can be calculated by inputting the values from the chart at the bottom of this article into the above formula:

46,000 L (bin capacity ) x 0.77 (wheat density) = 35,420 kg (bin capacity)

Therefore, we can determine that the Davimac 35T chaser bin model can hold 35,420 kg of weight in its bin, or just over 35 tonnes. 

Empty Machine Weights

Chaser bins are inherently heavy due to their requirement to hold large quantities of grain and their nature as large farm machinery. The approximate empty machine weights of Davimac Chaser Bin models are listed below: 

• 25T Single Axle = 8.7 tonnes (8,700 kg)
• 30T Single Axle = 10 tonnes (10,000 kg)
• 30T Dual Axle = 13 tonnes (13,000 kg)
• 35T Dual Axle = 14.3 tonnes (14,300 kg)
• 45T Dual Axle = 17.8 tonnes (17,800 kg)

Undercarriage Ratings

Davimac chaser bin models feature ultra-robust, over-engineered undercarriages rated well above the chaser bin's total loaded weight. This design provides reliability and peace of mind during harvest without the fear of the undercarriage breaking, requiring costly repairs and unaffordable downtime. 

Axle Capacity

• Single Axle chaser bin models = 40-tonne axle capacity
• Dual Axle chaser bin models = 80-tonne axle capacity

Tyre Max Cyclic Load

Davimac chaser bin models can be fitted with a range of tyre options to suit various needs.  The maximum cyclic load of a tyre is determined by its pressure, which is specific to a range of important parameters.

The fitted tyres' overall rating will affect the chaser bin's maximum load capacity. Refer to the tyre OEM's documentation to determine optimal tyre inflation pressure, safe travel speed, and distances for its rated load capacity.

DOWNLOAD: Harvest Grain Cart Tyres Info Sheet

Calculating Total Loaded Weight

The total loaded weight of the chaser bin must not exceed the total undercarriage rating. To calculate the total loaded weight, we add together the empty machine weight and the crop load:

Empty Machine Weight (kg) + Crop Load (kg) = Total Loaded Weight (kg)

Continuing with the example of our 35T model, the maximum total loaded weight can be calculated by inputting the known empty weight of the machine, as well as the crop load already calculated above, into the formula:

14,300 kg (empty weight) + 35,420 kg (max. wheat load) = 49,720 kg

Therefore, we know that the Total Loaded Weight of the Davimac 35T chaser bin model will be 49.72 tonnes when carrying a full load of wheat.

Davimac Features: Know Your Load

Load Cells (Scales)

Davimac Chaser Bins can be optioned with load cells with an in-cab calibrated indicator so operators know how much grain is in their bin at all times. This is important for safety as well as helpful when needing to unload specific amounts into a waiting semi-truck or mother bin. These values can also be wirelessly transmitted to Libra Cart's Harvest Management Software for real-time accurate load and yield data. 

Grain Sampling Valve

All davimac bins come standard with a grain sample valve on the side of the bin for easy in-the-field quality control and moisture testing. Operators can easily retrieve grain samples from the valve using a simple lever.

Grain Weight and Density Chart

To better compare our chaser bin capacities for a given crop, we have provided the below chart detailing typical bulk densities for common grains and the total weight (kg) when filled. We have also included the equivalent bushel value of that crop for reference.

Bulk density values provided are average and will vary depending on crop size, variety, moisture content, and quality. Values from other sources may differ slightly.