How Grain Handling Technology Evolved with the Introduction of Updated Technologies?

Image Source: wikimedia.org

Every farmer is a gambler. They gamble on the weather and are completely dependent on how the weather turns out to be in order for their crops to flourish and profit from it. The crops can get destroyed due to a storm or they can turn on perfect because of the appropriate weather conditions. This is one thing that the science lacks control in to a considerable degree. Farmers are on the mercy of the weather to either bring them a good year in farming or make them bear a terrible loss.

When it comes to grain storage science has blessed us with incredible technology. Since the industrial age, many progressions have been made in terms of handling crops. Farmers profiting from grain crops have benefitted with better maintenance for the crop and better storage facilities. Here are some of the recent technological advances that science has blessed the grains crops with.

NECO’s COMMANDnet:

Grain drying is only required for as much as 2 months.  Despite that, this process is an important aspect for the farmers as well as the consumers. In case of the failure of a grain dryer machine, the whole operations can come to total halt. Improper dryness can cause the grain to get damaged in the grain storage and can render it totally useless before it is even transported for sale.  People would have to sit through the whole process in close proximity to the machine. This was done irrespective of the time, in order to protect the crop from perishing due to the malfunctioning of a dryer. This phenomenon changed after the introduction of ConnectPort X4 Gateway.

The system was introduced by NECO team and is now equipped in every dryer. It utilizes device cloud then passes on the information to a custom web application of NECO, COMMANDnet. This granted easy access to farmers, dealers and NECO itself. Just like most fields in farming and transportation, trucks are going digital, it only makes sense that grain drying can make use of this technology. Now farmers don’t need to spend all their time being physically present with the machine but instead can get alerts in the forms of SMS or e-mails. They can also have applications in their smartphone, computers or tablets with which they can log in and review the progress.

360 Bullets:

360 Bullets is yet another innovation in grain handling, conserving the nutrients of the grains while providing quality harvest. Prior to the introduction of 360 Bullets to the farmers, the traditional rippers were prone to penetrate the soil by a small percentage. These later affects the crop, which in turn ends up receiving less nutrients than it should. 360 Bullets is although known to be only 1.5% slower than its predecessor, but gets the job done right. It eliminates undisturbed berms and rips the soil deeper than any other ripper. It ruptures the soil surface so that the roots can have a smooth transition to the subsoil’s moisture level. It has the added benefit of having the same horsepower as its forerunners.

Tribine:

With technology improving throughout the years, a lot of old practices in farming have nearly become extinct. Another machine that is changing the game for farmers is Tribine.  This machine has the capacity to eliminate the need of a tractor or a grain cart completely. Adding more to its benefit is its speed, which is faster than the two conventional machines combined. It harbors a 1000-bushel grain bin which can be unloaded in just over two minutes. Its 500 gallon fuel tank provides it with the capability to work continuously for 24 hours. Another innovation that has been made is that the cab floor is entirely made up of glass. This grants a wider range of vision for the surroundings. It also boasts of having a tighter radius for turning than other combines. These features make the machine more desirable and intensely awaited. It is expected to release soon in 2017.

All these inventions are introduced to provide a smoother system of farming and grain handling. These machines make the painstakingly difficult work of any average farmer, less time consuming and more profitable. The machines listed here are capable of doing exactly that. Technology can always be counted upon to better the lifestyle of any industry and therefore should be embraced by all the farmers across the world. It is the perfect way to compete with a market with high demand. 

How did Innovation of Grain Vacuums Ease the Grain Storage Process?

Grain storage is a field that has seen numerous technological advancements over the past  20 years, and the systems that are being used are seeing constant improvements. Improving the way that we store grain has allowed for great profit potential, with higher quality grain being produced as a result.

Obviously, there are many aspects of grain storage that need to be considered. From protecting the grain from pests to ensuring the temperature is at the right level and keeping moisture in the bin to a minimum. Grain Vacs, which are growing in popularity among farmers, help with the process of filling and emptying storage bins. This article will go into a few of the reasons they have become such a useful tool.

The Trend Towards Bigger Storage Bins

Over the past 5 years, we are seeing farmers start to prefer bigger and taller grain storage bins, for several reasons. For one thing, they enable farmers to make better use of the land they have, instead of building numerous smaller bins that take up considerably more space. Tower silos also have a very long lifespan and offer perhaps the best protection from pests, given that aeration cooling can be used to regulate moisture and drives insects out.

However, traditionally, large storage bins have been difficult to fill, given their great size. This has made it difficult for some farmers to justify using taller silos, given that grain augers, which essentially act as conveyor belts, simply can’t be used when we’re talking about a 70-foot silo. Some farmers have improvised and cut holes in tall silos, using an auger to half-fill them. However, this obviously doesn't make full use of the height of the silo.

How Grain Vacs Work

Grain vacuum systems offer a solution to this problem, by essentially blowing grain into a bin or truck very quickly and efficiently. Basically, it does this by taking the grain into a tank, where it is separated from the air. The air is taken into another chamber, where it is essentially cleaned and any dust and other bits and pieces are removed. It is then blown out of the airlock, pushing the clean grain out of the van and into a grain bin, silo or truck. It can be used to with al kinds of grain products, including wheat, barley or meadow broad glass.

Other advantages

Some farmers use grain vacs to fill or unload bins not necessarily due to the fact that they are tall, but simple because it’s more efficient. They can be very useful in cleaning out a grain shed or flat bottom silo and essentially clean the grain itself, removing dust and dead weevils in the process. Vacs can also make filling a trailer a much quicker process, which ultimately saves farmers time and money in the long run. They’ve proved advantageous for grain farmers in a variety of different situations and can be used with just about every grain storage solution, so they’re well worth the investment.

As you’ve read, there are a lot of good reasons to invest in a grain vac system, whether you are working with a small grain bin or large silo. For more information on these amazing systems, speak to the team at Advantec today and find a grain vac for sale that works for you.

Hitch up Your Trailer Fast in 3 Easy Steps Using Swift Hitch

Are you looking for a safe and reliable way to tow your trailer without all of the hassles of difficult to rig towing bars? Tired of using chains and cables? Then upgrading to Swift Hitch is one of the best ways to ensure a safe trailer hook-up and a smooth ride! Swift Hitch offers the latest technology to aid an easy tow hitch connection and gives peace of mind for those who are new to trailer towing.

The Swift Hitch system is comprised of a number of intelligently designed parts that work together to give you the best experience possible. The system includes a magnetic camera mount and separate display to monitor, and with a full Swift Hitch installation, you will save time and effort when you hook up your trailer, as well as give you greater control over safety thanks to the

Step-1: Attaching Your Swift Hitch Camera

The Swift Hitch wireless camera plays the main role in giving you access to a view of your tow hitch that was otherwise inaccessible from the driver’s seat. The camera is made for durability and ease of use, with its strong magnetic base allowing you to attach it to the rear of your vehicle.

Attach the camera to the rear of your vehicle and point it in the direction of your to hitch. This is made easy thanks to the camera’s ability to be tilted and twisted whilst secured to the vehicle until it is directly facing the tow hitch and switch the wireless camera on.

Step-2: Using the Wireless Hitch Display

Swift Hitch includes a neat wireless display so that you can monitor what is happening on the wireless camera. As soon as you have aligned your Swift Hitch wireless camera to the rear of your vehicle and pointed it toward the hitch, switch it and the wireless display on.

Source: https://www.amazon.com/Swift-Hitch-SH01-Portable-Wireless

Before you enter your vehicle, view the position of the camera on the display to ensure you have a good view of your hitch and space where the trailer coupler will arrive in view. Reposition the wireless camera if necessary and continue to the next step.

Step-3: Using the Swift Hitch Wireless Camera System

Enter your vehicle and place the Swift Hitch display in a safe place so that you can see the screen whilst safely reversing your vehicle. Use the display as an aid to slowly back up to your trailer coupler and make any necessary repositioning of your vehicle to line up the hitch and the coupler.

The Swift Hitch display features a simple button you can press to mirror-image the display from left to right in order to avoid any disorientation caused by frequent glances at the camera and your vehicle's mirrors.

Swift Hitch is one of many different systems in use to ensure that your trailer towing is performing safely and securely to perform your daily routines. Working in parallel with the air safe hitch is one way to enhance your road safety, improve vehicle handling when towing a trailer, as well as saving you time and effort for your work and leisure.

The Swift Hitch system is a great way to avoid the permanent installation of expensive monitors and sensors, and gives you a handy, wireless and cost-effective way of ensuring your trailer is lined up and hooked up every time. Upgrade your hitch experience today with Swift Hitch.

Is It Worth Investing In An Air Ride Hitch for Towing?

Trailer tow or air ride hitches are becoming more popular for drivers all over Australia, and for good reason. Road safety for all motorists has always been a major concern, and improvements in technologies and greater awareness have succeeded in reducing the road toll.

This is one such technology which despite being a little pricey, is usually worth the investment. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why and how tow hitches work.

What is an Air Ride Hitch?

Air Safe Hitch

When towing a trailer, there is always the risk of losing control due to the significantly greater weight. In addition, bumps in the road can be problematic and cause the trailer to bounce around, making it more difficult to control. Part of the reason for this is that without a good hitch, there is a tight, rigid connection between the vehicle and the trailer; when the former hits a bump, the shock is passed to the latter.

An AirSafe Hitch is designed specifically to counter this problem by reducing shock transfer and releasing the tension of the connection between the trailer and vehicle. Where otherwise the trailer would jolt and bounce when a tire hits a bump or pothole in the road, the hitch acts as a ‘ball’ of air that absorbs and spreads the impact of the shock, making it essentially glide over bumps with minimal jolt effect.

There is also a slight reduction in the amount of fuel used given that it improves suspension significantly.

What Are The Benefits?

Without Hitch

With Hitch

Often the decision on whether to use an air ride or a standard hitch depends on -

• Driver preference

• What it is you’re towing

Generally speaking, the improvements in smoothness and stability are noticed a lot more when towing larger trailers and more often than not, drivers with heavier loads will see the return on investment. Many people that use air ride hitches will not use anything else, and indeed once you’ve experienced the benefits it is difficult to go back.

The simple fact is that constant bumps along the road can do costly damage to a trailer, whether it is over a long period of time or one particularly nasty road bump that breaks something. Not to mention the fact that this technology greatly reduces the likelihood that you’ll lose control of the vehicle while on the road, making you safer. Further, there are benefits when you consider that the contents stored in the trailer are significantly safer as well.

There are also often legal benefits that come from the fact that certain trailer manufacturers have in their fine print that damage can only be held under warranty provided you are using certain hitches. Using the state of the art, safest and most reliable trailer tow hitch will ensure you’re looked after in the very unlikely event of damage.

Are They Worth It?

Air ride hitches are an investment and represent an extra cost, but when you consider how much a vehicle and trailer are worth to you, it makes sense to put aside a little more to ensure they are protected.

That said, the value of this technology varies from case to case. As mentioned, the benefits are maximised when you are dealing with a heavier load and thus a more rigid pin area.

Some find that there are ways to reinforce their trailer such that the potential damages are minimised, others find that nothing compares to air ride hitch. It really comes down to your specific circumstances and it’s worth having a chat to an expert about your needs. Here are some important trailer towing tips everyone should know.

Contact Advantec Australasia Pty Ltd today for more information by calling 1800121611.

Grain Storage Tips for Winter

When it comes to long-term grain storage, it’s no secret that maintaining the ideal temperature throughout the year is of paramount importance. With global warming causing more unpredictable weather patterns, being prepared is very necessary to maintain a high quality of grain. This article will discuss a few of the issues.

Overcoming Problems of Grain Storage

Most types of grain need to be kept in cool, dry environments, which is why silos and grain storage rings are so widely used. Studies suggest that dry grain should be cooled to between -5 to 0 degrees prior to harvest in the winter time. As the climate becomes colder, grain needs to be stored in an even cooler environment, so while it’s arguably more favorable to store grain under colder weather conditions, precautions still do need to be taken.

Hotter conditions present problems of their own. For one, grains need to be kept moisture-free, so poor management of grain in humid weather can lead to mold growth, which obviously reduces quality. This is a problem particularly with grain that has just been harvested. Modern processes of grain drying, including aeration (using airflow to dry and cool grain), are the obvious solution in these cases.

In the winter time, keeping grain at lower temperatures can reduce the likelihood of insects getting involved, as they are usually at a different state than normal at sub 10 degree Celsius. However, there are problems with grain drying under these circumstances for certain grains, given that condensation can form as a result.

Furthermore, while the air temperature outside can be cold, studies indicate that on sunny days the solar factor can come into effect. When exposed to the sun for long periods, grain on the inner outer walls of the bin can be heated and end considerably warmer than is ideal.

Precautions

As mentioned, the main problems that can affect grain storage are related to moisture levels, temperature and insects/birds that may get inside. Here are a few ways of overcoming these issues.

Check grains and temperature levels weekly

Image Source: www.ohioinsurance.org

The main means of overcoming these is proper monitoring on your part to ensure that the temperature is at the appropriate level. Inspect the bin and the temperature gauge, start the fans - if the air feels humid, which is possible under these conditions, running the fans may be an option. Most importantly, you should check humidity and temperature at various locations as this can differ from one spot to another.

Do Not Use Fans During Rain or Fog

It's recommended to refrain from using fans when weather conditions are poor, mainly because there is a high risk of blowing more moisture into the bin, which is exactly the opposite of what you’re trying to do.

Cover Fans And Ducts Once Grain is Cooled

Winter is unpredictable at the best of times, and even more so in certain parts of Australia. Once the grain is cooled and is ready for long term storage, you need to ensure that the bin is well sealed and weather-tight. If you fail to do so, heavy rains, hail, or even snow could enter the bin and cause huge problems. This also ensures rodents and other small animals don’t find their way in (they tend to be more likely to do so when food is harder to find during winter).

As mentioned, careful monitoring on your part is hugely important and should not be overlooked. For more information, feel free to contact the team at Advantec, who provide a range of grain storage solutions, handling equipment and advice to those in need.

Here’s Why Precision Farming Technology will Shape the Future of Agriculture

A bright future for humanity lies ahead

Agriculture has gone through many different ages over the years in terms of technological breakthroughs such as improved efficiency and crop management. These improvements have been based on improving farming standards and minimizing losses. But a new age is about to begin, the popular agricultural buzzword of our time, the age of Precision Farming.

Precision farming is mostly about using the latest technologies in maximising your potential crop based on land size, harvesting times, crop management, as well as transportation. For a few years now, drone-like farm machinery has been the dream that would allow farmers to prepare their land and make a harvest with vehicles that have been programmed to autonomously work around the clock. In this article we will focus on some of these hi-tech developments.

Advanced Surveillance System to Boost Efficiency

This new level of detail means that the most advanced technology can be used to incorporate satellite information on your land in terms of satellite images of crop which can be used to observe, measure and make decisions on crop management using an array of imaging processes.

This sort of farming works best on large scale farms where huge numbers of fields are used to grow crops. Satellite images can be used to create photographs of a specific field over a specific amount of time to give you information about the best place to sew your crop, as well as the potential yield of a particular crop planted in a particular area. 

Image Credit: Earth Observatory/NASA

Drones are making a huge mark in farming in recent years for observation and inspection work for farmers, but are now being touted as one of the best tools for precision farming on a mid to large scale. Farming drones are also a much cheaper alternative to using satellite imagery services, as you will be able to purchase outright the complete system.

Agricultural UAV Drones at Your Service!

These latest agricultural drones have the ability to map your land and give you all the necessary data you require to get the best out of your land. Sensors such as visual aids that give you aerial mapping and 3D imaging allow you to create surveys, view your land use, as well as counting your plants, crops and give you an emergency response system for sustainable agriculture harvesting.

Drones will change the whole game in future

Other visual inspections allow you to use infrared as well as other narrow band frequencies to visualise your plant and crop health, assess water quality as well as create a vegetation index calculation. With thermal and LiDAR sensors you will be able to have an in-depth view and record of your crop to give you information that has never been accessible before to maximise crop management on the largest of scales.

Keeping on tabs with your crop is the best way to maximise the precise Australian harvest time for your crop, giving you the best possible chance of minimising crop loss and maximising crop profit. With agricultural drones able to measure plant height, number and health you have the perfect opportunity to create the most efficient farm possible.

How Cost-Effective and Future Proof are These?

In Queensland a trial had taken place to find the cost effectiveness of drone use in the Australian agriculture industry, trialed through a federal government funded pilot scheme. In combination with LandCare and the Australian Controlled Traffic Farming Association, the trial used a number of tools such as photo imaging to view crop health, as well as the presence of weeds and pests in the fields. As more trials take place, it is believed more farmers will want to try out the automated drone systems and allow them to get more data on their crops and land.

The future looks bright for agricultural UAV drones in Australia, with a number of technological breakthroughs which will make the farming industry more efficient and productive. With precision farming leading the way in terms of technology, we will just have to wait and see how long it will be before every farmer employs one of the latest future farming tech drones to grab data from their crops, come harvest time.

This link might help to you to better understand the use of precision farming technique in the crop growth cycle. And of course stay with Advantec's blog as we will be discussing more important stuff about grain management and farming industry.

Some Necessary Tips to Grain Vacuum Maintenance

Grain management is considered to be one of the most time-consuming and essential parts of the production process in the farming industry. Cutting the time you take to load a grain storage unit or transfer for transportation will increase your efficiency and speed up the process of your daily routine, saving your time, money and effort overall.

To keep your REM GrainVAC equipment in great shape, you should perform the following maintenance on a regular basis:

Regularly Change Blower Oil

REM grain vacuum products require certain types of oil to run efficiently and without issues. You must take care to read the distinct serial number tag which is displayed on the blower which recommends the type of oil you require. You should change the oil every 100 hours of activity.


Check That Blower Isn’t Overheating

It is important to regularly check that the blower is not overheating, by using the blower for the amount of time as recommended in the products usage documentation. You should always let the machine cool down completely if it has overheated, and allow the system to recover.

Taking Care of Safety Screen

The safety screen on your GrainVAC should never be removed while the machine is in operation, but if there is a build-up on the screen to the point where it has become opaque, the machine should be shut down and cleaned when finishing operations. To save you this effort, run the machine at a lower rate to avoid build-up on the screen.

Keeping the Vacuum at Full Power

If you find that your REM GrainVAC VRX is not sucking as it may have once used to, there are regular maintenance checks you can make to ensure it keeps its maximum suction abilities. Quickly check that all gaskets are in good working condition and that all inspection hatches and doors are closed. Check for any air leaks in your piping and also for any obstructions that may be blocking the pipes.

GrainVac Radiator Cleaning Solution

As grain vacuums shift huge capacities of grain every hour, keeping the radiator and air intake fans clean is one of the best ways to improve the overall efficiency of the machine, keeping it in top shape.

Normally, shutting down the machine and performing a take-down is the last solution you need due to extended downtime of the machine, but with a reversible fan such as the CLEANFIX fan, you can simply reverse the suction to blow out all of the debris from the radiator, saving you hours of laborious time.

 
Choosing A Modern GrainVAC System

Many of the older models of grain handling equipment suffered from reliability issues in the past, modern grain vacuum systems such as the REM GrainVAC VRX has been totally redesigned to improve reliability, efficiency, and more capacity when in use. These top of the line machines, such as the REM 3700 Grain Vac provides improved functions for grain handling and in many cases provides a complete replacement of typical grain auger use.

The efficiency of the REM grain vacuum solutions not only apply to the huge capacity in which these machines can move grain, but also these energy savings apply to manpower in the way that cleaning and maintenance are reduced thanks to its reversible CleanFix fan system - as well as the initial investment.


Grain vacuum systems also reduce the time you need to spend inside a grain bin, making them a much safer alternative to both small-scale solutions, as well as the use of grain auger systems and their own issues. Modern grain vacuums such as the REM systems are the preferred choice when it comes to value for money, capacity, and efficiency for the modern farmer. Advantec Australasia is one of the prominent grain handling equipment providers in Victoria, Australia. With our award winning PRBM raised bed management system, we are renowned for providing efficient grain management solution in Australia. Head to our web page to learn about our product and offering.

The Do’s and Don’t for Tractor Radiator Cleaning

Image: Pixabay

Maintenance of all kinds of machinery is the key to extending its lifetime. In the case of a tractor, where good quality models can last for decades, the benefits of keeping yours clean, cared-for and healthy are certainly not to be ignored. Depending on how often it is used, regular servicing is a must, however, there are ways to slow down the wear and tear of the tractor yourself.

A common problem is when the radiator becomes clogged and a tell-tale sign that this has happened is the temperature gauge going through the roof when in use. Given the nature of its work, it’s quite common that the tractor’s radiator accumulate dust, dirt, and debris. Here are some general tips on how to dislodge these items and flushing and caring for the tractor’s radiator: 

Photo by Mobilus In Mobili via Flickr /CC 2.0

Avoid Cleaning the Radiator with a Hose

This tends to simply turn the debris and dirt into mud, which isn’t helping anybody and can actually wind up mixing with the water and going through the radiator, which lessens its effectiveness in cooling the engine.

Instead, Blow them Out

Blowing the debris out with a blast of air is certainly the most effective option. A portable leaf blower can be useful here.

Flushing the System Out Every So Often is a Must

If you feel that the coolant is contaminated, it’s important to ascertain the best flushing option you have depending on the specific problem. Regular maintenance flushes will require you to remove the anti-freeze and pouring the appropriate radiator cleaning solution into the system while the engine is running for 30 mins to an hour. We’d recommend using special radiator flush, which can be purchased at most hardware stores, other options are to use dishwater soap and some people even use vinegar.

Using Reversible Fan is a Bliss

One way of increasing your chances of avoiding problems in the first place is to invest in reversible fans for your system. Like you’d use the blower vac to dislodge debris that builds up, a reversible fan from CleanFix essentially does this as the machine is running. Unlike other fans, which can result in reduced efficiency and subsequent higher running costs, the CleanFix option reverses the air flow in order to create high-pressure blasts to reliably clean your radiator.

Image: Desert Engineering

The costs of maintaining your radiator can be high and timely, however, all accounts suggest that the reversible fan option requires that tractor owners use significantly less fuel and spend less time to physically cleaning the radiator. If you have any special query then contact Advantec Australasia Pty Ltd (61 2 6056 2822) for more information.

Essential Tips to Improve the Efficiency of Grain Storage Systems

Source: bloomberg.com

Grain storage plays a significant role in modern agricultural farming, so getting your storage solution right will lessen your workload, improve your efficiency and reduce crop loss in one go. There are several different grain storage solutions you can employ in grain storage, so choosing the right one for your operation is your key to success.

The moment your crop is ready to be harvested, you have several options available to you to store your grain. Many choose to use grain augers to feed their grain storage systems, as they allow grain gathering from floor height upward. Combined with a grain storage system, you have an efficient tool in keeping your crop fresh and taken care of in a timely manner.

Popular Grain Storage Solutions

One of the most popular grain storage solutions is the traditional grain bin that stores various quantities of grain. Traditionally, these bins allow many tons of grain to be stored in a strong circular grain silo that allows for easy filling, access, and disposal into a transportation vehicle down the line.

Source: openmarkets.cmegroup.com

Modern grain storage solutions take into account all of the pit-falls of storing large quantities of grain in a single place, such as tackling the issue of bugs and pests, as well as crop loss due to heat and moisture. Modern grain storage bins tackle these problems head on with innovations such as increased side wall strength and ventilation shafts.

Source: wikipedia.org

The ventilation shaft reaches from the bottom to the top of the bin, containing ventilation holes that allow the hot air and moisture in the middle of the grain mound to be dispersed through a flue at the top of the storage container itself. This eliminates the need for grain storage rotation and reduces the amount of crop loss for long term grain storage.

Temporary Grain Storage Solutions

Another popular grain storage technique to use when there is a surplus of the crop, or crops need to be stored for short periods of time, such as awaiting transportation. Differing from a permanent structure, these temporary grain storage solutions offer portability, as well as easy management and use. As simple as the large rings that contain the crop are, temporary grain storage rings allow fast assembly and disassembly, offering a powerful tool for farmers during harvest.

Source: advantec.com.au

Improve Farming Efficiency

One of the best grain storage tips is to use the combination of these elements to swiftly deal with your crop much faster than previously possible. The combination of the portable grain auger and the grain storage bin allow a highly mobile solution to your grain transportation requirements, allowing you to work alone or as a small team to complete your grain storage tasks in a single swoop.

Source: azimagess.com

Increasing your efficiency on the farm is one of the biggest ways to save money as well as your precious time, leaving you to concentrate on other tasks, as well as getting your grain to sale earlier than possible before. This increase in efficiency allows your crop to reach the point of sale in perfect condition, with a total grain storage solution paying for itself in saved time and crop losses in the long run.

The Best Trailer Tow Hitch Money Can Buy

Choosing the right trailer tow hitch for your vehicle is not only important for the type of vehicle and trailer you have, but also to ensure the safety of the connection and the drivability of your vehicle. Choosing the right hitch depends on many different factors, including your vehicle’s classification, trailer size and trailer weight. 

There are two popular types of towing hitch that are used the most in everyday situations, the basic trailer tow hitch and the air safe hitch, but many other specific towing hitches used for commercial or industrial fields are coming onto the market with special abilities such as the fifth wheel or flatbed hitch.

Basic Functions of a Hitch

In basic terms, a trailer hitch is a strong piece of equipment that attaches directly to a vehicle in order to tow a trailer or a load. The hitch is the device that provides the connection to the trailer from the towing vehicle itself. Considered a permanent installation, there are a few different forms of trailer hitch, depending on manufacturer, but many tend to have the same varied system of standardised mounts. 

Classification of Tow Hitch

These trailer tow hitches are placed into the different classification based on a number of factors. One of the most important factors is the weight of the trailer or the load you want to tow. In a complete system, you have to calculate the maximum trailer load weight you can safely tow by checking the towing ratings of your hitch ball, ball mount and hitch itself for the lowest figure. 

As the maximum tow rating should be based on the weakest figure of the three, safety is your number one priority. The different hitch classes in place are as follows:

Class 3 Hitch

• Tow up to 2.7 tonne (gross trailer weight)
• Cargo box
• Bike rack
• Motorcycle
• Jet Ski

The Hitch Class 3 Supports Vehicle Classification Such As: 

• Sub-Compact
• Car
• SUV/ Van
• Light Ute
• Heavy Duty Ute

Class 4 Hitch

• Tow up to 4.5 tonne
• Small Caravan
• Small Boat
• 2 x Quad bike / Motorbike

The Hitch Class 4 supports all of the previous vehicles, discounting the sub-compact vehicle classification.

Class 5 Hitch

• Tow up to 6.35 tonne
• Medium sized caravan or trailer
• Larger sized boat or fishing boat
• Small farming machinery

The class 5 hitch is usually kept for use with vans and SUVs, light Utes and heavy duty Utes.

Class 6 Hitch

• Tow up 9 tonne
• Large trailer
• Large boat or fishing boat
• Light aircraft
• Light to medium farming machinery
• Some heavy machinery
• Light industrial machinery

The Class 6 Hitch is usually reserved for heavy duty utility vehicles, light trucks, high-performance SUVs and off-roaders with extreme pulling power and not the average car. 

Achieve a Smooth Ride

As a hitch is connected to the rear of the vehicle, the more weight that is added, the more your vehicle has to pull. Given the large weight on the rear of the vehicle, this can often hinder ride quality and ride smoothness to a degree that those little bumps in the road can prove quite painful and in some cases dangerous to a heavy load setup.

In these cases, the airsafe hitch is a great innovation in the trailer moving industry and provides a dampening effect to a trailer, to smooth out all of those bumps in the road. The system works by placing the hitch ball or pin system itself onto a bed of compressed air, which is like having an extra layer of suspension between you and your trailer. 

Improve Safety of Your Load

This system works so well and is easy to install and attach that many trailer hitch users are now switching to this system. Simply install the air hitch and use compressed air to attain the correct trailer height and you are ready to go. Not only does it improve on ride smoothness, it also improves safety when it comes to maneuvering your vehicle and trailer combo. 

When it comes to trailer towing, nothing is more important than safety. Getting your trailer hitch installed correctly by a professional will ensure that you have a solid and secure connection to your trailer. Knowing the weight of your trailer when empty is an important step in keeping you safe and carefully distributing the weight of your loads and securing them safely to the trailer is the final step in your trailer pulling safety checks that will ensure you have a smooth and safe journey.

Image Source [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]