Forage Wagons / Silage Trailers For Sale in Ireland

It is usually produced around three times per year. It is harvested when the grass is plentiful, and it is then essentially pickled for feeding to livestock in winter. Animals tend to prefer it to hay and it is more nutrient-rich. A forage harvester will gather the grass and then this is then transferred to a silage trailer. The silage trailer can be towed alongside the forage harvester by a separate tractor or can be towed behind the forage harvester itself. The latter arrangement is more suitable for smaller farms as it requires fewer people to operate. The trailer will then return to the farm when full to dump the grass in a heap or ‘clamp.’ Air must be removed from the clamp to aid the silage-making process, and this is achieved by driving the tractor over the clamp and compressing it. The clamp is then sheeted and weighed down with tyres. Similarly, grain trailers can be towed behind a harvester or pulled by a separate tractor. Both types of trailer have similar criteria that need to be considered when choosing a model. The first of these is capacity. Silage and grain trailers are available for either contractor or farmer use and typically range in capacity from 10 to 25 tonnes. Many trailers will be tapered in shape from front to rear to allow for easier tipping.

That tipping mechanism is the next factor to consider. The tipping mechanism should be strong, smooth and sound and the maximum tipping angle should be sufficient for easy unloading of the crop. Angles of 50 degrees are commonly available. The suspension should be sufficient to safely and comfortably carry the load, and a sprung drawbar makes towing easier. Independent trailer brakes are especially important on larger trailers, and hydraulic brakes are common and effective.

Accessories such as a galvanised access ladder can make things easier, and road-legal lights should be present and in working order. The type of axle is also important and heavier trailers tend to be fitted with high-speed axles. The panelling should be in good order and the layout easy to clean.

Many grain and silage trailer manufacturers offer optional extras to enhance the productivity of the unit. These can include self-locking hydraulic trailer doors or rubber-sealed doors for use with rapeseed. Fitted weather sheets are a useful extra, and hydraulically folding top sides are suitable for root crop trailers. Load-sensing mechanisms are a welcome safety option as is an ABS system, especially on larger trailers. Adjustable and swivel hitches are available, along with a rear trailer tow hitch and light socket.

Popular grain and silage trailer manufacturers include Bailey, Fleming, Marshall, Staines, Richard, SK Agri and NC Engineering. These are very robust pieces of kit, but a thorough inspection should still be made to ensure all is in working order.

Important areas to consider are the brakes, suspension and axles. The overall structure should be checked for integrity and should be free from corrosion. It is always worth checking the underside for trouble spots. The hitching mechanism should be checked out and any hydraulic systems should work smoothly.