The small family farmers of a century ago could not have imagined how agriculture would change in the decades to come. And while some mourn the passing of those simpler times, no modern farmers can argue with the technology that’s made their efforts easier and yet more productive.
The improvements in conveyor belts are part of that technological growth. They’ve led to more efficient harvesting and sorting, as well as fewer labor-intensive tasks and reduced labor cost.
Binkelman’s partnership with Continental and our decades of focus on the agriculture industry make us a reliable source for the information, conveyor belts and related products you need.
Efficient Harvesting and Sorting
Conveyor belts make harvesting and transporting certain crops a relative breeze compared to older methods. They quickly but gently move fruits and vegetables from the field to a central sorting and packing site, resulting in less crop damage and faster time to market.
For example, with Continental’s premium bucket elevator and seed belts, you’ll enjoy precision positioning of potatoes. The exceptionally low electrical resistance and superior oil resistance properties of Pathfinder® Plus provide excellent operational safety and long life.
Designed to withstand harsh operating conditions, Pathfinder ®Plus is perfect for grain elevator, grain storage and grain transfer applications.
The tensile force required to break a 48-inch Pathfinder® 375 PIW belt is 180,000 pounds. Permanent elongation averages 0.8% at 100% of rated operating tension.
Count on Pathfinder® Plus for:
- High ultimate strength
- Oil resistant covers
- Low belt elongation that increases productivity and cuts downtime
- Static conductivity, low electrical resistance and flame resistance
- Excellent bolt-holding capabilities
- Excellent adhesion values
- Flexible crimped warp fabric design
We can tell you more about the specific conveyor products that make harvesting and sorting more efficient.
Fewer Labor-Intensive Tasks
Finding reliable workers is not getting any easier, but by reducing your operation’s labor-intensive tasks, you may make working on your farm more appealing. Using conveyor systems to automate as many processes as possible can also make your farm more efficient and profitable.
Food Safety
Since conveyor belts can be set up in many agricultural environments, they can be used to quickly move all sorts of fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains to sorting, processing and storage areas. Food-safe conveyor belts keep crops cleaner, reducing the chances of contamination and helping the farming operation stay compliant with relevant regulations. And when it comes right down to it, food safety should be everyone’s primary concern.
Reduced Labor Costs
Conveyor belts make a dramatic difference to farm workers, easing the intensity of their labor. The conveyors can also cut injuries caused by lifting and repetitive motions, keeping workers safer and on the job. That leads to fewer labor shortages and all the associated costs, which is an important benefit for the farm’s owners.
And since conveyors reduce the number of workers needed in the field, management can reallocate people to handle other important tasks, helping the operation to run more efficiently.
Precision Planting
With precision agriculture, farmers can use conveyor belts to plant seeds at the ideal depth and spacing. That allows the farm to make the best use of its resources, while encouraging optimal crop growth, higher yields and less waste.
Oil-Resistant Covers
Pathfinder® Plus and CONTI® Agriflex™ covers provide superior oil resistance. That’s important to combat the potentially damaging effects of whole and crushed soybeans, oily grains and mineral oil dust suppressant sprays.
CONTI® Agriflex,™ a new offering from Continental, uses a combination of compound and fabric reinforcement innovations to deliver superior results.
Conclusion
However you use conveyors in your agricultural operation, you can trust Binkelman’s experienced team to provide the belts and related parts you need. And our expert conveyor maintenance team can keep you running with both regularly scheduled service and emergency repairs.
Talk with your Binkelman Account Rep for details.