PGG Wrightson and Promax bring to you New Zealand’s safest and smartest hopper bins.

Currently it’s time for soil testing and then soon, growers around the country will apply the required nutrients to their orchards, vineyards and blocks. Last year’s changes to health and safety standards need to be taken into consideration when handling flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), commonly called bulk bags, of fertiliser and other products. These changes have decreased efficiencies and added costs to all users, particularly in the horticultural and rural sectors given bulk bags in the fertiliser sector are not always able to be recycled.

Traditionally, bulk bags must be slung below the lifting forks of a tractor or other forklift, exposing workers to risks when moving around and emptying the bags in to the spreader. With the health and safety risk, these limitations are affecting handling procedures and placing extra safety risk responsibilities onto business and property owners.

Ballance Agri-Nutrients, a key supplier to PGG Wrightson (PGW), advised PGW Category Manager Jason Sail that they will no longer accept returns of the bulk bags due to the increased costs. “It was at this time we recognised the need for a suitable replacement option,” Jason says. “We were also very aware of client requests to provide a zero-waste option.”

The Promax bulk bin system has been developed to facilitate the storage and distribution of dry granular products in the safest and most efficient way, and is now offered by all PGG Wrightson and Fruitfed Supplies stores. Promax bulk bins fit all standard tractor and forklift forks and come in two sizes: 1000-litre and 1500-litre. Operators can easily carry the bin from base and lift the bin up to the necessary height to load the bin contents into the relevant spreader-applicator. Jason says the new bulk bins are already proving popular due to their significant improvements to safe handling of bulk product. 

While the primary use is in the storage of fertiliser and loading of spreaders within the agricultural sector, the bulk bins have further applications for the storage of grain, seed and  feed products:

• The hopper bins are waterproof and rodent proof.
• They feature an easy-slide, hygienic and non-rusting stainless-steel gate mechanism which allows product to flow freely down the 30-degree sloping base to the outlet.
• A one-metre long flexi sock can be added to the chute. The flexi sock can be trimmed to any length suited to the application and stops product wastage even on a very windy day.

Promax have also developed a hot-dipped galvanised frame or base which holds a bulk bin up off the ground for ease of access and lifting. The bulk bins are available in a range of colours to assist when handling various types of product. Jason says feedback from customers includes how easy it is to work with a product like urea even in pouring rain.

“These bins offer considerable convenience and efficiency, in addition to the safer handling aspects which inspired their development.”

Article supplied by Promax