Thanks for checking out another blog from us at North Star Ag. Today, I want to talk about a piece of equipment that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves: the grain auger.
When you’re moving tens of thousands of bushels, you need equipment that’s efficient, reliable, and sized right for your operation. Choosing the wrong auger can mean slow harvest days or burned-out motors. So, I’m going to walk you through the key factors to consider when buying a grain auger, along with a few rules of thumb we use to help our customers find the right fit.
What to Consider When Buying a Grain Auger
1. Understand Capacity (and Be Realistic)
Our rule of thumb:
Take the rated bushels per hour and divide by 2. That’s how many bushels per hour you’ll actually get, accounting for truck movement, repositioning, and downtime.
Here’s a quick reference:
- 10″ auger: Rated ~6,000 BPH → ~3,000 usable BPH
- 13″ auger: Rated ~11,000–13,000 BPH → ~5,500–6,500 usable BPH
- 14″ auger: Rated ~15,000 BPH → ~7,500 usable BPH
2. Get the Auger Length Right
Height of the bin (in feet) × 2 = Auger length needed
So, if your bin is 30 feet tall:
30 ft × 2 = 60 ft auger
Always round up, especially if you’re running a steeper angle or need flexibility.
3. Know Your Horsepower Requirements
Bigger augers mean more power. Here’s another handy guide we use:
- 10” auger: You’ll need 1 HP per foot of auger
- 13” auger: 1.2 HP per foot
So, a 10” x 72’ auger? You’re looking at 72 HP minimum. A 13” x 90’? You’ll want at least 108 HP.
4. Ask the Right Questions
Before choosing an auger, we always ask our customers a few key things:
- What crops and moisture levels are you working with?
- What size bins and diameter are you filling?
- How many bushels per day will you run through the auger?
These answers help us match you to the right auger capacity, length, configuration, and horsepower for your setup.
Why Buy Your Grain Auger from North Star Ag?
Whether you’re moving corn, wheat, or soybeans, our team has the experience to help you find the right auger for your operation. We carry a large selection, offer parts and service, and provide the kind of real-world advice you won’t get online. Our customers keep coming back because we’ve earned their trust!
Need Help Picking an Auger?
Stop in, give us a call, or explore our inventory online. Let’s find an auger that works just as hard as you do.
Call: (701) 361-4790
Contact us online: https://northstar-ag.com/contact/
Shop Augers: northstar-ag.com/product-category/auger