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Nov 16, 2023

AGI's Westfield MKX 2 auger delivers with durable redesign

News SmartNews Technology By AGDAILY Reporters Published: February 16, 2023

News SmartNews Technology

By AGDAILY Reporters Published: February 16, 2023

Producers who are looking at augers tend to zero in on three things — speed, capacity, and serviceability — and Ag Growth International's redesigned Westfield MKX 2 delivers on all of those crucial needs.

The portable grain-handling solution, built to withstand the rigors that both small and large farms can throw at it, comes in three different diameters and a variety of length options. It was unveiled for the first time at the 2023 National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville.

The latest AGI innovation is the approach to the discharge spout, which has been opened up to allow for more capacity yet requiring as much as 20 percent less hp.

"We’re allowing the grain to flow directly out of the discharge spout, while we still maintain max capacity with the redesign," said AGI's Josh Kelly.

So even with the hp reduction, the 13-inch diameter auger, which was the one on display in Louisville, delivers 11,000 bushels per hour and comes in 64- to 114-foot lengths. AGI also has a 10-inch model that does 6,000 bph and gets up to 83 feet long, as well as a large 16-inch one that maxes out at 23,000 bph and 125 feet.

The 10-inch auger size is the most popular in the mid-states area, yet, "As bins get bigger and producers get bigger, we’re seeing more interest on larger augers," Kelly noted. "They need to unload quickly and get back into the field."

While that capacity helps push AGI into an industry-leading position, the redesigned elements of this generation of augers continues to the boot. And changes like this are often the result of farmer feedback at events like the National Farm Machinery Show. AGI said it makes a sincere effort to listen to suggestions and incorporate those that will have value for farmers.

Among the updates to the boot are abrasive-resistant (AR) flighting — which lasts three times longer than regular flighting — in high-stress areas. That's particularly important because where the grain from the low-profile swing goes down onto the flight, that's a recognizable wear point, and durability is paramount.

AGI also improved user accessibility to the boot, with larger access panels added to both sides, aiding inspection and cleanout. Better maintenance opportunities saves time in an industry where time is precious.

"Now, with doors on both sides, you can hit it with a leaf blower or air compressor, and push all of that material out," Kelly said.

Compared with the J-hook-styled PTO hanger from previous generations, a new quick-access hanger has been adopted, and a shear bolt holder was added for the bolts used on the end of the PTO shaft. AGI also added an external check valve and cleaned up the location of hydraulic lines, which help safety and further make maintenance easier.

The Rosenort, Manitoba-manufactured Westfield MKX2 features an A-frame hydraulic lift system, and it now uses 30-foot tubes to reduce the number of connections and enable a smoother operation.

"The auger may be one of the most hardworking pieces of equipment on a grain operation," said Matthew Manness, AGI Director of Global Product Management for Portable Material Handling. "They tend to run long hours at high capacities during harvest and spend most of their time exposed to the elements. So, they must be durable as well as reliable."

All AGI augers come with a wide range of options, including hydraulic hopper winch, X-Tend hopper, X-Over hopper, electric and hydraulic power swings, 1000 rpm speed reducer, LED work lights, steerable axle, right angle drive kits, and transport lights.