Horizontal Manure Augers
Horizontal Manure Augers are used to transfer manure, sand or a combination of the two across barns and to processing or storage facilities.
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Horizontal Manure Augers are an important part of a dairy’s manure management system. Dairies that use alley scrapers or other manure scrapers to remove manure from alleys can install Horizontal Manure Augers at the end of their scrape lanes to eliminate the need to further turn and push the manure. Manure is pushed directly into the auger system, which then conveys it to the reception tank or processing building. These augers are extremely versatile. They can be installed in many different configurations and span hundreds of feet across barns, alleys and walkways. Since they are typically installed in a shallow channel just below floor level, Horizontal Manure Augers don’t require operators to go into confined spaces for maintenance and repair. Horizontal Manure Augers are covered with grating or plating to allow animals and machinery to safely cross them.
Due to the variations in installation requirements, Horizontal Manure Auger systems are available in many different lengths, drives, seal arrangements, grates, bearings, hangars and materials of construction. They are also available with heavy-duty components for extreme durability in the harshest conditions.
How Horizontal Manure Augers Work
Horizontal Manure Augers are installed in shallow concrete channels at the end of barn scrape lanes. A drive can be located at either end, depending on where it’s most convenient. If the drive is located at the discharge end of the conveyor, it’s considered a puller because it's pulling the material toward the drive. If the drive is located away from the discharge, it’s considered a pusher drive. In either case, the drive is coupled to the auger shaft using a variation of drive shafts depending on what type of seal is used. A standard drive seal offers minimal protection from the manure and sand. If there is an opportunity for the manure level to rise above the driveshaft level, a sealed drive is used. This type of drive uses a mechanical seal to minimize leakage into the gearbox. In severe cases where the manure level can submerge the drive, a submersible drive assembly is used.
Beginning at the drive end, the auger is built from standard auger components. Each 12’ section of auger shaft is supported at each end by a two-piece bearing, suspended in the auger trough by a set of hangars. The bearings are split to facilitate replacement when necessary. Bearings are also available in different materials depending on the type of application.
Once the auger is set into place, grates are installed over the places where manure will be pushed in. The grates are specially designed to allow manure from either skidsteers or alley scrapers to go through while eliminating the danger of people or cows becoming entangled in the auger. The grates also allow equipment to drive across the auger trough. In places where the manure will not be pushed in but the trough still needs covered, a simple plate is installed. These grates and plates can be lifted off when the auger needs inspected and maintained.
The auger can be automatically turned on when alley scrapers push manure in, or they can be remotely turned on by an operator when skidsteers are used. A timer dictates the length of time they remain on.
Why McLanahan Horizontal Manure Augers
McLanahan Horizontal Manure Auger systems have been proven at hundreds of dairies to move thick, sand-laden manure; manure bedding; compost; manure fibers; and sand with little operator interface and minimal maintenance. Capable of spanning hundreds of feet, as well as changing elevations and direction, they are some of the most versatile and heavy-duty manure transfer systems available to the dairy producer. Our dealers and engineers are experts, and they understand not only the need to minimize the time spent moving manure, but the importance of not obstructing the flow of cow traffic. They have the experience to tackle the toughest manure transfer problem and will work with you to come up with the best solution for your dairy.
McLanahan equipment is simple, rugged and versatile. We offer heavy-duty options for flighting, bolted connections, bearings and hangars. Our coupling shafts are hardened in the area that supports the bearing to ensure the longest service life. If necessary, the drive system can be protected by the toughest mechanical seal system in the industry. Access and maintenance platforms are available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horizontal Manure Augers
Ask An ExpertThousands of feet of auger have been installed into existing barns. The key is determining the location of the drive and the layout of the auger. If the auger is 216’ or less, it can be operated with one drive; anything over that length requires more than one auger.
McLanahan has a team of sales and engineering personnel who would love to speak with you about your application and help you work augers into your design. Click here to see some common layouts.
McLanahan Manure Augers can be used to transfer nearly any kind of manure across barns and to a processing facility.The McLanahan Manure Auger surpasses all other options with its ability to move sand quickly and efficiently. Heavy-duty options are available to increase the wear life under severe environments. Click here to see some of the options that are available for these augers.
The auger system must be covered with some kind of grating or plate to protect the people and animals from getting in the auger. In places where manure is scraped in, grating must be installed. In places where it’s only traffic, installing a solid plate is the more cost-effective option.
Most augers are installed in a square profile trough that has been poured specifically for the installation of the auger. They can also be installed into pre-cast concrete channels, but special hangar plates need to be used. In some cases, they can be installed into existing cross gutter systems.
McLanahan Horizontal Manure Augers are versatile, heavy-duty manure transfer systems.
Features & Benefits
- Eliminates the need to turn manure at the end of the scrape lane
- Quickly transfer manure long distances across barns
- Available with heavy-duty components
- Single augers available in lengths up to 216’
- Multiple augers can be installed end to end to achieve lengths more than 216’
- Multiple drive systems are available: standard, sealed or submersible
- Single-phase and three-phase motors are available, as well as hydraulically driven systems
- Different bearings are available depending on the application
- Many standard components are stocked for quick delivery