David Plotkin

US Patent:

56558724, Aug 12, 1997

Filed:

Dec 20, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/575861

Inventors:

David S. Plotkin - Peoria IL

International Classification:

B60P 140

US Classification:

414526

Abstract:

This invention relates to a grain cart having a downwardly and inwardly tapered hopper for temporarily storing grain, an auger mounted to an outer, forward portion of the cart's hopper is adapted for unloading grain from the cart. An interface housing mounted to the outer portion of the cart's forward inclined wall and disposed over an aperture in the wall is coupled to a lower end of the auger. Grain discharged from the hopper under the influence of gravity enters the interface housing and is removed from the housing by the auger for discharge into another vehicle such as a truck. The interface housing is removably mounted to the outer surface of the hopper, such as by bolts, to facilitate removal and repair of the auger, and to simplify grain cart design and manufacture. An angle drive gearbox couples the auger shaft to the power take-off unit of a tractor pulling the grain cart for driving the auger. By mounting the auger to an outer, front portion of the grain cart, the position and operation of the auger is easily viewed by the tractor operator without leaving his position while "on-the-go.