Grain carts aren't all built for the same job. A cart that follows a combine through a field has different requirements from a unit that stays near a feed building, while a trailer-mounted option offers a balance between storage and mobility. Hotwood's offers two grain-handling products for these different needs: stationary grain bins, and Versa-Tote grain carts. Understanding how each one is designed to be used can help you choose the right capacity and configuration for your operation.
Grain Bin Types: Stationary, and Trailer-Mounted
The Versa-Tote grain cart can be pulled behind a truck, making it suited to operations where the cart needs to be transported between locations. The stationary grain bin is designed for grain, feed, or mineral storage in a fixed setup.
A 3000lb, 5000lb or 6500lb Versa-Tote towable grain cart is best suited for pulling behind a vehicle and getting to grain and feed to where it is needed. A stationary grain bin works well for fixed storage next to a pen, feed building, or loading point.
Stationary Grain Bins: 3,000 to 6,500 Pounds
The stationary grain carts come in 3,000 lb., 5,000 lb., and 6,500 lb. capacities, all 14-gauge all-steel welded construction with an AG gray paint finish and a weatherproof, rodent-proof design. They're designed for grain storage next to animal pens, general feed or mineral storage or inside a feed building for hopper-style use.
Filling is handled through an easy-open slide lid on top, and the unit dispenses through an easy-lift slide grain release door at the bottom, sized for filling a bucket or similar container directly. These units have no hitch, axle, or tires because they are designed for fixed placement. Compared with a towable grain cart, the stationary design gives up mobility but provides a dedicated storage and dispensing point for grain or feed.
Versa-Tote Grain Cart and Trailer: 3,000 to 6,500 Pounds
The Versa-Tote grain cart is available in 3,000 lb., 5,000 lb., and 6,500 lb. capacities and combines grain storage with a trailer-mounted design. It uses a 2" ball coupler as standard, with a Bulldog-style coupler available. The low-profile configuration is rated for towing speeds up to 60 mph. A tongue jack, wired tail lights, and a rear adjustable stand help support the unit when it is being towed or left unhooked.
Like the stationary cart, it fills through an easy-open slide lid on top. It empties through a rear lower opening slide door, and sight gauges on the lower rear panel and above the bucket door let you check fill level from two points. The 5,000 lb. and 6,500 lb. models add a front access ladder. The bin is 14-gauge steel and weatherproof, riding on 8-ply 15" radial tires (3,000 lb. and 5,000 lb. models) or 10-ply 16" radial tires with a 6-bolt pattern (6,500 lb. model).
Documented uses include storing grain, pellets, or corn stove fuel, and supporting feeding at wildlife or game-farm sites. The Versa-Tote's capacity is listed in pounds. Compared with the stationary bin, the Versa-Tote adds a trailer and hitch so the unit can be moved when needed.
How to Choose the Right Grain Cart
Capacity: how much grain or material you need to move or store per fill, using bushels for the towable carts and pounds for the stationary cart and Versa-Tote.
Towable vs. stationary: whether the unit needs to follow equipment around the property or can stay fixed in one spot.
Placement: where it will sit day to day, and whether that location is likely to change.
Loading method: top slide fill door on the towable carts, or the easy-open slide lid used on the stationary bin and Versa-Tote grain cart.
Dispensing method: bottom dump door, bottom slide release door, or rear lower opening door, depending on the unit.
How often it moves: daily during harvest, occasionally between sites, or not at all.
Space and access: ladder height on larger models, and clearance for hitching and towing where applicable.
Towing requirements: confirm the coupler, tire, and axle specifications against the vehicle or equipment you plan to use for towing.
Which Hotwoods Grain Cart Is Right for You?
Stationary grain bin: Choose this option when you need fixed grain or feed storage and dispensing.
Versa-Tote grain cart: Choose this option when you need larger-capacity storage that can also be moved when necessary.
