Finch Engineering makes its mark

These are also the traits that have catapulted Finch Engineering to be the premiere manufacturer of chaser bins and specialty grain-handling equipment to the Australian agricultural industry.

The Finch Engineering story dates back to 1973 when a 13-year-old Des Finch engineered and constructed his very first field bin with his brother - igniting a proud 47 year passion for agricultural equipment manufacturing.

A family owned and operated business, based in the regional Queensland township of Kaimkillenbun, Finch Engineering is one of the largest employers in the region with their equipment freighted across Australia daily.

Through ingenuity, quality workmanship and dedication to the evolving needs of Australian farmers, Finch Engineering is an industry leader in manufacturing grain handling equipment and technologies.

Finch Engineering has a rich history in the region, carrying on Des' passion for all things harvest. Plans for a business started when Des bought a vacant two-and-a-half hectare block in Kaimkillenbun in 1981.

It was here he built his first shed, constructing the framework himself, as he didn't want to borrow money to start up his little workshop. The project was completed over two-years as funds were available.

In 1983 a deal ignited the business.

"The next challenge was a concrete floor. I couldn't afford to lay the floor, so I struck a deal with a relative - a chaser bin in exchange for a concrete floor," Des said. The bin was a hit. Des had designed and drawn it with chalk on the concrete floor, the word spread, and orders started flowing in from neighbours. The business officially opened on September 1, 1983, and what started as a general welding and fabrication business, building only haulout bins, began to grow and became a favourite for farmers for grain handling products.

The business grew over the years, and in 2007, Des handed the reins over to his son Leroy. This was also the year the now renowned Finch Bin had a major design update.

Des said the entire range of chaser bins and field bins sported new sleek curves, intelligent updates to the chassis and augers, were built stronger and better all round, giving them a fresh lease of life.

In 2009 the business expanded even further buying Miitze Industries, which meant they offered a wide range of augers, from the pencil auger to a sophisticated fully hydraulic, self-propelled system and truck bulk bins. Finch Engineering now became a grain handling specialist, covering storage through to planting and harvesting.

Leroy said another huge development came in late 2013, with the extension of its fabrication shop. "This created a smooth flowing production line, where all main elements of the product came together under one roof," he said.

"We have the latest state-of-the-art 3D CAD programs, which ensure all products undergo stress and performance testing before being built by our fabrication team. Once fabrication is complete, our painting and detailing teams ensure every Finch Engineering product leaves the factory gates looking its best, and more importantly, ready to be used."

In 2015 Finch Engineering launched the next generation chaser bin. This was achieved through an extensive research and development program coupled with more than 30 years of customer feedback and on-the-job experience. Leroy said the bin was built to be adaptable, versatile and robust enough to meet the ever-changing needs of the modern Australian farmer.

"Some of the features included on-the-fly customisation, which meant adaptability to add or remove parts easily, and an unload auger that could be left or right-hand discharge by simply unbolting it, turning it around and reattaching it to the bin."

That summer, there was another addition: the 4MC, a huge haulout bin dedicated to controlled traffic of four metres. The next spring, Finch Engineering launched the controlled traffic conveyor system, a full-length, hydraulically driven conveyor that extends out to bridge the gap between chaser bin and the harvester unload auger.

In 2019, Finch Engineering purchased and relocated Nandor Horse Floats to its factory at Kaimkillenbun.

"Nandor Horse Floats have been designing and building horse floats since 1965," Leroy said. "We specialise in quality, custom-made horse floats as per our customers' requirements, and take pride in building a float to suit their individual needs.

"With over 2000 Finch bins working Australia wide, it has become necessary to have a dedicated service team travelling Australia. With expert knowledge, our dedicated team will ensure your Finch Engineering product is fixed efficiently and correctly the first time. Our commitment to our customers - old and new - is to offer outstanding after-sale service and support to help ensure they have a hassle-free harvest.

"We carry a full range of spare parts, and our service team is available prior to harvest to service your Finch Engineering equipment and is ready to go during harvest for the unforeseen breakdowns and mishaps that occur," he said.