Meet the performance champ of grain vacs.
Handlair®
The versatility, flexibility, and performance of Handlair® is unmatched in the grain vac industry. Unlike most grain vacs, which are limited to truck loading, a Handlair can fill tall bins, silos, and flat storage; transfer grain over long distances (several hundred feet); and gently handle seed grains – all while using lightweight 4″ to 6″ piping that makes set-up, operation, and take-down a breeze.
Developed and built for years of service in the heart of the USA’s corn and soybean country, Handlair continues to set performance standards for grain vacs. If you’re looking for a better way to move your grain and seed, you can count on Handlair.
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Safety is Important
Read before operation!
Models 560/566/680
More seed companies own a Handlair than all others put together.
When it comes to grain handling damage, seed companies are a demanding group. They are particular about their seed handling equipment because seed handling damage costs them big money. Handlair revolutionized the seed industry by becoming the first pneumatic conveyor to pass test after test for handling damage, proving itself as the seed mover of choice for leading seed companies everywhere.
Take a look under the hood
The two primary components of all push/pull pneumatic conveyors are the airlock and blower. The quality and design of these two components significantly impacts the performance, service life, and value of a grain vac.
For example, Handlair’s heavy-duty cast blow-through airlock with adjustable steel tips will keep operating when others plug or under-perform. As each rotor pocket containing grain passes in front of the blower’s discharge, the pocket is cleaned from the pressurized air passing directly through it – hence the term “blow-through airlock”. This results in higher conveying efficiency and better performance.
The Handlair positive displacement blower with hardened gears, high-quality bearings and seals can operate at pressures 25-50% higher, providing unequaled conveying performance.
| Model | Capacity (max) | HP | Line Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 560 | 3,500 bu/hr | 100 | 5″ (127 mm) |
| 566 | 4,000 bu/hr | 105 | 6″ (152 mm) |
| 680 | 5,700 bu/hr | 150 | 6″ (152 mm) |
Features and Options
Handlair 560, 566, and 680 grain vacs include the following standard features unless noted as an option.
Standard Features
Power & Performance
Positive Displacement Air Pump (Blower)
- Heavy-duty commercial air pump with hardened gears
- High-quality bearings and seals for extended life
- Self-cleaning blower silencer for quiet operation
Gearbox Drive
- Direct, smooth power transmission with unibody design
- Hardened gears with continuous oil bath lubrication
- No belt slippage or power loss
- PTO shaft with protective clutch (eliminates shear bolts)
Material Handling
Airlock System
- Handlair 560/566: 1.56 cubic feet per revolution
- Handlair 680: 2.7 cubic feet per revolution
- Blow-through design for efficiency
- Extra-large throat for maximum throughput
- Adjustable and replaceable tips
- Direct-coupled reversible hydraulic drive with overload protection
- Heavy-duty cast iron housing
Swivel Cyclone
- 270° rotation for optimal intake positioning
- Two-piece construction for easy maintenance
- Integrated self-cleaning stainless steel backup filter screen
Convenience Features
Swivel Truck-Loading Kit (TLK)
- Standard clearance: 12′ 2″
- 360° rotational movement
- Raised/lowered via crank winch
- Heavy-duty bearings for stability
- Locking safety pin for storage and transport
- Camlock coupled lower elbow (560 & 566 models) – detaches without tools
Controls & Monitoring
- Remote hydraulic control levers for airlock operation
- Vacuum gauge for monitoring machine operation
- Air Filtration System (AFS) – removes dust from air stream
Design & Construction
Frame & Mobility
- Patented offset-hitch frame design
- Provides clearance for tractors with duals or long axles
- Heavy-duty fenders with rubber mud flaps
Piping System
- Available in 4″, 5″, or 6″ diameter
- Camlock couplers for perfect alignment and positive seal
- No loose clamps or gaskets required
Optional Features
Enhanced Performance
- Chrome Hardened Airlock – Special wear-resistant coating
- Self-Contained Hydraulic System – Independent hydraulic power for airlock and TLK
- Includes gauge, filter, and reservoir tank
- No tractor hydraulic connection required
Wear Protection
- Discharge Cyclone Liners – Barrel only or barrel and cone options for 20″ or 24″ cyclones
- Machine Cyclone Liners – Recommended for abrasive grains
- Rubber Discharge Boots – 9″ (for 20″ cyclone) or 11″ (for 24″ cyclone)
Specialized Handling
- Seed Handling Discharge Cyclone – 24″ diameter (replaces standard 20″)
- High Clearance TLK – Extended kit with 13′ 6″ clearance
- Hydraulic Truck Loading Kit – Touch-lever operation
Additional Options
- Hour Meter – Track operating time for maintenance and rental tracking
- Pressure Gauge – 2″ liquid-filled gauge for pressure conveying applications
- Complete Piping Systems – Custom configurations for bins or silos
- Center Bin Unloading Nozzles
Handlair 404 – The Compact Powerhouse
Meet the “Little Giant” – designed to easily maneuver hard-to-reach places while delivering the power needed to complete any job. Perfect for smaller operations, the Model 404 provides both vacuum and pressure capabilities for filling totes, short transfers, railcar spills, or cleanup jobs.
Performance Specifications
- Power: 37 HP Kohler gas engine (self-contained)
- Transfer Rate: Up to 1,200 bu/hr for dry bulk materials
- Drive System: Belt-driven blower
Key Features
Self-Contained Hydraulic System
Unlike units that use troublesome chains, the 404’s hydraulic system offers:
- Forward and reverse airlock operation
- Easy clearing if materials become lodged
- No recalibration issues
Design & Mobility
- Forklift frame – Fits in most pickup beds for easy transport
- Inspection door – Monitor product flow and access airlock for maintenance
- Compact design – Quick positioning when time is critical
Patented Air Filtration System
Prevents dust from entering the blower, extending machine life and component durability
- 270° rotation for optimal intake positioning
Heavy-Duty Cast Airlock
- Self-cleaning design
- Adjustable and reversible tips (extend life without replacement)
- Vented endplates
Optional Equipment
- Truck Loading Kit – For filling totes or discharging into trucks and bulk containers
Specialized Applications
Trusted by emergency response teams – Featured on the R3 Rural Rescue Response Trailer for grain bin rescue missions by Gibbon Fire and Rescue
Piping & Accessories
Handlair delivers the best of both worlds: small diameter, easy-to-handle piping and pressure conveying in one compact package. Take advantage of superior performance by plumbing your hard-to-reach silos or holding tanks with the right equipment.
Couplers & Connectors
Camlock Couplers
- Connect in seconds without clamps or bolts
- Ensure proper pipe alignment and vacuum/pressure seal
- Improve performance and minimize pipe wear when used with flex pipe
- Reusable if flex pipe needs replacement
- Compatible with all pneumatic conveyor makes and models
Quick-Clamp Couplers
- J-hook design for 1″ or 1-1/4″ angle-flanged piping
- Ideal for older vacs with flanged steel pipes (8″+ diameter)
Compression Couplers
- Butt-connect straight pipe or stubs
- Commonly used for bin and silo installations
- Available in virtually any diameter
- Features: Heavy rubber gasket, steel inner sleeve, bolted compression
Quick-On Couplers
- Perfect for connections requiring frequent access
- Integral hand-tightening screw – no tools needed
- Includes gasket
Nozzles
Straight Nozzles
- Aluminum construction with 360-degree handle
- Adjustable air door
- Male camlock coupler for quick attachment
- Optional: Detachable cleanup head with skids or wheels
- Optional: Bell end for improved performance
Cleanup Accessories
- Detachable flat nozzle with wheels
- Bell end attachment for increased material uptake
Adjustable Cleanup Nozzles
- Ergonomic design reduces back stress
- Adjustable height accommodation
- Dual wheel system
- Weight: 18 lbs
- Wide head for maximum efficiency
Piping Options
Aluminum Straight Pipe
- Lightweight yet strong and durable
- Available with camlock couplers
- Wall thickness:
- 4″ = .072″
- 5″ = .078″
- 6″ = .083″
Flex Pipe – Stainless Steel
- 302 stainless steel construction
- Contamination and corrosion resistant
- Most flexible metal option
- High-temperature packing for optimal performance
Elbows
- Available angles: 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°
- Steel grit blasted, primed, and painted
- Use with compression couplers or available with camlocks
Flex Pipe – Galvanized Steel
- Hot-dipped galvanized carbon steel (.019″ thick)
- High-temperature packing eliminates air leaks
- Maximum durability in tough environments
Flex Pipe – Galvanized with Stainless Steel Liner
- Galvanized exterior with 302 stainless steel liner (.038″ thick)
- Easyflo™ smooth bore minimizes grain damage
- Reduces conveying friction
- Extended service life
Flex Pipe – Rubber Standard
- Static-dissipating compound rubber
- Rigid PVC helix construction
- Lightweight and flexible
- Best for cleanup applications
Additional Components
Adapters
- Required for coupling flexible rubber or metal piping
- Exclusive Seedcuff™ version for gentler material handling
- Available configurations:
- Male or Female Camlock Coupler
- Stub or Seedcuff only (without coupler)
Reducers
- Carbon steel construction
- Smooth transition between pipe diameters
- Multiple configurations available
- With or without camlock couplers
Bin & Silo Plumbing
- Custom installations for fast and easy filling
- Complete plumbing systems available
Configuration Guide
Pro Tip: Extend flex pipe life by rotating 90° frequently
Available Flex Pipe Configurations:
- Flex only
- Flex + Carbon steel ends
- Flex + Carbon steel ends + Swivel
- Flex + Carbon steel ends + Camlock couplers
- Flex + Carbon steel ends + Reducer + Camlock couplers
- Flex + Carbon steel ends + Swivel + Camlock couplers
- Flex + Carbon steel ends + Swivel + Reducer + Camlock couplers
Let’s Find the Right Pneumatic Conveying Solution for You
From grain handling to industrial applications, we’ll design and
manufacture the perfect pneumatic conveying system for your needs.