(Green Bay, WI, Sept 2024) Reabe Air announced today it has received the FAA
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the Reabe Hopper Packer. “We are
very excited to provide the first and only STC’d electric auger and hopper door for the
Ag-industry,” stated Troy Reabe, owner of Reabe Air. An STC is the FAA’s stamp of
approval for successful compliance with rigorous testing, quality checks, and safety
standards. All turbine Air Tractors and Thrush models have STC for the Reabe Hopper
Packer (Air Tractor: 400-802s and Thrush: 510-710s). The STC takes liabilities and
duties off our industry’s mechanics and operators by ensuring FAA-compliant parts that
meet higher quality and safer requirements.
In 2018, the Reabe Smart Gates were the first electric dry gates on the market and still
the only electric gates with STC. These hugely successful electric gates are powerful and use a brushless electric motor that requires no servicing. The Reabe electric motor
technology does NOT result in motor overheating issues that can drop loads. In fact,
Reabe’s prototype unit finished its 7th season without a failure or motor change!
Since the inception of the Reabe electric gate project, 92% of the Reabe users have
never needed to change a motor. The Reabe technology has proven to be safe, reliable,
and long-lasting. The Reabe Hopper Packer uses similar technology and motors. This industrial-grade electric motor for the auger creates a lightweight, durable solution that can quickly churn through heavy fertilizer loads and potash while packing the
hopper.
Reabe Air’s electric auger spins fast in both directions, has proven to pack more in a
hopper than a hydraulic system, and has many other unique features. The electric
auger is a quick disconnect system that one person can simply and easily remove with NO tools. This simple clamping system allows quick turnover when the
auger is removed. The cam lock is opened to release the auger easily, and then a plug
is inserted and re-clamped to seal the motor housing.
The auger may also remain in the hopper during liquid work. The motor housing
separates the motor from the hopper liquid, whether the auger is in the hopper or not.
For safety purposes, the housing ensures ONLY mechanical connections are inside the
hopper, so NO electrical connections or lines are ever in contact with chemicals.
The Hopper Packer is a high-quality product with all exposed pieces corrosion
resistant; even the auger flighting has a superior design. It is more challenging to
manufacture, but it limits drag and provides faster, more powerful results. The unique flute
packs more poundage in the hopper than the hydraulic systems, packs the hopper
quickly, reduces points of failure, and adds functions for the user.
The hopper door design is derived from an Australian system with over 30 years of
proven reliability in rice and fertilizer operations. The stainless steel door does not slam,
giving longevity to the hopper door. The hopper door further creates a liquid-tight seal
with 1000 lbs. of force from a roller latch. Most operators do not need to use side
latches.
Reabe Air emphasizes STC’s approval of its products because it provides
added convenience and protection to the Ag industry’s operators and mechanics. STC-approved systems often have superior quality and safety because of compliance with
FAA’s rigorous testing standards for the product, installation/maintenance procedures,
manuals, and parts. The STC takes liabilities and duties off our industry’s mechanics
and operators because units are already FAA-compliant.
Reabe Air deals with FAA certification so operators can be confident in the legal and safe aviation-grade products they receive. Since STCs are difficult to obtain and costly, the industry should be confident that Reabe Air seeks the best interests of its customers. When you buy Reabe, you know you are buying quality products that do not skimp on safety or
reliability AND will save on time, maintenance, and parts in the long run!
Reabe Air’s unprecedented products are a testament to the Ag industry’s operators,
pilots, and mechanics who provide excellent feedback on improving current
equipment. Reabe Air is proud to serve this industry and genuinely thanks everyone
who has given input and supported their products. Reabe Air personally thanks the
US operator who shared the idea of a Cam-lock for the auger system and the Australian
operator on the roller latch design. Sharing great ideas like this helps to innovate
products that can benefit the whole industry. It is imperative to rely on open and honest
communication about shortcomings and strengths in equipment to improve
our industry continuously.
Industry support allows Reabe Air to design and build the next generation of safe and
innovative products to serve the industry better! Offering products that keep on working,
so you can too! Contact Reabe Air about pricing on our STC-approved Reabe Hopper
Packer. Visit ReabeAir.com or contact Sales@ReabeAir.com for more information.
