In Brief
Feldbinder silo trailer maintenance — two fundamentally different systems: EUT (horizontal, pneumatic discharge via aeration pads) and KIP (hydraulic tipping, gravity discharge). EUT food-grade stainless: Ra ≤ 0.8 µm (ISO 4287) and passivation certificate required at every TDT inspection. KIP: hydraulic oil change every 12 months, pivot joint inspection every 6 months — leaking hydraulic cylinder = immediate out-of-service. TDT inspection: every 2 years for both types. PHS Magnum services EUT, KIP and stainless food trailers with full documentation (Ra protocol, passivation, PT report). DACH operators: invoicing in EUR, German documentation available.
Feldbinder Silo Trailer Maintenance Guide
Feldbinder Spezialfahrzeugwerk manufactures silo trailers in aluminium and stainless steel (AISI 304L, 316L) for food, chemical and construction material transport. Maintenance requirements differ significantly between the EUT (pneumatic) and KIP (tipping) variants.
EUT (Horizontal Silo, Pneumatic Discharge)
The EUT trailer uses compressed air to fluidise the cargo through aeration pads at the base of the tank, then discharges through a bottom valve (Auslaufstutzen). Key maintenance:
Pneumatic system:
- Test system integrity at 1.0 × MOP every 6 months
- Check aeration pads — replace on schedule or at first sign of wear
- Inspect safety valves: calibrate annually (set pressure certificate required for TDT)
- Check dome hatch seals — no cracks, deformation, or hardening
Stainless steel food-grade requirements:
- Ra measurement (surface roughness): Ra ≤ 0.8 µm for food contact surfaces
- Passivation layer integrity: verify annually with ASTM A380 test
- All seals must be FDA 21 CFR and EC 1935/2004 compliant (EPDM FG or silicone)
KIP (Hydraulic Tipping)
The KIP trailer uses a hydraulic cylinder to raise the tank to a tipping angle (typically 45–50°) and discharge by gravity through a bottom opening. Key maintenance:
Hydraulic system:
- Hydraulic oil change: every 12 months or 1,000 operating hours
- Inspect hydraulic cylinder: check for seal leaks, rod surface (Ra), check cylinder stroke
- Test hydraulic pressure: verify system builds to rated pressure within 30 seconds
- Check all hoses and fittings for leaks and external damage
- Clean hydraulic filter — replace if contaminated
Tipping mechanism:
- Inspect pivot joints: check pin and bushing wear (replace at 0.5 mm clearance)
- Check safety locking mechanism — must engage positively before driving
- Inspect support legs and outriggers under full load
Surface Hygiene Maintenance (Stainless Steel)
For food-grade Feldbinder trailers, interior surface condition is critical:
| Check | Requirement | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Ra measurement | ≤ 0.8 µm | Annually |
| Passivation inspection | Cr₂O₃ layer intact | Annually |
| Interior visual | No pitting, cracks, contamination | Every service |
| Seal condition | No discolouration, no extrusion | Every service |
Maintenance Schedule Summary
| Service task | EUT | KIP |
|---|---|---|
| Pneumatic system pressure test | 6 months | — |
| Hydraulic oil change | — | 12 months |
| Aeration pad inspection | 6 months | — |
| Pivot joint inspection | — | 6 months |
| Ra measurement | 12 months | 12 months |
| Safety valve calibration | 12 months | 12 months |
| Full TDT inspection | 2 years | 2 years |
Related: Feldbinder trailer service · Spare parts · TDT inspection · Repair & renovation