Silo Semi-Trailers
Silo semi-trailers
Silo semi-trailers transport powder and granular materials loaded and unloaded pneumatically. An integrated compressor creates air pressure that pushes the product through pipes to the destination (storage silo, mixer, etc.).
Silo types
- Cement / construction: Carbon steel. Working pressure 2-2.5 bar. 28-35 m³ capacity.
- Food grade: Aluminium or stainless steel. For flour, sugar, starch, animal feed. Polished interior surface for cleaning.
- Plastics / chemicals: Lightweight aluminium. For plastic granules, pellets, pharmaceuticals.
Compressor, blower and discharge time
The heart of a silo is the pneumatic discharge system. It can be self-contained (its own compressor driven by the tractor's PTO) or rely on an external plant compressor. A 4-5 m³/min blower discharges 30 tonnes of cement in 60-90 minutes. When buying used, check the compressor hours, the condition of the butterfly valves, the bottom aeration line (fluidising nozzles) and the absence of fatigue cracks in the shells. A unit with a healthy compressor is worth considerably more than one without.
Kerb weight, capacity and aluminium versus steel
In bulk transport every kilo of kerb weight costs payload. An aluminium silo weighs around 6-7 tonnes versus 8-9 for a steel one, allowing up to 2 tonnes more product per trip within the 40-tonne GVW. Carbon steel is mandatory for abrasive cement due to its wear resistance, while aluminium and stainless steel are standard for food grade. Check the number of compartments (1 to 4 cones), which determines whether you can carry several products or split deliveries. At Coatrucks we detail the volume, number of cones and material of every silo.
Used silo semi-trailers
Cement, flour and granular silos for sale.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a used silo semi-trailer cost?
Price depends on the material (steel, aluminium, stainless), number of cones, volume and discharge system condition. At Coatrucks we list each silo with its m³ capacity, number of compartments and compressor hours, with shipping across Europe.What is the difference between an aluminium and a steel silo?
Aluminium weighs around 6-7 tonnes versus 8-9 for steel, allowing up to 2 tonnes more product per trip. Carbon steel is mandatory for cement due to its abrasion resistance; aluminium and stainless steel are used for food grade for hygiene and ease of cleaning. At Coatrucks we advise you based on the type of material you will transport and your regular routes.Do I need a silo with its own compressor or can I use the plant's?
It depends on your operation. If you always load and unload at facilities with a fixed compressor, you can save by buying a silo without one. If you need autonomy to discharge on site or at customers without facilities, a PTO-driven onboard compressor is essential. At Coatrucks we clearly indicate which units include a compressor and check its running hours.How many compartments or cones should a silo have?
Silos have from 1 to 4 cones. A single cone maximises capacity for one product; multiple cones let you transport different products or make split deliveries to several customers on the same route. For cement to site, 1-2 cones usually suffice; for feed or flour with several deliveries, 3-4 are common. At Coatrucks we detail the exact number of cones of each silo in its listing.What should I check on a used silo before buying?
Inspect the compressor hours and condition, butterfly valves, bottom fluidising nozzles, the absence of fatigue cracks in the shells, the discharge pipe condition and the certified working pressure. On food-grade silos, check the polished interior finish. At Coatrucks every silo undergoes a complete documented inspection of the pneumatic system. Sale between professionals, with no warranty: the vehicle is sold as it stands.How long does it take to discharge a cement silo?
With a 4-5 m³/min blower, around 30 tonnes of cement discharge in 60-90 minutes, depending on the distance and height to the destination silo. Bottom fluidisation and nozzle condition greatly affect performance. A worn system lengthens the time and increases fuel consumption. At Coatrucks we verify the real performance of the discharge system before delivery.Does Coatrucks sell silos for both food and construction?
Yes. We have carbon steel silos for cement and construction materials, and aluminium or stainless steel silos with polished interiors for flour, sugar, starch and feed. We advise on the certification required for your product and arrange shipping and intra-community registration throughout Spain and Europe, with financing available for B2B clients.What other names does this type of vehicle go by?
It is also known as silo trailer, bulk tanker, powder tanker. They all refer to the same vehicle — you'll find them all here.