Augers, in many varieties, are central to the workings of the country elevator. The most dangerous is the drag auger often used in remove grain from annex bins. The annex bins did not have hopper bottoms so the grain that did not run out had to either be shovelled or augers out. The drag auger was a fully exposed auger system with about three foot sections attached together on swivel joints. When the grain was close the floor the auger would hit the wood and bounce recklessly. The operator would hold on to one end between their legs, while seated on the moving grain pile. They were very dangerous. Often the bins held old barley and were thick with dust. Usually a dull electric trouble light was the only source of light and very dim. Auger accidents are a constant threat in rural life.
All augers are dangerous. Safeguards on equipment and would often take them off as he felt they were a hindrance to their operation. This was a common practice by elevator agents.
