Proper Care of Your Harvest Bins, Totes & Lugs

Making sure you have the right tools and containers for the job is our priority – we want to help make your job easier! We've pulled together important information about our best-selling, reusable harvest bins, bulk containers, and handheld totes/lugs, along with helpful hints for their use and care...

Harvest Bins and Bulk Containers

Our durable and lightweight MACX® and MACX48® harvest bins are the top choice for many vineyards/wineries, orchards and farms in the U.S. and Canada. These bins are made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) -- about the strongest, food-grade plastic bin you’re going to find. And this heavy duty plastic is purpose-built, with just enough “give” to help prevent bumps from machinery and tools from cracking the bins. Most importantly, they are made of USDA/FDA-compliant materials. They can be easily cleaned before reuse to ensure FDA compliance, and don't harbor splinters, pests, pathogens, mold or other undesirable elements like wood bins.

They come with several other features that make them a best-seller for harvesting, fermentation and storage:

• Vented and Solid options
• Optional lids that protect from contamination and still allow the bins to be stacked for storage/transport
• Multiple color options for official HACCP color-coding or bin differentiation
• UV protected for outdoor use without damage to plastic and fully recyclable
• Nestable and stackable for convenient storage
• Replaceable runner options (2 long side or 3 short side) along the bottom of the bin to allow for easy transport by forklift or pallet jack (and dumping, too) - no more back-breaking lugging 
• Large enough to get your job done, but light enough (just over 90 lbs.) to be moved by hand when empty

A couple key specifications/recommendations have been established for these bins for optimal use:

• MACX®: 48" x 40" x 31" H
• MACX48®: 48 x 48" x 28.5" H
• Weight capacity: 1,500 lbs
• Volume capacity: 190 U.S. gallons
• Maximum temperature range: -40°F to +140°F

Handheld Totes & Lugs

We offer several high density polyethylene (HDPE) hand-held containers by the pallet. They are durable, lightweight, space saving (nestable and/or stackable), freezer safe, UV protected and 100% recyclable. They come in multiple colors for HACCP color-coding compliance and contrast with the fruit/produce. Stamping is also available to personalize and help track your containers. Two containers are best sellers for grape harvesting and many other harvest items. One commonly known as a 30 lb. lug -- the Solid Grape Harvest Container (GHC), also referred to as the General Purpose Container (GPC). And the second is the Vented Large Agricultural Container (LAC). 

A couple key specifications/recommendations have been established for these bins for optimal use:

• 23.75" x 15.75" x 7.25" (OD) / 22.75" x 14.75" x 7.0" (ID)
• Weight: 3 lbs
• Load Capacity: Up to 33 lbs
• Maximum temperature range: -50°F to +122°F

The berry flats and totes are also popular containers. Check out our variety of sizes and colors to see which of our totes best suits your needs.

Best Practices & Helpful Hints

Temperature

Follow guidelines for minimum and maximum temperatures. Consistent use beyond recommended temperature ranges and extreme temperature changes can result in small cracks.

Filling

Be mindful of the weight/volume. You’ll get more longevity out of the containers using these guidelines. Plus, not exceeding weight recommendations makes them easier to move.

Handling/Stacking

MACX® bins: Avoid dropping heavy objects on the floor of the bin and pushing bins over onto hard surfaces. Patented interlocking corners allow safe stacking up to ten high. Stack on hard, level surfaces away from personnel and exercise caution when destacking bins stored outside as rainwater can accumulate on the top bin/lid. Avoid inter-stacking with different container types and recycle if there is damage to the posts, as the post design is critical to stability and weight transfer.

Cleaning

Use high pressure washers or hot water steam cleaners for cleaning, as opposed to harsh chemicals, for longevity of your bins.

We’re Here to Help

If you have any questions about choosing the right bin and runner type , care and use, or about FSMA requirements just let us know. 

Union Jack -- Your Partner in FSMA /HACCP Compliance
Keeping it Clean Since 2006