MachineryLink

As farmers clean last year's crop out of their grain bins, these bins require some attention, both in terms of maintenance and safety concerns. This is a good time to assess and fix these storage structures before storing this year's crop.

Mark Hanna, Iowa State University Extension agricultural engineer, told DTN farmers should check on the condition of the bin itself and its equipment, including augers, bearings and wiring harnesses. Any repairs should be made and any missing guards on augers should be replaced.

ElRay Anderson, owner of Custom Ag Service, a grain handling equipment sale and service company located in Montevideo, Minn., said there is a complete list of items farmers need to inspect with their bins, whether they are old or new.

Before the bins are even empty, farmers will need to check the perimeter of the bin to verify it is sealed and water is not entering and air is not escaping. The easiest way to do this is to run the fan while there is adequate grain weight on the floor.

At this point also check the amp draws on fans, Anderson suggested.

Anderson said all ladders, cages and platforms should be inspected for anything loose or unsafe. Temperature cables should be checked and tied down for the next fill. Spreaders should be run and adjusted if needed.

The foundation of the bin should be inspected for problems such as cracks, separations or changes in the foundation. Farmers should walk the aeration floor and inspect it for spongy or weak spots. After 10 loads/unloads, farmers need to inspect under the drying floor for debris build up.

Bin owners should also verify that roofs and vents are free of debris and these areas should be clean and clear for refill.

"Now is also a good time to walk the bin site and pick up old bolts, trash and any items that may become an issue for the fall process," Anderson told DTN.

Anderson recommended farmers schedule a grain dryer preseason program, at the very least every third year. Test fire the electrical and gas systems of the bins. Do a test run and preset all of your systems to get ready for the fall, he said.

On the safety side, Hanna said farmers need to understand the grain suffocation dangers.

"Know how much has been taken out and be suspicious if a corresponding funnel of grain removed is not visible from the surface," Hanna said. "Also, have an outside partner and be tethered with a robe or cable."

Hanna also recommended farmers review safety procedures with employees or family members who will be working with harvest.

Anderson also said it is important farmers unload the bin from the center to balance the bin evenly. As you unload your bin it is also important to carefully follow the side-draw procedures, he said.

Bin companies also have quite a bit of information available for bin owners. Consult with your bin company if you have any safety or maintenance concerns.

Richard Oswald, a farmer from Langdon, Mo., and a special correspondent for DTN, said he will hire someone to paint his bins periodically.

"Our oldest bins are close to 60 years old. As the galvanization wears off they begin to rust," Oswald said. "This usually starts on the roof after about 30 years."

Oswald, who farms with son Brandon in northwestern Missouri, said they have moved toward unloading most of their bins with a grain vac.

This is the case for a couple of reasons, he said. One reason they use a vac is it cuts down the unloading equipment maintenance. Still, farmers should also check oil levels in gearboxes on floor and power sweep augers if they are still in use, he added.

The other reason the Oswalds use a grain vac on most of their bins is the vac will keep fresh air coming into the bins constantly. This air movement allows for cooler temps in the bin during unloading and the dust is also carried outside of the bin.

As anyone who has unloaded a grain bin in midsummer can attest, a hot, dusty bin is not much fun to work in.

"We never wear a dust mask when we use the vac," Oswald said. "From a health standpoint, the vac is great."

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