Choosing the Right Grain Bin Manufacturer: What to Consider

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The grain production industry is a buyers’ market. There are a variety of storage solutions and grain bin manufacturers to choose from. But, which one is the best for you?

Investing in grain bins is something that needs careful consideration. It doesn’t come cheap. Choose the wrong one and it might cost you much more in the long run. We’re here to help!

In this article, we’ll be going over the factors to keep in mind when choosing a grain bin manufacturer to help you find a system that works for your operations. 

How to Choose the Right Grain Bin Manufacturer

You’d likely want to compare manufacturer A with B. However, there’s more to consider than just price and specifications. To make the most out of your investment, consider the following:

Silo Design

For most of your grain needs, your options will range from silos for feed storage solutions and grain bins for human consumption. Silos can be made from concrete, bricks, metal, and even wood. Most grain bins are made of metal. There are also hybrid storage systems combining both benefits of silos and grain bins. You’d get the low-cost construction of a silo and the flexibility of a metal grain bin. 

Capacity

The bigger the bin, the more expensive the cost. However, going for smaller bins might not be the best option. Compromising capacity for reducing initial costs might bottleneck operations. So, when thinking of capacity, consider:

• Expansion: Will there be enough space for more bins? Will bigger bins save money?

• Crop Types: Are you storing different crops? 

• Market Opportunities: Is the capacity enough to store grains until prices are higher?

• Tall or Wide: Buying narrower bins to save space is sometimes better than wider ones. 

Roofs

The roofing of your grain bin shouldn’t be an afterthought. They take the brunt of the damage from external forces like heat and heavy rains. Get a roof that’s strong enough to prevent it from caving in, blowing off, or having vent hole tears. Evaluate what the grain bin manufacturer is offering in terms of roof ribs and framing. Try going for 3.5-inch (sometimes that’s more than enough) elevated roof ribs. As a rule of thumb, roofs made with metal with more breaks or bends are stronger. 

Floors

As above, so below. Floor fabrication is just as important for the overall structural strength of a bin. It can come in different shapes, but, just like roofs, you’d want to look for flooring with additional breaks in the metal for better support. Even with the same material, the strength of the floor varies greatly depending on how they’re constructed. 

Fastening

The overall structural strength of your grain bins depends on the quality of the fastening. Most manufacturers use expansion bolts for roof rings. But, this can twist, bend, or pop out of place over time through wear and tear. So, ask the manufacturer if they’re also using clamps to make the bin structure more secure. 

Dimensions: Narrow Or Wide Core?

Is your farm close to an airport? Areas like these may require you to follow strict height specifications for construction—this includes your grain bins. Aside from height, you need to consider if a narrow core or wide core is best suited for you. 

Two manufacturers might give quotes for a bin with the same dimensions—but, you could easily get two bins with different storage capacities. Let’s say you get quoted for a 35-foot-diameter, 30-foot-tall bin. However, the bin capacity differs by 10,000 bushels. 

The difference could be one was selling you a narrow-core bin and the other a wide-core bin. Narrow cores have more ribs and fridges. It gets more pressure as the grain falls down. Wide core bins have fewer ridges resulting in less pressure as grain flows in. 

Unloading

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The unloading system is a critical component of any storage bin. More efficient and faster unloading systems tend to cost more. However, faster or more powerful unloading systems can damage grain.

Go for U-Trough designs that can unload twice as fast. U-Trough and power sweep unloading systems also offer free flow that mitigates kernel damage. 

Ventilation

The temperature, humidity, and moisture inside your grain bins directly affect the quality of the product. You need dynamic grain bin monitoring systems to ensure you’re getting proper ventilation and the ability to control factors like temperature and moisture. The most common aeration systems you’d find are positive (push) and negative (pull down) systems. 

Scaling

Expanding operations doesn’t only help boost profits, but also allows you to stay ahead of the competition. Since a grain bin can be a costly investment, you need to make sure that it’s future-proof. Scaling-up production means scaling storage capacity.

Consider placing the grain bins where you’ll have room to grow. Weigh the pros and cons of going for smaller bins now and adding more later versus larger bins you can add on to ones you scale. 

Operational Needs to Consider

Grain bins are only part of your overall production system. Here are a couple more needs to consider: 

Power

When possible, you want a three-phase power for your storage systems. You can go for a single-phase set-up for smaller-scale operations. But, if you’re considering expanding, a three-phase system can cost less in the long run. Access to natural gas is also essential if you want to install a dryer. 

Location

Are you placing your bins on land far from your farm? Are you situated near a highway? Going for larger bins may require you to install them in another area. This can cost extra logistical fees. There will also be weight restrictions for trucks and equipment you need to drive up to your storage facility. 

When to Buy a Grain Bin

If you look at the charts, winter has been the best time to invest in a grain bin. Since demand is low, there’s likely to be better discounts during this period. Don’t wait until the last minute and buy when you desperately need a grain bin. Strategize and forecast your crop year and acquire the necessary long-term grain storage solutions.

Key Takeaways

Advancements in agricultural technology have made grain production an even playing field. It’s not about who can produce grain the fastest, but who can store better quality products. So, choose the right grain bin manufacturer to meet your storage needs. To help you decide which one to go for, consider the following:

• Silo Design

• Capacity

• Roof and Floor material

• Dimensions

• Loading and Unloading Speeds

• Ventilation 

• Scaling

Wall Grain Solutions can help you find the right storage solution for your unique business needs. Talk to our grain management advisers today!