The Best Grain Conveying Options For The Modern Farmer

A Modern Farmer’s Guide To Grain Conveying

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Conveyor systems help automate a large chunk of the agricultural industry—especially when handling grain. It’s not just about getting the grain from point A to point B. 

You need to get the grain processed in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible. Most modern grain conveying systems allow this thanks to computer-controlled automation. 

Several factors play into this. We need to identify the type of grain, the transportation distance, the speed, or the processing. But, before going further, we need to know the basics. 

What Is Grain Conveying?

Transporting grains might sound simple, but there's a lot we need to consider. In masse, grain is heavy. Poor transportation might result in impact damage, reducing quality. 

This is where grain management and conveyors come in. They’re designed to minimize impact damage and maintain the value of the grain. 

However, not all conveyors are the same. Each belt can be designed for specific grain, moisture content, volume, and more. Here’s a quick rundown of the common types of conveyors. 

Types Of Grain Conveyors

You can find a conveyor for every type of grain you want to be produced. Among the most common you’d find in the industry are the following:

• Bucket Elevators: This is an example of vertical grain handling equipment. It’s made from rubber belts and galvanized steel. Here, grain flows into buckets from the base of the elevator and is lifted. Then, it rotates around the conveyor belt. 

• Pneumatic Conveyors: This conveyor is made with both positive and negative pressure conveyors. It’s used for handling large quantities of grain. The grain is enclosed in a system via vacuum or compressed air. Then, airflow is used to move grain along a pipe. 

• Auger Systems: These are portable grain handling systems that can transport grain horizontally or at an incline. Your grain’s moisture levels affect the amount of grain that this conveyor can move and how much power it uses.

• Chain Conveyors: This conveyor is created from heat-treated metal, fastened with press-fit joints. Users can combine both horizontal and inclined chain conveyors to minimize equipment costs by eliminating the need for bucket elevators. 

• Belt Conveyors: This is one of the most basic types of conveyors. It’s used to carry grain gently. As such, it can have lower energy costs than other conveyor types. But, it can result in grains being susceptible to contaminants. 

There are a lot of conveyor types to choose from. But, how do you pick the right setup for you? Here are important factors you need to consider for choosing your conveying system. 

How Do You Pick The Right Grain Conveying Setup?

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Before spending time and resources, here are the things you need to consider:

Consider Your Challenges

Identifying your pain points helps you strategically set goals. First, you need to evaluate the needs of your plant, operations, and equipment. Next, outline process-related that can hinder your goals. 

Each plant is unique, but most encounter the following challenges:

• Bottlenecks in conveying lines

• Lack of space

• Product transportation

• Protection from external elements such as dust. 

• Equipment malfunctions.

• Maintenance issues.

• Poor support from suppliers.

Set Your Budget

Your budget ultimately defines what goals you can go for and the equipment you can use or purchase. Audit your equipment, identify which ones can be sold, check if you’re eligible for equipment leasing, payment setups, and more.

Compare Your Options

Before committing to a conveying system, check to see if there are other options. Alternatives provide a different perspective that might be better than your original choice, especially when considering the grain-handling equipment design.

The factors you need to consider when comparing equipment boil down to the following:

• Distance capabilities

• Installation 

• Size

• Ease of cleaning

• Maintenance 

Check If Your Chosen Option Works For You

After deciding from a series of options, validate if your choice really works for your plant. Remember, conveyors are a huge investment. So, test the conveyors before a purchase.

The best way to find the most effective one is through a conveying test lab. Just submit a sample of your grain products to the lab.

Then the lab examines your grain and gives recommendations. Specialists can help you identify what type of conveying is best for your specific grain and operations.

It’s a low-cost step that results in long-term benefits. Do this before committing to a conveyor system to ensure the highest possible ROI. 

Pick A Provider With A Track Record

After deciding what conveyor type to go for, it’s time to find a trustworthy provider with a proven history of success. Here are some of the qualities to look for in a conveyor provider:

• Authority in the industry.

• Has available parts.

• Provides clear quotes for the equipment.

• Can assist with installation.

• Has excellent customer service.

Benefits Of Grain Conveying

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Grain conveying offers a lot of benefits and not much downside as opposed to other grain transportation methods. With quality grain conveying systems, grain drying silos, and storage, you get the following benefits:

Better Production Rates

High-quality conveyors can transport anywhere from 150kg all the way to 500 tons of grain per hour. With the amount conveyors handle, operations become streamlined and more efficient. 

Safer

Automated conveyors are safer than manual alternatives. There’s no need for workers to carry heavy bags of grain from one point to the next. This reduces liabilities and improves overall safety. 

Less Dusty

Dust can cause major issues when left unchecked. With the use of conveyors, dust is practically eliminated during operation as it remains in the belt tube. This reduces or gets rid of council fines you’d usually encounter when handling grain manually. 

Lower Maintenance

Conveyors are typically designed for industrial or corporate farming. They’re built tough. It’s equipment meant to last. Materials can be made from premium rubber belting, minimizing wear and tear. Industry-grade bearings are also common to ensure there are no alignment issues.

Better Quality Goods

Impact damage can reduce the overall quality of your grain. Conveyors help you minimize this damage, especially during high-capacity operations. This ensures valuable and fragile commodities like grain retains their quality.

Key Takeaways

Grain conveying is the most efficient and cost-effective way to handle grain in virtually every step of the production process. But, before committing to a purchase, consider the following:

• Set your goals by identifying issues that could be solved by a conveyor. 

• Compare options from suppliers and choose one with a good track record.

• Quality grain conveyors improve production rates and reduce bottlenecks.

• It’s safer than manual operations and less prone to dust and external elements.

• Conveyors help you produce better quality goods.

If you want to make the most out of your investments, look no further than Wall Grain! Contact our grain management advisors today!