Take time to prepare drying equipment, storage structures for harvest | Profitability for the Future | farmweeknow.com

Travis Bressner

Farmers should prepare grain bins, such as these in Grundy County, soon for the upcoming harvest season. (Photo by Catrina Rawson)

Taking the time to prepare now is a critical step that is often overlooked for drying and storage during harvest. Follow this check list for steps and tips to prepare your equipment and storage structures to be ready to go for a trouble-free grain drying season.

Grain Bin Preparation

With grain bins and dryers, it is important to take steps to ensure cleanliness of the storage structures before harvest starts. Before the season begins:

• Remove last year’s grain from bins and clean up the remaining dust. Removal of all fines and dust will reduce the chance for insect activity. Spray for insects under floors and ducts that cannot be cleaned if insects were present previously. Never mix or blend old-crop grain or contaminated grain with the new crop.

• Lock out all equipment that could accidently start up while workers are cleaning the bin. Wear a dust mask when sweeping the bins. Avoid running fans during cleaning. Avoid dust clouds by practicing good housekeeping and control and eliminate the sources of ignition like high bearing temperature or belt slippage. When entering a bin filled with grain, follow recommended safety procedures. Anyone entering a grain bin should have a body harness tethered to a lifeline with at least two others outside the bin, one should be able to see the person inside the bin while the second would have the ability to call the fire department or rescue squad for help. Locate all personal safety equipment and store it near the bins for easy access.

• Check bin equipment and drying floors for any obstructions that may interfere with the operation of the unloading auger. Sweep the floor clean to make sure proper airflow can pass from the fan to the grain.

• Remove old grain, weeds and trash from around the grain bin area so rodents, pests and insects will not have a place to nest. Sanitation in and around the grain system requires constant attention and is very important for maintaining the value of your grain.

• Check grain bin exhaust vents to be sure they are no bird nests or plugs from bees’ wings and trash. Plugged vents can reduce airflow through the grain resulting in reduced drying rates. Roof damage can also result from plugged vents. Adequate venting is necessary to allow air to freely exhaust from the bin.

• Look around the outside of the bin for foundation cracks and seal any minor cracks to prevent them from enlarging. Check for wind damage that may have changed the shape of the bin or roof. Any structural damage to the bin could worsen with loading/unloading and fan operation, so it is best to identify any damage and repair it.

• Level and shape the ground around the bins to provide good drainage and prevent water pooling. Standing water can support insects and perhaps indicate water inside the bin. Water inside the bin or near an aeration fan intake can increase the humidity of the air entering the grain and cause rewetting.

Equipment Preparation

During this time, it is also a good idea to take care of any repair and maintenance of the equipment used to dry and handle the grain to operate safely and prevent costly breakdowns. Prior to harvest:

• Inspect and test all powered equipment to be sure it is in good working order. Perform any maintenance, adjustments, repair and lubrication. Begin this process far enough in advance to allow time to obtain parts for unexpected repairs.

• Be sure that all augers, conveyors and fans are working properly before the season. Check to be sure the fan blades rotate freely and in the proper direction. Be sure augers and conveyors can start and run without problems, listen for potential bearing problems or interference that may be caused by a damaged housing, bird or rodent nests or clumps of spoiled grain. Make sure all fan screens, belt and chain guards, auger guards and safety shields are in place. Follow all safety precautions when checking and repairing augers and fans.

• If gas heaters are used for bin drying, check fan and heater wires for mouse damage and loose connections. Inspect gas lines and hoses for integrity and test for leaks. Inspect the burner for rust and insect nests and that the burner ports are clear and can provide flame along the entire burner.

• If you use a portable dryer check the gas lines and hoses for leaks and weathering. Also, check all wires and connections. Replace damaged wires and tighten loose connections.

Once you finish this checklist, be sure to do a final inspection to make sure that the bins have been thoroughly cleaned and all other preparatory measures have been completed.

Contact your local FS company for a grain system maintenance inspection, parts and service.

Travis Bressner is the grain systems customer service manager for GROWMARK

Travis Bressner