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Product information
A
grain bin often only has its me-
chanical components run for a
few hours or days each year, and it
has little use for the rest of the
year. The only exception would be grain
aeration equipment.
This can make it more likely that there will
be an issue or failure when these key me-
chanical components are required to per-
form than if they are used regularly, notes
Mr Gary Woodruff, GSI district manager in
Indiana and Kentucky.
’For example, cleaning and maintaining
the electrical equipment, including break-
ers, is often overlooked, but it is an impor-
tant part of a dependable storage season,’
Woodruff says.
Key areas
Woodruff suggests checking the following
key equipment areas before harvest:
Fans and burners
Make sure the fans and burners are clean
and free from obstructions. Some motors
require grease every few years. Follow the
manufacturer’s manual recommendations.
Inspect the blade for damage, and make
sure that the fan turns at full speed with no
vibration.
Some floor supports can move (with vibra-
tion) if grain is not present, so keep this
test to a minimum check. The burners
should have a service inspection at least
every two or three years. All gas lines and
gas components must be kept in an excel-
lent condition.
A test firing of the burner before the season
starts is a good way to prevent problems on
the first day of harvest.
Discharge and power sweep
components
The discharge equipment isn’t usually used
during harvest, unless grain is immediately
transferred – but the only time the discharge
wells, and particularly the inside drive
components of a power sweep, are acces-
sible, is before grain is put in the bin.
Check the motor and service if necessary.
Check the belts for damage and make
sure they are at a proper tension. Replace
if questionable. Lightly lubricate – prefer-
ably with food-grade lubricant – where
grain comes into contact with any area
Safety measures for grain bins
Tom J Bechman,
GSI