Agriculture Preventative Maintenance for Grain Bins, Grain Drying, and Handling Equipment
Grain handling equipment and storage bin cleaning are on all farmer’s to-do lists, but sometimes other things take priority. While cleaning grain storage externally appears straightforward, inside is another story due to the complexity.
Grain bin issues are often a result of little problems becoming much more significant. Chester Inc. Agricultural Systems understands how difficult it can be to try and keep every little part of your grain system in check. That is why we offer maintenance services to keep your investments profitable.
Once you start filling the bin is not the time to find out something needs to be fixed. A proactive annual maintenance strategy will keep your harvested grain in good condition all season.
Here are eight strategies to keep your Ag investments in safe, optimal working conditions.
- Clean Your Storage Bins
Thoroughly clean your containers before filling them with new grain. Grain bin cleaning eliminates any old items that might be sticking around, which can attract rodents. Remember to do the same for your interior equipment, such as your augers and combines. These devices have crevices that can retain dirt or grain and become hot spots for insects. Consider cleaning under the floors as dust and dirt accumulate. Cleaning will reduce the threat of dust fires or food contamination, making your environment safer.
- Patch Any Holes
Holes are entranceways for mice and other critters to access your grain containers and set up the sanctuary. In no time, they can multiply and wreck a whole grain supply, leaving you with damaged products. Chester Inc. Ag Systems offers services for damaged areas repair and protection.
- Perform Insect Control
Suppose you have experience in pet fumigation or have used pesticides at your farm before. It’s the best method to carry out insect control measures so pests do not become a future problem. Fumigating is much less efficient if there are openings where the chemical can leave, so it’s vital to spot holes before this action.
Temperature level control and aeration are significant aspects of pest monitoring. Bugs cannot live on grain with less than 10 percent dampness, but you’ll want to prevent too much drying, or else, the goods can diminish and break, downgrading their top quality.
- Repair Damaged Equipment
An essential part of grain management upkeep is replacing old or falling mechanics. You’ll have a more challenging time performing daily operations without the appropriate devices in top working condition. Make sure the fans are balanced and have no debris or ice. Inspect the unloading system and evaluate the gears used to refine bulk materials, such as the slide gates. If there are seize-ups or leaks in these vital areas, you might lose a lot of products.
The same is valid for flow valves, which control grain flow at discharge points. They can leak grain or assist in contamination if they do not have a tight seal. Flow shutoffs stop this leakage while giving optimal efficiency in various applications. Additionally, electrical elements like control boxes can come to be nesting areas. Small pets may then ruin the circuitry by chewing on it. Examine these areas for nests or chewed wires, and replace broken devices as needed.
- Maintain the Surrounding Environment
Recognize the setting inside and outside your bins. The lengthy lawn around the storage space container can draw in rats, which may enter via openings and feed upon the grain. Produce a clear boundary around your containers to discourage animals from concealing in this field. The ground needs good grading that diverts water from the bin.
- Keep a stable optimal temperature and humidity.
Many sensing devices measure how much grain remains in a particular bin and at what temperature and humidity. Storing your grain in the best environment will maximize your crop’s return on investment and avoid mold spoilage.
- Examine the Grain.
Examine your seeds for issues, fractured kernels, and foreign objects that suppress airflow. Many features must be tweaked and optimized to avoid grain damage.
- Reinforce the Structure.
Your grain foundation keeps it durable, holding hundreds of pounds without faltering. Securing this base from architectural damage is essential for the whole container. It likewise ensures that the grain has an even, impervious foundation to hinge on without risk of contamination. Seal any cracks you find and tighten the nuts and bolts. Search for signs of a changed foundation, uneven settling, or walls pulling away from the base.
We hope you enjoyed this article. For over 75 years, farmers have counted on Chester Inc. Agricultural Systems. Contact Chester Ag Systems for more information. Know that every agricultural business we service will receive our absolute best, no matter how big or small!