As harvest time approaches, proper preparation of your grain bins is crucial to safeguard your investment, maintain grain quality, and ensure safety on the farm. Neglecting pre-harvest maintenance can lead to spoilage, costly repairs, or even accidents. At Valley View Agri-Systems, we specialize in in-bin-drying systems, portable grain dryers, grain conditioning, and advanced grain systems that help you get the most out of your storage. Let’s walk through the essential steps to prep your grain bins for this year’s harvest.
- Remove Left-Behind Grain
Residual grain from last season provides the perfect breeding ground for insects and molds. Begin by completely emptying each bin, using a sweeper or auger to remove every kernel. Follow up with a thorough sweep and, if possible, a compressed-air blowout to clear dust and debris. This step not only reduces insect infestations but also ensures your grain conditioning equipment works efficiently.
- Check Under the Floor
Bins with slotted or perforated floors—often used in in-bin-drying systems—require extra attention. Inspect beneath the floor for trapped grain, broken slats, or contamination. Even small pockets of old grain can harbor spoilage organisms that compromise airflow and drying performance. Remove debris and ensure the subfloor is structurally sound.
- Inspect Unloading Equipment
Harvest season demands reliable unloading systems. Examine unload augers, conveyors, and spouts for wear, dents, or blockages. Replace any worn paddles or seals, and make sure motors and chains are tensioned correctly. Properly maintained unloading equipment minimizes downtime, keeping your portable grain dryer feeding smoothly during peak harvest.
- Oil and Grease as Necessary
A comprehensive lubrication schedule keeps moving parts performing optimally. Apply food-grade grease to bearings, chains, and sprockets, and oil to pivot points on doors and gates. Pay special attention to your advanced grain systems—such as variable-speed fans or control-system actuators—to avoid unexpected failures. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubrication intervals and types.
- Carefully Inspect Auger Flighting
Auger shafts and flighting endure heavy loads and abrasive grain. Inspect each auger section for thinning or cracked flighting, and measure flighting thickness if you have the tooling. Replace any sections showing significant wear—ideally before they break during unloading. A well-maintained auger ensures consistent grain flow, reducing the risk of jamming or motor overload.
- Check Bin Structural Integrity
Safety starts with a sound structure. Walk around each bin, examining panels, seams, and roof supports for rust, corrosion, or deformation. Look for loose bolts or missing fasteners and tighten or replace them as needed. Addressing these issues now prevents leaks, collapses, or other structural failures when your bins are full and under maximum load.
- Ensure Bulkhead Doors Can Close
Bulkhead doors seal the bottom opening of many bins—especially those used with in-bin-drying systems. Test each door to confirm it opens and closes freely without sticking or misalignment. Replace worn seals or gaskets to maintain airtight closure, which is essential for controlling moisture levels during both storage and drying.
- Check Security and Integrity of Ladders and Catwalks
Safe access to the top of your bins is non-negotiable. Inspect ladders, cages, catwalks, and anchor points for rust, loose rungs, or damaged welds. Replace or repair any compromised components. If you use a portable platform for loading your grain conditioning equipment, ensure its guardrails and supports meet OSHA standards.
Next Steps
Thorough pre-harvest grain bin preparation protects your crop quality, enhances the performance of your portable grain dryer, and extends the life of your equipment. At Valley View Agri-Systems, we offer turnkey solutions—from advanced grain systems and in-bin-drying systems to complete grain conditioning packages—customized to your operation’s needs.
Ready for a hassle-free harvest? Contact Valley View Agri-Systems today to explore our full line of harvesting and storage technologies to make this harvest season your best one yet!