Grain system FS Construction Services

Project Profile: Fully-Loaded 42’ Grain System

Despite the number of days on the calendar, February can often feel like the longest month of the year. Especially here in the Midwest, we know that spring may be a few weeks away, or it might not come till mid-April. So at FS Construction Services we like to think about the warmer months and a new grain system, even when the days are still short and the possibility of another snowstorm still hangs in the air.

 

New Grain System Before Harvest

 

This got us thinking about some of our projects from last summer. We have often completed grain system projects just as harvest is ramping up and there is absolutely no time to waste. This instance, however, was a little earlier, giving our client a little more time with their new equipment before they would really need to rely on it.

The first item Nathan Koester and his team installed was a 42’ diameter, 7-ring Sukup grain storage bin with a bushel capacity of 33,000. In addition, we installed an axial fan for better aeration and a roof vent to allow airflow without having to leave a manhole open. We also added an 8” power sweep with a horizontal power head that can provide approximately 2500 bushel per hour load out. Finally we built stairs around the outside of the bin for safe and easy roof access.

Scheduling these kinds of updates as early as possible allows our clients to have time, training, and experience with their new equipment, setting them up for greater success later in the year. If you are in need of some new or updated grain storage, grain drying, or grain transfer equipment, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

Wet holding tank grain systems FS Construction Services

Project Profile: New Wet Holding Tank

Here at FS Construction Services, we understand that at one time or another we have probably all had the experience of being midway through a project and suddenly realizing that we don’t actually have everything we need to finish. Needless to say it isn’t a great feeling. In the world of agriculture, even with the best of planning, there are times when you find yourself in a situation where you need something you didn’t have before. This was the case for a recent client of ours, who was right in the middle of the summer, staring down the harvest, and in need of a new wet holding tank.
 

Wet Holding Tank Just In Time for Harvest

 
Nathan Koester and his team were on it, and were able to quickly consult and construct a 25,000 bushel, 30’ wide wet holding tank for our client. This Sukup hopper bin has been designed to efficiently feed its attached grain dryer. In addition, we added a 12” 100’ double run. This compact, quiet, and smooth conveyer is known for being gentle on grain and requiring little maintenance. With these new pieces installed, our client was ready for the immediate harvest and the harvests to come.

When problems arise, there is no better time than right now to fix them. Of course, while that’s not possible in every situation, sometimes with a quick team and lots of experience, you can get pretty close.

If you are looking to get a jump on the upcoming season, or if you have been thinking about updating your grain drying, grain handling, or grain storage equipment, or if you have any other grain solution questions, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services safe harvest

Five Simple Tips for a Safe Harvest

Large grain bins capable of storing thousands of bushels of crop and grain dryers that are able to quickly dry such huge amounts are a necessary part of agriculture. Unsurprisingly, proper safety and care taken in and around these structures and equipment is a must for any successful harvest season.

How to Have a Safe Harvest

It’s hard to believe, but we are quickly moving through harvest season. For many of our clients and many in our community this means weeks of high stress, little sleep, and hard work. At FS Construction Services we know a thing or two about working under these conditions. In the interest of keeping you safe and productive during this busy season, here are some harvest-time suggestions and safety tips for your grain bins, dryers, and other equipment.

  1. Never enter a grain bin without de-energizing (turning off) and disconnecting, locking out and tagging, or blocking off all mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment that presents a danger, particularly grain-moving equipment (OSHA). Grain is not a stable surface, and when it’s moving, pockets can develop that will cause grain to act like quicksand.
  2. Do not enter a grain bin without alerting others. Make sure the person inside the bin always has someone keeping tabs on them, as well as a safety harness or boatswains chair should they need assistance.
  3. Be sure to regularly clean surfaces, filters, and other areas where excessive dust may accumulate. Grain dust is very flammable and the more dust you have, the higher the chances for an unwanted fire.
  4. Be careful not to overfill bin with grain. Not only does this prevent ventilation, but it can put unnecessary stress on your structure.
  5. Plan regular inspections. Make sure chains and bearings are properly lubricated, ladders are secure, safety shields are present, etc.

Finally, be sure to get as much rest as you can during this busy season. When you’re out in the field, be sure to pack protein and calorie-rich food to keep your energy up and combat the tiredness such a hectic time of year often brings.

We wish you a safe and successful harvest! As always, if you have any equipment questions throughout harvest let Gateway FS Construction Services know. With more than 40 years of grain system expertise, from grain drying to grain storage to grain handling and transfer, we are always happy to help. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you today. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services tips for harvest grain systems

5 Tips to Prepare for Harvest

We here at FS Construction Services hope you had a great summer, whether you stayed close to home or decided to travel. Since we are once again at the beginning of harvest, we thought we would take some time to discuss five helpful tips to best prepare for the upcoming harvest.

 

Time Again to Get Ready for Harvest

 

Clean Up

We know that large-scale cleaning jobs are no one’s favorite task, but sometimes they really do have to be done. Sweeping out and vacuuming any remaining grain from your bins so they are ready for new grain is a necessary step. We also recommend spraying your side walls with an insecticide to kill any remaining bugs or eggs that the sweeping didn’t clear out.

Check for Cracks

You will want to make sure there aren’t air gaps in your walls. Incoming cold or moist air can cause damage to your stored grain. Seal any cracks with caulk and check under the ceiling lip and for small cracks in the foundation. Any foundation crack over half an inch long may point to a larger structural problem, so you will want to inspect your foundation carefully.

Electrical System

Make sure all your switches, fans, spreaders, and other electronics are functioning as they should before it’s too late. If mice get into your bin, they can chew through wires, and that’s not something you want to find out late in the game. Additionally, birds are known for building nests in spreaders, so be on the lookout for birds’ nests.

Cooling Plan

Temperature control is one of the most important parts of the storing process. Having a plan to consistently, systematically even and cool your grain is crucial. Also keep a close watch on grain that was harvested early. Grain that stays longer in the field may have fewer bugs since they will have died if there was a freeze.

Be Ready

This may seem obvious, but keep a constant eye out for maturing fields. The timeline will change depending on weather and crop stress, so simply basing it off of the previous year won’t do.

 

We wish you a safe and productive harvest this year. If you have any grain system needs, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services tips for choosing custom grain storage system

5 Tips for Choosing a Grain Storage System

At FS Construction Services we know that when it comes to upgrading your grain storage, there are a lot of questions to answer. And of course, when it comes to any significant cost, you want to make sure you’re getting something that meets your present needs while still giving you options for the future. Thanks to our wonderful partners, such as Sukup, we are able to provide a wide variety of customization options for grain storage, so we wanted to focus on some tips that you may find helpful if you’re nearing an upgrade.
 

Keys to Choosing Custom Grain Storage Systems

 
Size

This one is obvious, yet it bears much of the consideration. Whether you’re building in an unused plot or next to existing structures, there are some fundamental questions to answer. You’ll want to think about how much physical space you have to work with and if you need to connect to a pre-existing structure. You’ll also want to decide if you need a contingency plan for an unexpectedly big yield.

Accessibility

Where are you planning on building your new storage? Is it easily accessible for both you and the utilities it will need? If you’re working with an empty space, you’ll want to think through grading, distance from power lines, etc. If you’re not building on your own land, then you will need to consider transportation along public roads.

Storage

This is also part of size considerations, but it will be important to know if you’re going to store grain for a short term or a long term. Unfortunately, since you don’t control your yield or the price you get for it, you’ll want to consider the option of holding onto your grain until a more advantageous time comes.

Durability

These grain systems are exposed. Wind, rain, hail, and even more come crashing down on these structures each year, so you’ll want to make sure that yours is up to the task. Keeping a tight, sealed system has long-reaching effects.

Recommendations

These considerations are broad and don’t even scratch the surface of the complexities involved in making this decision. So utilize the expertise of our grain systems team. See what has been successful for others to make an informed decision.

If you are ready to move forward with a new system or if you have some questions you need answered first, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.

FS Construction Services grain dryer

Project Profile: Grain Drying Solution

At FS Construction Services we talk a lot about the importance of grain storage systems. Having enough space, having a well-protected grain bin, having good airflow, etc. are all integral to effectively storing your grain long term or short term. Less often, do we talk about grain handling or grain drying, so today we want to take a little time to focus on the importance of these other types of grain systems, and we thought there is no better way than highlighting a project we have recently completed.

New Sukup Axial Fan Dryer for Efficient Grain Drying

Our client had an established four-bin setup, but was in need of a new, efficient dryer. To make this possible, we installed a T16 Sukup Axial Fan Dryer. This 14’ 7” H x 25’ L x 7’ 11” W dryer has the ability to hold up to 440 bushels and has a grain column holding capacity of 380 bushels. The T16 grain dryer has a top-line drying capacity of 725 bushels per hour. Additionally, we installed a double run conveyor to adequately fill the new dryer as well as a second bin to act as a wet bin.

When all was said and done, our client is now able to quickly and effectively dry, move, and store their grain for however long they need to. With properly dried grain they won’t need to worry about mildew, rot, or spoilage, and rest comfortably knowing it will be there for them when they need it.

If you are in the market for a new grain system, whether that’s grain storage, grain drying or grain handling equipment, please let Gateway FS Construction Services know. Give us a call at 866-551-3454, and let our specialists help you find exactly what you are looking for. We look forward to providing you the best customer service experience.