Gateway FS Construction Services choosing a grain dryer

Choosing the Right Grain Dryer

The ability to properly dry grain is one of the most crucial aspects of the agricultural process. There’s no point in taking the time and money to plant and harvest seed if that grain is just going to spoil after the fact. While grain is able to dry naturally, the ability to mechanically dry grain greatly speeds up the process. So as you can imagine, choosing the right grain dryer for your particular application is a matter of high importance. So we thought it would be a good idea to cover some of the different types of grain dryers as you consider which one might be best for you.

 

Premier Selection of Grain Dryers

 

In-Bin Dryers

In-bin dryers are great for those who don’t need significant capacity but would still like a high quality dryer that is also reliable and economical. Depending on the size of the bin and fan/heater combination, these bins can dry up to 500 bushels per hour.

Single and Two Fan Dryers

Single and two fan dryers are able to dry up to between 200 and 730 bushels per hour, increasing your drying capacity and while also automating the operation. They also install easily, often using existing storage but also able to utilize new storage.

Stackable Series Dryers

These types of dryers are typically used for larger operations needing to dry a lot of grain in a short timeframe. With capacities reaching up to 2,500 bushels per hour, stackable series dryers usually are able to fit into small areas and are automated to include high speed handling features.

Tower Dryers

While tower dryers are the most expensive style of dryer, they are also capable of drying the most amount of grain. Tower dryers can dry up to 10,000 bushels per hour.

 

The great thing about grain dryers is the high variety of customizability that can be provided. If you are interested in any kind of grain system, 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 system multi-generational farm

Project Profile: Multi-Generational Farm Grain System

At FS Construction Services we have enjoyed serving our community and many of our surrounding communities for over 40 years. One of the best aspects of working with so many in the agricultural world is that we get to spend so much time with generations of farmers and families that have passed their land, their knowledge, and their resources on down through the years, including this grain system.

 

Grain Hopper Bin Added to Grain System

 

So it was a great joy to have the opportunity to work with a multi-generational farm last summer when they were in need of some additional grain drying equipment. Nathan Koester and his team constructed an 18’ diameter, 5-ring tall Sukup hopper bin with a capacity of 4,900 bushels. This bin will act as a surge tank in front of a pre-existing drying bin to help keep the drying bin at a constant depth of grain and promote all-around faster drying. Additionally, we installed a fan on the bin for after-season storage as well as an easily accessible level indicator so our clients can check when the bin is close to capacity without having to actually enter the bin.

With this project completed in June, our clients were able to have everything in place for the upcoming harvest, helping ensure another year of production and another year of learning and training from one generation to another.

If you are in the market for any kind of new grain system, whether it is grain drying, grain storage, or grain handling, we can help you get the equipment you need to successfully get the job done. Our team of experts have decades of experience and will be happy to work with you on finding the right tools. If you have any questions at all, 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 Additional Grain Storage

Project Profile: Additional Grain Storage for Returning Customer

As a consumer, one of the more stressful tasks can be finding the right place to do the job you need. Whether it’s an auto shop, an electrician, or just a new restaurant that you hope is good, we all want to make sure we can get the product we want, at a price that works, from a place we trust, including additional grain storage.

 

6,950 Bushels of Additional Grain Storage Before Harvest

 

And at FS Construction Services, we understand that value. And while we are grateful for all of our clients, there is a special feeling that comes when a first-time client becomes a return client. This was the case late last year when a customer who had been brand new in the year 2021 came back again with some additional storage needs.

Nathan Koester and his team were able to provide this new structure just in time for harvest to really pick up. They installed a 21’ Sukup hopper bin to function as a wet tank right next to a continuous flow dryer. This 5-ring tall bin has a capacity of 6,950 bushels. Additionally, our team added a fan for aeration during the drying season and to help with storage when moving into the winter season. We also installed a dual-use twin hopper gate, one going to the dryer and one for load out when the dryer isn’t needed. All in all, we had our return client up and running and ready to take on the thick of the season.

If you are in need of grain drying, grain storage, or grain handling equipment, whether you are a returning customer or have never contacted us before, 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.

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.

Gateway FS Construction Services Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Once again, the year has flown by and we are already at the end of 2022. While we here at FS Construction Services would much rather be busy than bored, it does make the time go by quickly. Another full year of projects, new and returning clients, and the ever-present perk of getting to work with the wonderful people in our surrounding communities.

Happiest of Holidays to You and Yours

With this year nearly done and another one fast approaching, we wanted to take a little time to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas season and a Happy New Year. We hope that you are able to take some time off, get some much-needed rest, and have the opportunity to spend time with friends and family.

The list of tasks to be done and new ideas to explore certainly isn’t going anywhere and it will need tended to soon enough. But until then, we wish you a peaceful end of the year. We are looking forward to a little downtime, some good food, and a moment to take in the things in life that really matter the most.

We are thankful for the family, friends, and clients that we get to work with each day and their constant example of hard work and steadfastness we get to experience firsthand. We are grateful for the inspiration and the opportunity to serve so many wonderful men and women and look forward to what 2023 will bring our way.

As always, we are here for any of your building, grain system, seed system, roofing, garage door, and painting needs. If you have any questions at all, 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 Fourth of July

Wishing You a Great Fourth of July

After what may have been a couple strange years of Fourth of July celebrations, we here at FS Construction Services are happy to be celebrating in a year that feels more normal. So we wanted to take a moment to wish our family, friends, and clients a Happy Fourth of July. May it be full of laughter, hot dogs, fireworks, and a little bit of rest from the busyness of life.
 

Wishing You and Yours a Happy Fourth of July

 
We know that this time of year can bring a hundred worries, too much rain, not enough, too hot, too cool, and on and on. And yet, whatever worries we have today, we remain grateful for the worries and battles of those who came before us and made it possible for us to have backyards and parks and homes to celebrate in. We always appreciate the reminder to slow down for a moment and remember that none of what we have or experience is in a vacuum. Whether your own histories seem complex or simple, boring or exciting, we are grateful for the chance to think about ours here at FS Construction Services. The decades of relationships we’ve had, the services we’ve had the opportunity to provide, and the daily joy of getting to work in and around our community are all a part of a wonderful story we’re happy to be a part of.

We wish you the best this Fourth of July season and hope you have some time to relax and enjoy it all. Because of course, it won’t be long before we’re wondering where summer went and thinking about harvest all over again.

As always, if you are in need of a new building, grain storage equipment, seed systems, a garage door, a new roof, or some other kind of service, 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.