FS Construction Services grain dryer pre-harvest check up

Grain Dryer Pre-Harvest Checkup

It’s probably accurate to say that there aren’t many times of the year where harvest isn’t a thought in the mind of a farmer. But as we move throughout this summer, that thought of harvest is going to grow much bigger in a short amount of time. So here at FS Construction Services we thought it would be a good idea to discuss the grain dryer pre-harvest checkup you will want to run on your grain dryers to make sure everything is operational and ready for the coming harvest.

 

FSCS Suggests a Grain Dryer Pre-Harvest Checkup

 

This first one is obvious and yet too critical to ignore. Be sure to practice all appropriate safety measures when servicing or inspecting any electrical or mechanical components.

Next, you will want to perform a thorough cleaning. Check all augers, downspouts, and dryer columns for debris and signs of animals taking up residence. Clean your control box and sweep up the floors and clear out any standing debris.

As you’re moving around your dryer, you can check for wear and tear. Inspect your belts to make sure they are not worn down and still hold proper tension. Make sure your hoses and connections are all secure and not leaking and check the burner for obstructions, nests, or anything that would prevent it from operating the way it needs to.

We know the days are busy, but if you can get to this early enough, you will also have time for a test run. Firing everything up before you need to actually start filling it with grain is an invaluable step and can save you a lot of stress down the road.

If you have questions about preseason checks for grain dyers, or if you are in need of any new or updated grain system 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.

FS Construction Services Jarret Herzog parts and service

Herzog Profile: Parts and Service (#3 of 3)

Over the past couple months we have been speaking with Jarret Herzog, our Service Manager at FS Construction Services, and leaning on his 20 years of experience here to learn about a variety of topics. Jarret embodies our philosophy at FS Construction Services of a client-first approach. So this time, as we explore parts and service, you will also get a sense of how we approach our clients, even long after the point of sale.

Jarret Herzog Takes Pride in Parts and Service

Jarret puts it best when he says, “My goal is to treat people how I would like to be treated.” We know that the world of agriculture is stressful. There are, quite literally, many moving parts at all times. There is a crucial reliance on properly working machinery, often uncooperative elements, and the added stressor of time crunch. All of this means that things have to work the way they’re supposed to, and if they don’t, there needs to be a solution quickly.

For that reason, “We keep a good inventory available for all machines, including Sukup, Shivvers, and GSI. This includes pulleys, belts, bearings, and motors.” In some cases, we are able to troubleshoot and solve problems over the phone. Not only is there the internal knowledge of our team, but we also have many catalogs, books, and manuals on hand for reference.

As Jarret says, “We need to take care of our customers, or we are falling short of our commitment. We get them what they need to keep them going. This is so very important, especially during harvest. It can mean longer hours, extra work, but this is the Super Bowl for growers.”

Over the years, we have come to expect certain issues arise and have anticipated solutions. We know during harvest we will get a lot of service requests for drying systems, and we also know that we can do the math to calculate proper speeds for drying systems over the phone. We also know that we get many service requests regarding unloading in January: power sweep trouble, bearings going out in vertical unloads, and electrical motor issues.

If you find yourself in a pinch, have an unanswered question, or need a new part quickly, 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 Jarret Herzog preventative maintenance

Jarret Herzog Profile and Preventative Maintenance Series #1 of 3

We work hard to ensure that the name FS Construction Services means something to those who hear it. Our ultimate goal is to make our name synonymous with hard work, quality, and great customer service. However, what truly makes FS Construction Services special are the individual employees who make up our team. Our collective expertise, experience, and skill is made strong by the wonderful employees who do this work day in and day out.

 

Preventative Maintenance Specialist

 

So we thought we would take some time to highlight our employees, explore what makes them such a great addition to our team, and give you an idea of how they might be able to help you. First up is our longtime Service Manager Jarret Herzog. Jarret is going to help us cover the topic of preventative maintenance this month.

During the almost 20 years Jarret has been Service Manager at FS Construction Services he has gained a reputation for being a quiet, modest, and knowledgeable man. Those who have the pleasure of working with him quickly learn that he is trustworthy and straightforward. Jarret’s experience really began when he was a child, growing up on a farm and learning how to work on agricultural equipment firsthand. He spent three years in the Navy on the USS O’Bannon then returned home and got an Ag degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

Since he stepped into his Service Manager role with us Jarret has been the go-to for service needs for our grain systems customers as well as our employees who serve them. “When I have maintenance issues or questions, I know I can trust Jarrett. He is always helpful, friendly and knows my operation.” stated long-time customer Wes Kuergeleis.

Some of Jarret’s top preventative maintenance tips are:

  1. Rodent control. Check wire insulation for rodent damage. Mice can eat wires right up to the motor housing. To control mice, consider mouse bait or even getting cats on the farm.
  2. If drying system heaters won’t light or burn, check to make sure no safety breakers have been tripped.
  3. Check sweeps for wear and also check center verticals and chain couplers.
  4. Inspect fans, heaters, safety circuits, bearings, and transfer augers.
  5. Schedule a professional preventative maintenance service call well in advance of harvest.

Many customers have their own “checklist” that they run down prior to harvest however, your best bet to ensure your grain storage and handling equipment is in peek working order is to have a professional come and perform a thorough inspection. Pre-harvest is always the best time to schedule these.

Next month, we will continue our preventative maintenance series and cover information about the brands that we work with.

If you have any questions you’d like to ask Jarret or any of our other experts, 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 metal siding cleaning tips

Tips for Cleaning Your Metal Siding

It’s the time of year where you’re likely to find yourself outside watering plants and noticing the growing spiderwebs around your windows and doors. And while you may be tempted to knock them down quickly and carry on, it’s worth asking yourself when the last time you cleaned your siding was.

 

Low Maintenance Metal Siding Cleaning Tips

 

If you have metal siding, a little care here and there can go a long way towards extending the lifetime of that siding. The frequency at which you want to perform an inspection depends on where you live and the kind of beating your siding and roof takes on a regular basis. But generally you will want to first check for any obvious issues like chipped paint, rust, or other damages.

Check for any branches touching your siding or your roof and if you can, cut them back so they don’t scrape against the house. You will also want to clear off any leaves or other debris that might either damage the panels or clog your gutters.

Speaking of gutters, make sure to do an occasional check for clogs. Not only do you want to make sure your gutters are taking water away from your house, but standing water can cause corrosion after a long enough time.

Metal siding isn’t prone to mold or fungus, but you may want to give them a good washing every now and again. Rather than power washing, spray them down with a garden hose. If there are any spots that need extra cleaning, use a little dish soap or car washing soap to scrub at the problem area.

Metal siding and metal roofs such as products by our partner Fabral are a strong, unfussy solution for most houses. If you are in need of updating your current roofing or siding and have any 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 metal roof maintenance

How Easy Is It? Metal Roof Maintenance

Earlier this year we took some time to compare metal roofs with other types of roofing materials and explore the benefits a metal roof provides. This time we want to take a similar approach but zero in on the specific ways that metal roof maintenance compares to maintenance on other kinds of roofs. In general, metal roofs last over 50 years, carry long warranties, and require significantly less upkeep than their roofing counterparts.

 

Metal Roofs Easiest to Maintain

 

Asphalt

Starting with the traditional asphalt shingle roofs, their lifespan can be anywhere from 10-30 years, but they will need regular inspections throughout that time. It’s common for individual shingles or sections of shingles to need replacing. It’s also common to have to re-caulk and seal parts of the roof as time goes by and the shingles age.

Tile

Tile roofs can have a longer lifespan than asphalt roofs, even up to and beyond 50 years. Like asphalt roofs though, they will need regular inspections because tiles are prone to crack and slide out of place over time. Additionally, tile roofs provide limited wind resistance when compared to other materials, so if you have a tile roof in a generally windy area, it may require more maintenance.

Shake

A shake-shingle roof has a lifespan of around 30 years. While their rustic and natural appearance is pleasing, it comes with an added maintenance cost. Apart from annual inspections, shake-shingle roofs usually require maintenance every 2-4 years as they are prone to mold, rot, and leakage.

Slate

Slate roofs have a lifespan of 75 years and beyond, which is considerably impressive. Due to their heavy weight, it’s recommended to have a structural inspection before installation. After installation, an annual inspection is recommended as slate roofs can chip, crack, and slide. One other factor to consider is there are likely to be color variations if they need to be repaired.

Metal

Finally, our favorite material, the metal roof. They have a lifespan of 50-plus years and require fewer inspections than the other materials, usually based on the manufacturer’s recommendation. While it can happen, repairs and replacements are uncommon. Additionally, metal roofs are resistant to fading and rot, though if needed, they can be repainted.

 

So, there you have it. There are, of course, other factors to consider, but we always like to say there is nothing that beats the peace of mind of a metal roof. If you are interested in learning more, 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.

FSCS Construction Services electric motors

Premier Electric Motors

After well over 40 years of service, we at FS Construction Services know very well that life is unpredictable and any given day can never be taken for granted. Equipment such as electric motors break down, weather doesn’t cooperate, and the list goes on and on. While we wish we could say that we have a fix for that, obviously, we don’t and nobody does. However, with the right equipment for the right job, or a solid backup plan for when things don’t quite go your way, we feel confident that we can save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Premier Selection of Electric Power Motors

It will be no surprise to anyone that we work with a lot of clients whose day-to-day work involves some heavy-duty power needs. And with our electric motors services, we are happy to find the best, most efficient means of that power. Our partners at Baldor Motors, Marathon Electric Motors, and Leeson Motors have deep product catalogs, energy-efficient motors, generators, extra parts and more. Whether you’re looking to power an auger drive, an aeration fan, a crop drier, or you need a generator to keep you going when things don’t go as planned, we’ve got you covered.

If you are in the market for a motor, we keep many of these products in stock for quick delivery. If you can’t find what you are looking for on our web page, please reach out to us and we will see what we can make happen for you.

Be ready for the job ahead and be prepared to keep going even when an unseen circumstance comes. If you have any questions or 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.

Gateway FS Construction Services metal building

Project Profile: The Little Details Make a Building Unique

At FS Construction Services, we have constructed our fair share of buildings over the years. From every shape and size to a whole host of different functions and purposes, we have had the opportunity to see just how much variety you can get in a wood or steel building. In many cases though, what really sets a structure apart are all the extra details. Whether it’s huge, sliding doors, an insulated living space, or stalls for horses, the variety of additions here and there are what really make a building, the building.

Metal Building for Storage and Maintenance

Recently, we had the chance to build a new structure with enough extra features to set it apart from the other buildings like it. This 42’ x 80’ x 16’ drive-through facility was built on a concrete slab to be used for storage and maintenance. We lined the building with R42 ceiling insulation and R19 wall insulation to increase the building’s thermal efficiency and help keep it warmer during the cold months. Along one side of the building we installed 10 7’ x 2’ fixed glass windows to provide the interior with plenty of natural light. On each side of the building is a 14’ x 14’ Raynor garage door featuring windows and exhaust ports.

The structure uses 5” x 6” standard columns and laminated columns that have been staggered for strength. Along the exterior, we have installed sectional gutters with 4” x 3” down spouts to drive water away from the building and slab.

While this particular project may not have had anything completely out of the ordinary, it featured just enough of the little kinds of extras and details to make it the exact building our client wanted. If you are looking for your own custom steel or wood building, 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 seed systems

Seed Systems: What FS Construction Can Do For You

Farming is a broad word and will probably bring a lot of different images to mind depending on the person. And while it’s true that as long as there have been people, there have been farmers, farming also lives on the cutting edge of technological innovation. This is perhaps nowhere more apparent than in the world of seed treatment. And while coating seeds to boost their chance of success isn’t necessarily new, the precision and automation with which it’s now done is truly remarkable.

When it comes to something like seed treatment, consistency and reliability is key. The fastest or biggest treatment system in the world is no good if it doesn’t produce dependable results. It’s important enough that we’ve partnered with some of the best seed treatment system manufacturers in the industry: USC, Meridian Manufacturing, and Schuld/Bushnell, so we can guarantee our customers get the product and the results they’re looking for. From tabletop to larger capacity to commercial options to portable treaters, we’ve got every shape and size of treater you might need.

As automation has become more sophisticated, so have we. Most sites we work on now involve setting up automated seed treatment systems, which is crucial to getting consistent results time and time again. Our team works closely with clients when setting up a new system to make sure they’re fully trained and comfortable with whatever automation system they’re working with.

Of course, with any kind of machinery, there’s no way around the occasional maintenance. Sometimes it’s just a preseason checkup and other times it’s an upgrade or a piece that needs to be retrofitted. Whatever the issue may be, FS Construction Services is here to help.

From choosing the right product, to installation, to calibration, to training, to maintenance, we are with you every step of the way when it comes to your seed treatment system. If you are in need of some new equipment, or you just have a few 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 preseason discounts

Get a Jump on the New Year! Preseason Discounts Available

At FS Construction Services, we know that the memory of harvest may still be fresh in the minds of many of our friends and clients. And while we wish everyone a restful, relaxing beginning to the new year, we also know that now is the best time to begin planning for the oncoming planting season. The same can be said for pretty much any building or maintenance project that you’re looking to tackle this year. We know that it can be tempting to put projects and problems on hold, especially during these cold days and long nights, but we wanted to give you something to think about while you hibernate. From grain systems to buildings to seed systems, there are a number of preseason discounts available and certainly worth consideration.

As you take stock of your equipment, buildings, and systems, if you’ve had updates or upgrades planned for the year, now is a great time to move, as many of our partners are still offering discounts and deals. Additionally, our calendar can get filled up pretty fast, and while spring may seem like a long way off, there is no doubt that it will be here before we know it. If you are interested in getting us on your schedule, or if you would like to talk to an expert about any of our services or need help thinking through a possible project, please don’t hesitate to reach out. And of course, be sure to ask us about any current or upcoming preseason deals so we can get you the equipment you want at a price that works for you.

For grain and seed systems to buildings, roofing, garage doors, and more, our goal is to provide our customers and clients with the best possible products at the best prices with the best service. If you have any 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.

Metal Building renovation

Breathing New Life Into an Old FS Building: Part 2

This is the second of two articles covering the extensive updates done to an old FS structure this past February as it transformed into something that looks like it could have been built yesterday. While it is always fun to build a brand-new structure from the ground up, sometimes it is equally satisfying to take an old structure and make it feel new again. Sometimes this is the renovation or preservation of something historic, and other times, it’s simply a matter of efficiency and cost, as it was with this great older building.

New Ceiling and Metal Walls Transform This Building

In the quest to ensure this old FS building would continue to serve its purpose, we added new sliding doors and a new roof over the smaller, office portion of the structure. After these first two changes were complete, our team went about a couple more major renovations. The first was the installation of a new ceiling in the 32 x 54’ shop area of the building. This new ceiling was filled with blown-in insulation to significantly increase the structure’s thermal efficiency.

With doors, roof, and ceiling all updated, there was one major update still left to tackle. The original building featured large polymer panels, effectively turning the building into a type of greenhouse. Similar to the doors, we replaced those polymer panels with red metal walls to match the rest of the structure and create a more unified look.

Relying on the solid bones of the original building, our team was able to make some key updates to ensure our client will have many, many more comfortable, functional years with this structure. If you are looking for steel or wood building work, whether it’s new construction or updating existing buildings, 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.