Grain bin preseason building FS Construction Services

Project Profile: Grain Bin Built in Preseason

Last winter was a bit of an unusual one. We imagine there were probably many disappointed children (and many relieved parents) when the promise of sledding simply couldn’t be fulfilled because there wasn’t much snow. However, we like to look at the positives here at FS Construction Services, and one of the upsides of our relatively snow-less winter was that it ended up being a great time for easier preseason building and allowed clients to get further ahead of the curve.

 

Preseason Building of Grain Bin Storage

 

This was the case for one of our clients last January who was in need of some additional grain storage. Thanks to some cooperative weather, we were able to quickly complete construction on a 6-ring tall, 30’ in diameter storage bin. This Sukup grain bin has a capacity of 14,000 bushels and also included two down augers, an incline unload head with power sweep, and finally an exterior staircase for safe and convenient access. When all was said and done, the new structure was built and our client was able to begin the year with the comfort of knowing plenty of storage would be available when needed.

While we can’t always guarantee smooth and calm weather, we can certainly proclaim the benefits of preseason building. Of course, we know that time and circumstance doesn’t always allow, but if you can plan ahead and schedule your grain storage, drying, or handling needs, you will set yourself up for less worry and trouble down the road when time and circumstance may not be so generous.

If you are in the market for new, additional, or updated grain systems, or any other type of 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 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.

Jarret Herzog FS Construction Services grain system brands expert

Herzog Profile: Grain System Brands We Service (#2 of 3)

Last month we spent some time focusing on one of our own employees, Jarret Herzog, as we explored the topic of preventative maintenance. Jarret’s almost 20 years as Service Manager at FS Construction Services makes him an ideal resource to discuss servicing grain systems.

This time, we are going to let Jarret talk about the three main manufacturers we work with in the grain systems world.

 

Herzog is Expert in Grain System Brands

 

Sukup

“We have a lot of customers that purchase grain bins and storage systems from us that are the Sukup brand. We work closely with them. They are a family-owned business that is highly dedicated to supporting and delivering the highest quality materials for growers.”

Like Jarret said, we spend a lot of time working with Sukup Manufacturing equipment. They are known for their grain bins, dryers, and grain handling equipment. Their quality and value have made them a popular choice in the counties we most often work in. For that reason, we have become quite comfortable working with Sukup over the years. On the rare occasion we can’t answer a question about Sukup equipment, the close relationship we’ve built over the years makes finding those answers a fast and easy process.

 

Shivvers

“Shivvers is another family-owned company that we work closely with. Their high-quality systems and components make them a great provider of solutions for our customers.”

Shivvers Manufacturing has been a leader in the grain-drying world for 55 years, and it shows. Their excellent counter-flow drying systems are a great value for our customers. Similar to our partners at Sukkup, our close relationship with Shivvers is a tremendous asset to our customers.

 

GSI

“GSI is another manufacturer that we feature. They have solutions for storage, conditioning, and handling.”

While we are generally called upon less to work with GSI, they are still an incredible manufacturer that provides high-quality products. Their grain products cover a wide variety of functions and their global footprint provides unique industry insight.

 

With these three great brands as partners, we know that whatever problem or need our clients face, we will be able to find a solution that fits them. If you are interested in adding or updating a 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 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.

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 storage systems solutions

Project Profile: 20,700 Bushels of Grain Storage

Here at FS Construction Services we know that every job is a little bit different, even if on the surface the product or the outcome are similar to jobs that have come before. It’s important to us to approach each new grain storage project with fresh eyes and a careful consideration for what will work best in this particular instance and not just what generally works best in instances like it.
 

Choose the Right Grain Storage Solution for You

 
When it comes to building grain storage, while the final structure may look exactly like other grain structures, each new build is its own unique experience. The slope of the ground, access to roads and power, surrounding structures and more, are all things that have to be taken into consideration for every project. If you have further questions on what things are worth considering when planning for grain storage, be sure to read this grain storage site planning article.

It was with all these things in mind that Nathan Koester and his team approached this latest grain storage project. They built a 36’ in diameter, 6-ring tall Sukup grain storage bin with a capacity of 20,700 bushels. Additionally, they installed a 10hp centrifugal fan to create ideal airflow as well as a 10” vertical unload. Finally, they added stairs around the outside of the bin for easy and safe roof access.

At a glance, this project looks like many others, and yet it was all completed to meet the specific needs of our client in conjunction with the reality of the site’s resources. If you are in need of upgrading your grain capacity, or if you are looking to add, update, or expand on your grain drying or grain handling capabilities, 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.

FS Construction Services doubles grain bin storage

Project Profile: Doubling Grain Bin Storage is an Easy Fit

Over the years here at FS Construction Services we have pretty much worked with every variety of client in every variety of situation. We have worked with blank slates and empty slabs and we have worked with old equipment to make it new again. Each job is different and each job site has its own set of obstacles. And while we love a good challenge, we also enjoy the occasional job that comes along that is simply as straightforward as it sounds. Last year we had the opportunity to work with a client on a wonderfully simple, though no less meaningful project, grain bin storage.
 

Installing Grain Bin Doubles Storage

 
The world of agriculture is large and hard to plan to for. Sometimes you think you’ll be able to push something off to the next season and then all of a sudden you need it right away. Sometimes the growth you were expecting doesn’t happen and you have to push your plans back. Sometimes we have to jump through significant hoops and other times, things nicely fall into place. In this case, we were able to come alongside our client’s existing storage bin and install a brand-new 36’ diameter, 7-ring tall Sukup bin with a bushel capacity of 23,950. We installed stairs between the two bins, providing safe access to both in addition to two fans to provide enough air flow for successful drying as well.

Doubling someone’s storage capabilities isn’t always such an easy task, however, our job is to figure out how to make your needs work. If you are in need of grain storage updates, or you are looking for new 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.