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About Grain Bins

Within the larger category of grain handling and storage equipment, you’ll find new and used grain bins in stiffened and unstiffened varieties. Grain bin storage capacities range anywhere from a few hundred bushels to hundreds of thousands of bushels, and they are as tall as 135 feet (41 meters) high or more. Grain bins are a key part of both smaller one-man operations and larger corporate grain companies.

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Meridian GM4000 Grain Bin

Over the years, approaches to grain bin designs have increasingly focused on combatting moisture and other issues related to spoilage. The goal is to make grain loading and unloading easier and quicker, and at the same time ensure that grain is handled and stored with greater care. Grain bin manufacturers include Behlen, Chief, Clayton & Lambert, GSI, Meridian, Superior, and Westeel.

Silos & Bins

Although the terms “silo” and “grain bin” are sometimes used interchangeably, there are differences between the two types of structures. Grain bins are considered to have stemmed from silos, which trace back to ancient Greece and other early civilizations, which used silo pits to store crops long-term. The first modern silo, said to have been built by Fred Hatch in 1873 in McHenry County, Illinois, was constructed of wood and stood above ground for grain storage.

Technically, silos are considered to be sealed facilities used to store silage that’s fed to livestock. Bins are generally shorter, wider, and better ventilated, and they’re designed to store dry materials. Most grain bins are cylindrical and feature a peaked roof and corrugated steel construction. Some grain bins include monitoring technology to maintain steady air and moisture levels to help prevent crop spoilage.

The Modern Grain Bin

Over the years, manufacturers have improved grain bins to include more accommodating entryways and unloading options. GSI, for example, offers Walk-Through doors that do away with horizontal bars or braces or the need for tools. GSI also offers its branded Cut-Lok steel flooring approach, which provides a 12% opening to keep airflow moving. Meanwhile, Westeel’s Lock-n-Load floor system features perforated flashing and full-width floor plank perforation to provide enhanced circulation. Other grain bin features can include specially coated hardware to prevent rusting, rooves engineered to expand load capacity, multiple grain discharge options, and sidewall and roof stairs and ladders.