Galvanized Grain Bin Advantages Over Poly
Grain and Feed management requires a reliable and durable storage solution. For those seeking top-notch quality and functionality, look no further than the bins at Barnworld.com, your go-to destination for high-quality metal grain bins and customer service. Our last Poly Grain Bin Blog Post contrasted the advantages of the poly design over metal, and in this one, we’ll explore some of the advantages of galvanized feed bins over poly. Some of these include more available sizes, capacities, and some innovative dispensing and monitoring features not found on poly grain bins.
When it comes to choosing the right material and features for your grain storage needs, deciding on a bin really depends on your opinion, the type of dispensing, durability, and longevity that make up a complete grain bin management system. We review some of the benefits of the Metal Grain Bins below.
Rust Worry can be overblown – steps to protect a metal bin:
One of the biggest advantages of the Poly Bin over the Metal is the worry about rust affecting the life of the bin. Although poly material won’t ever rust, steel will resist rust and corrosion for a long time, ensuring that your investment stands the test of time even in the harshest weather conditions. Bins that we sold 20-30 years ago are still in great shape and in use today.
Preventing rust on a galvanized metal grain bin involves proactive maintenance and care. While galvanized steel is known for its rust-resistant properties, external factors and wear over time can still contribute to corrosion.
Here are some steps to help you prevent rust and prolong the life of your galvanized metal grain bin:
1. Regular Cleaning:
Keeping your bin free of dirt and debris will keep moisture away from the metal and minimize the chances of rusting over time. To keep moisture away, rinse the surface of the grain bin regularly with clean water to remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Use a mild detergent or a mixture of vinegar if necessary with water to clean stubborn stains or deposits. This is not an easy task and can take some time if a bin is neglected. The shape of the corrugated wall sections can make this a bit more challenging, but making sure it’s free from dirt and dust will dramatically increase its lifespan.
2. Remove Standing Water:
Ensure that water doesn’t accumulate or stand around the bottom of the bin. Standing water can promote corrosion and result in rust. Bins can require frequent replacement of the bottom attachments such as slide valves and auger unloader boxes if moisture is allowed to accumulate at the lowest point. Even the hopper wall sections can be susceptible to rust if moist grain or feed is allowed to lay on the interior wall sections.
Proper ventilation through the bin lid and good air circulation throughout can help prevent moisture buildup inside and reduce the risk of rust formation. The metal bins, like the poly bins, are vented through the top lid to help release moisture as it rises. It’s important to keep these vents clean, clear, and open so any water vapor that rises won’t be contained within and will naturally be released through the top lid.
Another suggestion to keep moisture at bay is to trim or remove vegetation from around the bin to prevent water or condensation retention. It’s worthwhile to create an open buffer of air between the metal surfaces and any plant material to prevent condensation from forming.
3. Inspect and Repair Damages:
Regularly inspect the grain bin for any scratches, dents, or damage to the galvanized coating. Scratches through the galvanized coating expose the steel to the air and water and can be areas of potential concern. Promptly repair any scratches or damaged galvanized coating by applying galvanized touch-up paint. It’s fairly commonly found at hardware stores and the like.
A simple and short visual routine inspection to identify any potential issues will help eliminate long-term problems early on. This includes checking seams, joints, and connections for signs of wear or damage.
4. Avoid Harsh Cleaning:
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the galvanized coating. Scaping or scouring the metal can remove the protective coating and expose the underlying metal. It’s best to stick to mild solutions and softer wiping, rather than scouring for basic cleaning.
5. Maintain the Protective Coating:
As you may have gathered, the galvanized coating over the metal surface that covers the bin walls and parts (nuts and bolts, etc.) is what protects the underlying steel from rusting. It’s important to maintain its integrity to extend the life of the bin. The suggestions above do just that but if you come across damage to the coating, there are protective sprays and paints designed to repair galvanized surfaces that may be applied. These coatings will add a layer of protection against corrosion and prevent premature rusting throughout the bin.
When making repairs or modifications to the grain bin, use galvanized fasteners and hardware to maintain uniform corrosion resistance throughout the structure. You should also minimize direct contact between galvanized metal and other metals that may cause galvanic corrosion. It’s beneficial to use isolating materials such as rubber washers or coatings when necessary to avoid cross-corrosion between parts.
6. Proper Installation:
The robust nature of galvanized steel provides increased structural integrity, safeguarding your valuable grain against external elements and pests. However, it’s important to ensure that the grain bin is installed according to manufacturer recommendations. Proper installation can prevent stress points and other cracking or structural issues that may lead to corrosion.
By incorporating these preventive measures into your maintenance routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of rust on your galvanized metal grain bin and extend its lifespan dramatically.
Regular attention to cleaning, inspections, and prompt repairs will contribute to the long-term durability of your grain storage investment and should put any concerns of an early demise from rust to bed!
More sizes and Capacities Than Poly bins
Barnworld.com understands that one size does not fit all. Our metal grain bins are available in a range of sizes and capacities, catering to the diverse needs of farmers and agricultural businesses. The bins are available as small as 2.7-ton capacities and go all the way through 47.5 tons of capacity. This compares to the poly bin maximum of 28 tons.
Whether you’re a small-scale farmer or managing a large operation, you can find the perfect fit for your grain storage requirements through a wide variety of storage capacities in galvanized metal.
Hopper Valve Option available for Side Dispensing
One standout feature that is available on metal bins but not poly is the side-mounted slide valve. It’s a manual slide gate designed to mount to the tapered hopper walls to fill smaller quantities, such as 5-gallon buckets, with precision and ease. This innovative design allows for controlled dispensing from the side of the bin, so you don’t have to go under it to fill containers. It makes it easier on your back and minimizes waste. It’s extremely popular and may be seen and ordered here: Hopper Valve
Grain Bin Monitors are available for metal bins
Monitoring feed levels is crucial for efficient grain management. Barnworld.com offers a cutting-edge solution with the Grain Gauge, ensuring you always know how much feed is in your bins. This simple yet effective tool eliminates guesswork, allowing you to plan and manage your resources more effectively.
The installation is straightforward; simply drill a hole in the bin wall and slide in the gauge. It will display a neon green color if the grain is at the level of the gauge and go black when there is no feed at that level. There is no electricity required and the manual function will last for years. Don’t pound on the side of your bin to check the fill level, simply glance at the side of it for an accurate level.
Here’s a quick video of the versatile Grain Gauge
Metal Grain Bins at Barn World
The advantages of galvanized steel, a variety of sizes and capacities, and innovative features like the side-mounted slide valve and grain gauge make the traditional metal grain bin a very popular option.
Visit BarnWorld.com today and let them help plan and quote a bin with delivery right to your farm today!
