Are you in the market for new grain bins for your farming operation? Before you decide, you should read this post. We’ve put together a helpful guide of important considerations before buying new grain bins.

#1: Bin Capacity

One of the first things to consider when purchasing grain bins is the capacity you require. How many bushels do you plan to store in these bins? How many crops do you need to store?

If you have to store relatively small amounts of multiple crops, you’ll be better off with individual, smaller bins. But if you need only to store one crop like a grain in large proportions, a single large bin is best.

Pro-Tip: If you need a large bin with an extensive storage capacity, remember that taller bins are cheaper than wider bins.

#2: Flat vs. Hopper

Another important consideration when buying new grain bins is deciding between a flat-bottom or hopper-bottom silo. Flat-bottom silos are typically preferable for farmers storing large amounts of grain, while hopper bottoms are usually smaller and better for smaller portions.

That’s not to say there can’t be small flat-bottom bins and large hopper-bottom bins. But in most circumstances, large flat-bottom and small hopper bottom bins are the ideal combinations for farmers. While flat-bottom silos have a good flow, most require a sweep auger. So keep that in mind before deciding.

#3: Operation Needs

Along with the capacity and shape of the bins, you’ll want to consider how they’ll fit into your entire operation and think about what your farm needs. How many crops will you be storing, and does your operation use an elevator or conveyor to fill the bins?

These are just a few questions you should ask yourself as you think about your farming operation’s long-term, big-picture future and the equipment and machinery required.

#4: Energy Capacity

There are also practical limitations that may decide which feed storage hopper is best for you and your operation. Three-phase power is typically necessary for large operations to sufficiently and safely support all the equipment and machinery.

If your operation just has single-phase power, that’ll limit the options for your grain bins and future operations. Natural gas is also essential for bins with dryers. So if you want a grain bin with a dryer, you’ll have to consider the natural gas requirements first.

#5: Time of the Season

The time of the year is also a significant consideration, as most people buy grain bins in the winter. Since it’s the offseason, winter is the best period for potential buyers to get discounts.

Pro-Tip: If you live in an area with extreme seasons and fluctuating temperatures, a temperature monitoring gauge will be useful for your grain bin to prevent your crops from overheating.

Any other time of the year can be difficult as there could be demand issues that delay your order. Ideally, you should buy a grain bin very much in advance before you absolutely need it so that you’re not at the mercy of a bin supplier.