IS UNLOADING EQUIPMENT AN AFTERTHOUGHT?

When purchasing more storage for your farm, do you give much thought to the unloader/sweep that your dealer is selling you? Do you ask your dealer for a specific model of unload or accept whichever unit comes with your bin?

The main cost of increased storage lies with the bin and this is where the attention is drawn. It is extremely important to choose a bin brand that you trust to protect your high value commodities, but what about the equipment that handles them? Once the bin is built and filled, it’s the unloader and sweep that do the rest of the work, moving your product out of the bin and getting it to market. If this equipment fails to perform, your efficiencies suffer, costs increase, the workplace becomes less safe and your life becomes all that much harder. That’s why your choice of unload/sweep is equally as important as the bin they are put into.

Most bin dealers offer multiple options when it comes to unloaders and sweeps. If no questions are asked, the danger is that whichever equipment package is easiest to sell with the bin will be the one you get. But that does not necessarily mean it’s the best unit for you and your operation.
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Some key questions to ask your dealer when purchasing your bin are:

     1.What options for an unloader/sweep do you have?
     2.What capacities are available to you (both for the unload as well as the sweep)?
     3.Which sweep option provides the best traction inside the bin?
     4.Which option has the least amount of service calls?
     5.Which option costs the least to service?

Get these answers from your dealer and research your options, either from literature that your dealer provides, or look up unloading brands online. The answers to these questions will enable you to make an informed decision when choosing your unloading equipment. An informed decision will give you a better end-result when it comes to efficiency, safety and ultimately return on your investment.