Zimmerman by GSI | Tips on Grain Drying

Post-Season Dryer Maintenance
Make sure you disconnect all power and turn off the gas supply before proceeding with any post-season maintenance!!!

Just because you are done harvesting and drying your crop does not necessarily mean the job is finished. Before the cold winter weather sets in is the preferable time to perform that post-season cleanup around your grain drying system. Pay special attention to your grain dryer. Open all accessible doors such as outside metering roll access doors, two-foot bottom auger cleanout doors and inside plenum access doors. Completely clean out all remaining material either with pressurized air or a high pressure sprayer to eliminate foreign material from degrading augers, auger troughs and metering rolls of your dryer. After sufficiently cleaning these areas, leave these access doors open during the non-drying season. TIP: Do not forget to close these access doors before next year's use!

Inspect power and control panel boxes for accumulation of bees wings and insect infestation. Utilize your vacuum system provided with Farm Fans PGC pneumatic cleaner or carry the old "shop vac" out to the dryer site and vacuum these areas. While you are cleaning, be aware of any possible areas that may allow rain, snow or even birds to get into these boxes and make any necessary repairs.

Inspect burner ignition wires, flame detection wires, and control and power panel wiring for deterioration and replace if necessary. Also, take time to inspect all wiring connections that might have loosened during the drying season and tighten.

Visually inspect bearings to see if there is any indication of one needing replaced and make a note to replace ones that are suspicious. Do the same with any drive belts and chains and lubricate those chains for the winter.

Walk around your grain dryer system with your "Things To Do" notepad and make reminders of what needs to be looked at by your grain handling equipment dealer and get an appointment with him early for needed repairs or replacements.

Remember, post-season maintenance helps prevent pre-season replacement. An ounce of prevention can save you tons of problems next year!