Harvest is over.

Now what?

A little bit of time spent now can go a long way in getting the dryer ready for next season. Here are a few quick items to address:

Portable dryers

1. Make sure the dyer is completely empty
2. Shut off the main breaker for the dryer
3. Lower the doors on the bottom of the dryer using the levers
4. Pull the clips & wedges along the bottom of the dryer and allow those plates to swing open
5. Open all the trap doors inside the dryer (above the unload auger)

The idea here is not to trap any moisture during the off-season. At this point most users like to either pressure wash or use air to remove excess debris and fines from dryer. That is up to you.

This is a good time to check the condition of the augers. Whenever possible I like to order and replace these prior to starting pre-season inspections.

Tower dryers

1. Shut off the main breaker for the dryer
2. Inside the top of the dryer, make sure the distribution cone is emptied out as to not trap moisture and cause rust. While inside the top of the dryer, you can look down the columns to inspect the grain inverters for debris
3. Open the access panels on the outside of the dryer and remove any debris stuck in the inverters
4. Remove all fines & debris from the burner
5. Cover the burner (tarp, large rubber pad, etc.) to prevent rain from entering the gas train
6. Remove all fines & debris from the lower level of the dryer, below the fan and in the metering area

Air systems

1. Shut off breaker for air system
2. Clean air filter
3. Make sure airlock is completely free of debris, fines, and water.
4. Ideally, running the airlock & blower once a month during the off-season will prevent it from seizing up. However, most choose to put some type of oil and/or diesel fuel in the airlock. I would say putting some heavier grease along the inner housing of the airlock and then allowing the airlock spin for a few revolutions is effective.
6. Cover the airlock (tarp, plastic drum notched to fit over dryer discharge, etc.) if not taking indoors

Once things are cleaned off, inspect the bearings on the airlock. I can replace bearings anytime outside of harvest – if tolerances permit. Call for details on checking the gap. When the gap in the airlock gets too big, capacity drops.

_____________________________________________

If you have questions please give us a call!