Ask around for leads to discover likely properties, drive around and take notes of what you think you see, or visit and call the landowners. Sometimes, they simply are not needed, whether there is a lifestyle or economic factor. There are often reasons why they're empty and not in use. However, many of the unused bins you're likely to find in such places have major structural issues. Just be sure you get the owner's permission before setting foot on the property, even if it looks like nobody would mind.

The best places to look for used grain bins are old farmsteads, whether they're occupied or abandoned. This does not include the cost of a cement pad, but it does include the potential cost for you to hire a contractor to erect the bin for you. Getting a used bin for $0.20 a bushel will barely allow you to buy new hardware (a must), erect the bin, and do it right while leaving a bit extra over a new bin.

The price may also be determined by the quality of the bin.Ĭount the cost carefully before you buy.

It could be one that's been knocked off the cement pad and torn to shreds by a tornado.

At the current scrap metal price (subject to change at any time), the bin in this article would be worth $250, but most farmers won't let even a trashed bin go for that unless it's so trashed you won't be able to use it.

A new 6-ring, 18' diameter, 5,000 bushel, medium quality bin might go for $1.25 a bushel, without shipping charges.

This means that a bin that holds 12,000 bushels of grain (such as the one shown in the picture in this article) might be worth $2,400 or more.

Bin prices are usually calculated by the bushel, but for old bins, get a cost baseline by looking up the current scrap metal price. A bin in good shape with a rust-free bottom ring might go for 20-25 cents a bushel (as of 2010). Used grain bins are not necessarily cheap. Just Because It's Used, Doesn't Mean It's Cheap It may require some specialized equipment, much caution, and some common sense.ģ.

Moving a grain bin can be a fairly straightforward, though not necessarily easy, process. It comes with primarily good hardware, the assembly holes will line up, and the bin will be carefully engineered and designed. Sometimes, the hardware on a high-quality grain bin varies from bolt to bolt (that is, two bolts from the same package may be made from completely different grades of metal), but these bins are constructed in such a way that a few poor-grade bolts won't hurt the bin.Ī high-quality bin has a sturdy finish to the sheets, which will retard rusting and other deterioration. It is possible to hurt high-quality grain bins in other ways as well, but it's typically through abuse or poor maintenance, such as allowing sheets to rust out. It is possible to sustain wind damage to a high-quality grain bin, but it usually takes tornado-force winds. For this reason, we recommend stiffeners (vertical metal bars) be installed on the insides at intervals. We have had some problems with some of them 'belly wrinkling' (buckling slightly in the middle) when loaded quite full with grain. Medium-quality grain bins are easier to work with, as the sheets tend to fit more accurately, and the hardware is usually alright. Lower-quality bins don't promise any monetary savings in the long run, as they frequently need more time to erect than a higher-quality bin and often require extra measures to make them weather-tight (blown-in expanding foam insulation, extra sealing tape, etc.). The shinier the finish is, the thinner it is, and the faster it will wear away, losing its protective capabilities.

Low-quality bins typically have a cheap-if initially shiny-galvanized finish and many design problems. Sometimes, the important hardware is missing altogether, even on new bins straight from the factory. The hardware that comes with such bins tends to be of lesser quality as well bolts are frequently carelessly threaded, assembly slots or holes and their matching bolts often misalign, and the roof sheets lap poorly. Lightweight bins are unsuitable for areas prone to high winds. Many bins have a tag on the inside of each sheet stating the gauge or the thickness of the sheet. These are typically made with light-grade metal and tend to bend and crumple easily. We can divide grain bins into three categories for easy assessment: Low Quality The price of a new bin does not necessarily reflect its quality. Not All Grain Bins Are Created Equalīins are made by many different companies and thereby vary considerably in quality and workmanship. Others, such as contractors or individuals, wish to convert them into housing.īut first, a word about the bins themselves.Some folks, primarily farmers, wish to have them to store grain.

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