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2008 National AgrAbility Workshop
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Section 3: Assistive Technology NotesGrain Hauling:Based on the size of the grain farm, the farmer/rancher may transport grain from the field to storage by traditional transport methods ranging from gravity boxes and farm trucks for smaller operations to semi grain trailers for larger operations. Many times the farmer/rancher needs to view the grain level in the gravity box or truck. An integrated ladder mounted to the truck provides one safe and easy way to climb up to do so. Additional methods for viewing the grain level include using a site glass or plastic built into the side of the grain tank or gravity box, or even an old mirror glass attached to a broom handle. If the grain must be hauled from field to storage over a long distance, it may be beneficial to use some sort of tarp to cover the grain during transport. Several companies make auto-rollup tarps, which greatly simplify the task of covering the grain. SKAILIT FOLDING LADDERS FOR TRUCKS SHUR-LOK ROLLUP TARP Bin Level Indicators, Bin Level Sensors, Level and Temperature Monitors:The various grain bin storage level indicators, sensors and controls allow the farmer/rancher to determine grain level while staying safely on the ground and still prevent costly overfilling. Temperature monitors can alert the farmer/rancher to potential problems prior to grain spoilage. The level indicators can be relatively simple contact sensors, like the EZ Eye, which uses a simple color change mechanism to indicate grain level without requiring any wiring or batteries. Another style of indicator, such as the LevALERT, can be wired to activate horns and flashing lights or to turn on or off an electric motor. Other indicators, such as BinMaster’s SmartBob, are capable of detecting the continuous level of solids, liquid or slurry, and can be networked together with a computer and software to offer large scale monitoring. Other styles of level indicators available use non-contact monitoring methods like sound (e.g., ultrasonic), infrared or capacitance changes to measure grain level. Grain bin temperature can be recorded on simple handheld instruments or by more complex means, like specialized hardware connected to a personal computer running dedicated monitoring software. Regardless of recording device, most systems for measuring the grain temperature in storage bins rely on some sort of thermocouple cable placed inside the grain bin to actually measure the grain temperature. Spot changes in grain temperature inside the storage bin can be an indicator of problems, such as mold or insect activity. Please refer to the product literature for instructions on where and how many thermocouple cables should be used based on the diameter of your grain bin. Bin Level Indicators SAF-T-FIL BIN LEVEL INDICATOR EZ EYE & LEVALERT BIN INDICATORS Bin Level Sensors AGTRON ENTERPRISES INC. BINMASTER Grain Temperature MonitorOPI-ONE BOONE CABLE WORKS AND ELECTRONICS, INC. TSGCTSGC, Inc. Bin Remote Lids/ CapsRemote-controlled grain bin caps or lid openers allow the farmer/rancher to remain on the ground when opening bin caps or lids to fill or aerate smaller grain bins. EZ COVER REMOTE BIN CAP REMOTE LID Bin Stairs, Rails, and Manholes:Grain bin storage sidewall and roof stairs with rails make climbing the bin much easier and safer than when using storage bin ladders. If ladders are installed on a grain bin, remember that for safety, the lower portion of the ladder should be hinged up at a height that only an adult can reach. GREENE WELDING & HARDWARE, INC. LAMBTON CONVEYOR LARGEST MANHOLE IN THE INDUSTRY Handling Grains:Unloading and handling grains can place the farmer/rancher in the proximity of dangerous augers and conveyors and in a very dusty, dirty environment. Using either low profile portable augers and/or ramp over augers can potentially locate augers in less dangerous positions. Remote-controlled end gates or chutes would allow a farmer/rancher to stand clear of the dusty/dirty grain while unloading it. For smaller operations where farmers/ranchers use gravity boxes, attaching an unloading auger to the gravity box may make unloading easier. Bucket conveyors reduce the danger to injury with all the moving parts of the conveyor being completely enclosed, but they are more costly because a drive-over pit with an auger to move the grain to the base of the bucket conveyor is needed. Bucket conveyors are cost effective on large installations having grain dryers and three or more bins. If farmers/ranchers cannot stand totally clear of the unloading grain, they may wish to use simple dust masks or masks with filters to protect their lungs. Controls for conveyors should be placed to minimize farmer/rancher risk to injury, dust and other risks. This will be especially true when systems have two or more conveyors. No matter how well one plans, some grain will get spilled, which will then require manual shoveling. To ease the burden on his or her back, a farmer/rancher may wish to use a shovel with a modified handle for improved leverage. GRAVITY BOX AUGER WESTFIELD SELF-LEVELLING & RAMPOVER HOPPERS DUST MASKS, ELECTRONIC GRAIN CHUTE OPENER D-GRIP AND T-GRIP HANDLES
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