New maintenance friendly grain elevator improves safety and reduces downtime
AGI (Ag Growth International) has introduced a new bucket elevator system designed to make grain handling equipment easier and safer to maintain. The system focuses on reducing downtime while improving maintenance safety in commercial grain operations.
“When equipment is difficult to maintain, downtime is unavoidable,” said David Postill, Senior Vice President, North America, AGI. “Customers told us they needed faster, safer access to the components that wear the most. We built this bucket elevator for easier maintenance and keep facilities running.”
The new bucket elevator was developed after feedback from operators and maintenance professionals who regularly service grain facility equipment. Their input helped AGI engineers design a system that allows faster access to high-wear components that often require repair or replacement.
According to company representatives, the primary goal was to simplify routine and unexpected maintenance tasks. When equipment is easier to service, grain facilities can reduce operational interruptions and keep grain moving efficiently through their systems.
The bucket elevator includes several design improvements aimed at improving maintenance access and safety. Multiple inspection doors and access points are built into the elevator head, allowing technicians to quickly reach important internal components.
The system also includes Rino shaft seals that provide dust-tight and abrasion-resistant protection for bearings and drives. This feature helps extend equipment life and reduces the frequency of maintenance.
Another key improvement is the fully removable front head panel and discharge section. These components allow technicians to replace liners or tiles from outside the elevator, eliminating the need for confined-space entry and improving worker safety.
External throat plate adjustment allows maintenance crews to make changes from outside the elevator as well. This reduces the need for workers to enter tight spaces and simplifies routine service work.
The inspection of trunking sections is designed with large nine-foot-high access areas. These openings allow technicians to inspect both sides of the belt easily and perform maintenance tasks more safely.
“The goal was to reduce the time required for routine and unplanned maintenance, while improving maintenance safety,” said Ashley Gierok, AGI Enterprise Sales Manager. “Our engineering team focused on how maintenance work is actually performed,” says JaMall Wilson, AGI Global Design Manager. “Every access point, inspection door and wear surface was evaluated to make maintenance tasks more efficient.”
At the base of the system, the boot design uses load-bearing outer channels with removable panels that provide clear access to internal parts. This design allows for faster pulley replacement and reduces repair time.
The bucket elevator also includes an optional guided gravity take-up system that helps maintain proper belt tension and improves belt tracking. An integrated screw take-over system allows safe inspection and controlled maintenance when needed.
The new bucket elevator is engineered and manufactured in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is available in capacities ranging from 10,000 to 120,000 bushels per hour and can support discharge heights of more than 250 feet.
Photo Credit: AGI-LEG