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Aerator Built For Smaller Grain Storage
Even a modest innovation can make a meaningful difference in grain storage, especially for smaller farmers.
AFS Products’ portable grain aerator unit delivers steady airflow to gravity wagons, grain carts or small grain piles without an investment in a larger drying system.
“Our customers asked for someth
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Aerator Built For Smaller Grain Storage
Even a modest innovation can make a meaningful difference in grain storage, especially for smaller farmers.
AFS Products’ portable grain aerator unit delivers steady airflow to gravity wagons, grain carts or small grain piles without an investment in a larger drying system.
“Our customers asked for something like this, so we thought we’d invest the time and energy to make our own,” says AFS Managing Partner Vernon Martin.
The system draws air through the grain rather than blowing it. It’s straightforward, consisting of a 5-in. dia., 72-in. long tube with the lower 36 in. perforated. A 1-in. hole near the top of the piping holds a short bar to help screw the unit into a grain pile using the pipe’s screw-style tip.
The aerator’s fan system offers flexibility. An adapter screws onto the fan and fits into the tube, allowing the fan to be moved from one tube to another as needed. Powered by a standard 110-volt outlet, it uses variable-speed control to adjust airflow. For a grain cart or wagon holding a few hundred bushels, farmers might use two units, depending on moisture levels and grain cleanliness. A protective screen covers the fan’s blades for safety.
This simple airflow tool can help farmers harvest earlier while reducing condensation, sweating, and top crusting in stored grain.
“It’s not strong enough to dry grain, but it’ll keep a low airflow moving through piles,” Martin says.
While the tubes and fans are sourced elsewhere, AFS Products handles the adapters and final assembly in-house. The aerators are primarily sold directly to customers, with limited dealer distribution, and can be shipped internationally when logistics allow.
At $488 plus S&H for a complete setup, the unit is ideal for small-scale producers and hobby farmers seeking a simple, versatile way to preserve grain quality.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Automatic Farm Systems, 608 E. Evergreen Rd., Lebanon, Penn. 17042 (ph 717-274-5333; www.afsproducts.com).
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