OT Grain Bin Problem

[super99]

My bin has circuflow drying system in it and does not have an auger going to another bin. I made the mistake of filling it to the peak last fall to get more storage, and when I took some out, one of the chains holding the center auger upright came unhooked and let the center auger lean off center. I need to empty the bin, any suggestions to hold the auger so it doesn't go any farther to the side? Plan to try to hook a couple more chains to the far side to hold it where it's at, keep it from going any farther. If I took 2 2x6's and braced against the near wall to the auger, would the pressure on the auger hold them in place till the bin is empty? I don't know if it's leaned far enough to break anything on the bottom drive or not, but don't want to make it any worse. Anybody ever have this happen? Chris

 

[John (C-IL)]

Fasten the chain back together or get some new chain and fasten it to the roof just like it was on the nearest available bolt(s). Looks like 2 chains broke, so you need to add at least 2. Grain coming out of the bin is a very powerful thing, but if you chain it back up it will be okay.

WARNING! There have been two grain bin deaths in Illinois this year! DO NOT under any circustance enter your bin while the grain is being removed.

 

[Anonymous-0]

If the the vertical auger was originally in the center, and your unloading from the center, the auger should center itself as the grain level goes down

 

[super99]

Thanks for the reply's. Forgot to mention that the pressure was great enough that the chain that came loose pulled the roof panel seam it was bolted to down about 6 inches before the chain let loose. Figured I'd have to go back with 2 chains spread out farther to replace the one that came loose.
Know all about grain bin deaths, Old guy I worked for when I was a kid was killed a few years ago, 82, corn quit running out of the center dump and he went in to scoop down enough to put sweep in and had a heart spell and corn buried him. About 10 years ago, 3 brothers were big farmers, high school age son came home from school, went past the bins where they unloaded grain carts, crawled into the wagon over the pit to clean put wet corn from corners, and uncle came in with grain cart full and emptied it onto nephew, didn't know he was in there. 3 or 4 more bins within 20 mile radius with patches on side where they cut a hole to get victim out. You can't be too careful. Chris

 

[Coloken]

Just a reminder...Best to have a second person around when ever you go in a bin. Be sure to tie the ladder down so that if the wind comes up you are not stranded up there..been there, did that.
Kennyp

 

[Bruce Hopf]

Chris.
Is there any way you can secure the auger from the center entrance hole in the top of the roof. Install the Eye bolts to hang your chains from, to your auger. That is how we have our vertical aerator hanging from the ceiling.
Bruce.