"Plastic Pipe" Grain Bin Sampler
"It's an easy way to take samples from three different levels in a bin without having to do any climbing," says Glen Edmunds, Tisdale, Sask., about his new "plastic pipe" grain bin sampler.
The sampler consists of three different lengths of plastic pipe that are suspended by a chain up the center of the bin. The pipes are open on top so grain can fall into them. The pipes lead to a "manifold" installed in the outside bin wall. The manifold has three slide gates, one for each pipe.
"It's so simple I can't figure out why some-one didn't invent it a long time ago," says Edmund. "I've installed them in several of my 5,000-bu. bins. All of them have aeration fans and some have heat. Makes it easy to check for grain moisture, temperature, bug infestations, etc. By knowing this information I can turn off the aeration fans or heat much sooner than I otherwise would be able to and save on electricity and gas.
"I came up with the idea because over the years we've had a problem getting an aver-age sample out of our bins. It also works great on hopper bottom bins. In hopper bins the manifold mounts about 24 in. below the edge of the cone. To get a true sample of grain in the bin I have to empty out the grain in each pipe. If the pipes ever plug up at the top, you can push a wire up from the bottom to dislodge the material."
Edmunds offers a kit that includes the manifold, chain, mounting straps, nuts and bolts, and a cover (for wall mounts only), as well as installation instructions. The only thing not included is the pipe. "PVC pipe can be purchased at any hardware store and sells for about 70 cents (Canadian) per foot," notes Edmunds.
The wall mount kit sells for $110 (Canadian) plus tax and $9 S&H. Hopper bin kits sell for $100 (Canadian) plus tax and $9 S&H.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Glen Edmunds, RR 1, Tisdale, Sask., Canada S0E 1T0 (ph 306 873-5480).


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1998 - Volume #22, Issue #4