An article in the June 2010 Farmers Guide addressed the key consideration for selecting the capacity of a mobile grain drier. Stewart discussed with the Farmers Guide the importance of distinguishing batch capacity from drier output. At Mecmar we advise farmers to compare grain driers on output (e.g. tonnes/hour) not simply on the batch capacity. Due to differing levels of performance and durability grain driers cannot be compared by capacity alone.
The article was as follows:
When studying the batch drier market, many prospective customers tend to make the very reasonable assumption that all driers of a given batch capacity have the same output. This is not the case.
Different manufacturers have their own design, manufacturing and marketing philosophies, which vary widely, resulting in products that are far from being the same. Not only does output between a given batch size vary, but also driers of different manufacture have varying build and construction features, which can directly affect the durability and life of the machine and its ability to work in extreme conditions.
Construction is also important to long term maintenance. Has long term maintenance been considered in the design and construction of the machine you are looking at?
A grain drier is a capital investment, which may well be with you for 10-20 years. It must be worthwhile to look carefully at the key areas that affect output.
Remember, size is not everything.
