Grain Bin Cost
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Grain Bin Sizes and Prices – How Much Does a Grain Bin Cost?

Last Updated on November 11, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

It is very important for farmers that the fodder maintains its quality during the storage period and that the storage spaces are easy to use and maintain. One way to store seeds and cereals is through a grain bin.

A grain bin may be easy to confuse with a silo, but they are very different. In fact, it is important for people not to mistake the two as one type of structure is used solely for storing materials, and the other isn’t. A silo can store many types of things besides grains – including coal or wood chips.

On the other hand, the grain bin uses an elevator system to store and move grains. This system consists of a large bucket that can mechanically scoop up the grains. Also, it has an adjustable weight so you know how much each load should weigh, which makes harvesting more efficient than traditional farming methods where farmers had to manually check for excess or shortage in their produce before shipping them off.

How much does a grain bin cost?

The average cost of a grain bin is around $7,000 to more than $68,000. Many factors influence the price, including geographical location and capacity, among others. For example, if one lives in an area with higher costs or needs extra features, one should expect to pay more than those who choose lower prices for simpler bins without additional options like heaters.

The cost of a grain bin can vary from as little as $1.5 to upwards of $3 per bushel for materials only, depending on how many are being stored and the chosen size.

If you were to add in the cost of site preparation, electrical upgrades, and flooring for this project, it could be approximately $5-$8 per bushel. If you need to hire a contractor, don’t just take the first person who responds. Get multiple quotes for free from online websites instead.

You might also like our articles about the cost of a barn, hangar space, or a John Deere Gator.

A 10,000-bushel capacity grain bin costs around $4.25 per bushel installed, according to the Southeast FarmPress.

At TheCombineForum.com, forum members estimated that a grain bin could cost $2.78 to $3.55 per bushel on average, depending on the model and features of each product in question.

Multiple setups are possible, and we’ve included our pricing estimates in the table below.

Grain bin sizes and prices

Diameter (feet) Height (feet) Capacity (bushels) Cost
15 ft 8 ft 1,125 $4,000
18 ft 11 ft 2,250 $6,000
21 13 ft 3,625 $6,800
24 19 ft 6,900 $9,800
27 24 ft 11,025 $15,000
30 ft 24 ft 13,625 $17,500
33 ft 24 ft 16,475 $19,000
36 ft 40 ft 32,700 $32,000
42 ft 27 ft 30,050 $3,950
48 ft 32 ft 46,500 $51,000

Grain bin inclusions

Utility-type grain bin storage usually found on a farm includes the tank, maintenance access hole, door, auger tube, and flooring option. It will also include columns and supports like most other bins of its kind.

Given the rating of one cubic foot holding 0.7786 bushels, a 27-foot grain bin could hold up to 16,000 bushels, while a 48-foot bin could store close to 60,000 bu. (bushel).

The grain bin will have 27, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, or 60 feet in diameter. The number of rings on a grains silo is dependent on the capacity and type stored within it.

The most popular types of grain bins have round or square floors, and their tanks usually hold corn kernels.

Grain Silos – Additional Costs

Grain Bin IowaIf you want concrete, steel, or ventilated flooring for your grain storage bin, it could cost an extra $500 to $10,000 depending on the size of the grain bin and what type of material is chosen.

While adding a spreader can cost an additional $550, another option is to add stirrers for just $120-$230 per foot per diameter.

As mentioned, it is important to factor in the electrical costs and site preparation. In addition, flooring upgrades can cost another $3-$5 per bushel on average.

If you want to add accessories like a safety cage, this could cost between $15 and $23 per linear foot.

The cost of a ladder can range from $8 to $12 per linear foot.

Important things to consider

When you are ready to purchase, call around for prices. Make sure that before calling, however, you have an idea of the required diameter and number of rings, as well as size requirements so suppliers can give you an estimate.

How can I save money?

It’s possible to purchase a second-hand grain bin on eBay. For example, at the time of this writing, you could purchase a 30 foot 7 ring 10 000 Bu. Grain Bin for the price of $13,900.

Alec Pow
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