Grain Bin Sweep Augers: How to Choose the Right Replacement
Today's lesson: finding the right sweep for the bottom of your bin.
If you're replacing a grain bin sweep auger, don't start with bin diameter alone. The right sweep also has to match the unload system it's working with.
A good starting point is to identify:
- Your unload tube size
- The bin diameter
- Your existing sweep size and configuration
- How the sweep is driven
- The equipment you already have in place
At A&S, for example, the current Grain Saver electric sweep lineup includes a 5" sweep intended for 6" or 8" tubes and a 7" sweep intended for 10" tubes. [asagsales.com]
That relationship between the sweep and unload is why we'd rather have a few measurements and equipment details than simply hear, “I need a sweep for a 30-foot bin.”
What Does a Grain Bin Sweep Auger Do?
Your main unload carries grain from the center of the bin to the outside.
Eventually, gravity has done about all it can do.
That's when the grain bin sweep comes into the picture.
The sweep travels across the bin floor and moves the remaining grain toward the center sump so the unload system can carry it outside.
That means the sweep is not really a stand-alone piece of equipment. It's part of the overall unload system.
And that's important when you're replacing one.
Start With Your Grain Bin Unload Tube Size
One of the first things we want to know is the size of the unload system already in the bin.
That helps establish what sweep configuration belongs with it.
A&S currently lists:
- 5" Grain Saver Bin Sweep: for 6" or 8" tubes
- 7" Grain Saver Bin Sweep: for 10" tubes [asagsales.com]
So simply knowing that your neighbor has the same diameter bin doesn't mean his sweep is necessarily the one you need.
His unload system could be different.
Don't guess at the tube size
If you aren't sure what you've got, identify the existing unload equipment and take measurements before ordering.
Also get pictures of the existing system, manufacturer's labels, motor information, and other identifying markings that can be safely accessed.
A&S can do a lot more with that information than we can with:
“It's probably an 8-inch.”
Bin Diameter Still Matters
Once you've identified the unload system, the next major question is how far the sweep needs to reach.
That's where bin diameter comes into play.
A sweep has to be appropriately configured for the bin it's going into.
But here's the important distinction:
Bin diameter helps determine the sweep you need. It doesn't tell you everything you need to know about the sweep.
You still need to match the rest of the unload system.
A&S review required: Insert the current Grain Saver sweep length/bin-diameter options after confirming the available configurations with A&S.
Look at the Sweep You Already Have
If you're replacing an existing sweep, the old equipment can tell you quite a bit.
Before throwing anything away, document it.
Look for information such as:
- Manufacturer
- Model or part numbers
- Sweep size
- Bin diameter
- Unload tube size
- Motor information
- Drive configuration
- Photos of the existing equipment
If only one component has failed, this information is also useful for determining whether you need a complete sweep at all.
You may actually need a replacement component rather than an entirely new assembly.
Complete Sweep or Replacement Parts?
This is an important question before spending money.
If the structure of the sweep is still in good condition but a wear or drive component has failed, repairing the existing sweep may make sense.
If multiple major pieces are worn or the existing sweep is a poor match for the unload system, replacing the complete sweep may make more sense.
A&S's current unload assortment includes both complete sweep equipment and replacement components. The unload category, for example, currently includes replacement powersweep gearboxes and a Grain Saver Reduction Wheel End Drive Kit. [asagsales.com]
The key is properly identifying what's actually worn or failed before ordering.
What's Included With a Grain Saver Electric Bin Sweep?
The current A&S listings say both the 5" and 7" Grain Saver electric bin sweeps include:
- Formed steel backboard
- Drive wheel
- Easy-off motor mount
- Driven sheaves
- Belts
- Belt guard [asagsales.com]
That matters when comparing a complete sweep to the equipment you've already got.
Don't compare two sweep prices without first checking what you're actually getting with each one.
And don't assume your existing motor or drive setup automatically matches a replacement sweep.
What About the Motor?
This is an area where we'd identify the equipment before making a recommendation.
Motor horsepower by itself isn't enough information to guarantee that a particular motor, pulley arrangement, or sweep combination is correct.
The current Grain Saver sweep listings provide specific guidance involving the motor sheave, which is another reason to match the system rather than improvising a drive setup. [asagsales.com]
A&S review required: Before publication, add the A&S-approved motor-selection guidance and clearly identify which decisions require reference to current Grain Saver documentation or a qualified electrician.
Electrical work and servicing powered equipment should be performed by appropriately qualified people and in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's procedures.
Carry-In Sweep vs. Powersweep
Don't confuse every sweep at the bottom of a bin with the same type of equipment.
A portable or electric sweep that's placed into service for the cleanup stage is different from a permanent powersweep incorporated into the unload system.
That's especially important when shopping for replacement parts.
A&S currently sells individual electric bin sweeps, while its broader unload catalog also includes dedicated powersweep components, U-trough equipment, gearboxes, and end-drive equipment. [asagsales.com], [asagsales.com]
If you're unsure which system you're working with, identify that first.
Searching for a “grain bin sweep gearbox” won't help much if you're actually trying to find a component for a completely different sweep configuration.
Replacing a Sweep Because It Doesn't Move Well?
Before assuming you need an entirely new sweep, narrow down the actual complaint.
For example:
- Is the auger itself worn?
- Is the sweep having trouble advancing?
- Is a drive component damaged?
- Is the motor or drive system having trouble under load?
- Are several parts worn at the same time?
- Has the sweep never worked properly with this bin?
Those answers can change the conversation from“Which new sweep should I buy?” to“Which component actually needs attention?”
They can also reveal when replacing an old sweep is more sensible than continuing to repair it.
Don't inspect, adjust, unclog, or service a sweep while it is moving or energized.
Benny's Checklist Before Ordering a Grain Bin Sweep Auger
Here's the homework.
Before calling about a replacement sweep, gather as many of these as you can:
Bin
- Bin manufacturer, if known
- Bin diameter
Unload
- Unload manufacturer
- Unload tube size
- Any model information
Existing sweep
- Manufacturer
- Sweep/auger size
- Existing length
- Model or part number
- Drive configuration
- Clear photos
Motor
- Motor nameplate information
- Existing pulley/sheave information
The problem
Tell us why you're replacing it.
“Auger flighting is worn out” gives us more to work with than “I need a new sweep.”
So does:
“We're replacing the complete unload and want the new sweep to match.”
Those details can keep you from buying more equipment than you need or ordering something that doesn't match the rest of the system.
Grain Bin Sweep Safety
Sweep augers and flowing grain deserve respect.
Never enter a bin with flowing or bridged grain, and don't work on a sweep while equipment is energized or capable of unexpected movement.
Follow the sweep and bin manufacturer's operating procedures, including applicable lockout procedures. Electrical work should be completed by a qualified electrician where required.
A replacement sweep is only useful if the system is operated safely.
Need Help Choosing a Grain Bin Sweep?
A&S currently carries Grain Saver 5" and 7" electric bin sweeps along with a broader selection of grain bin unload equipment and replacement components. [asagsales.com], [asagsales.com]
Browse A&S electric bin sweeps, or contact us with your bin diameter, unload size, equipment information, and photos if you aren't sure what fits.
Getting those details right before ordering is a lot easier than finding out the sweep doesn't match when you're ready to empty the bin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size grain bin sweep auger do I need?
Start with both the existing unload system and bin size. Current A&S Grain Saver listings pair the 5" sweep with 6" or 8" tubes and the 7" sweep with 10" tubes. The appropriate sweep length/configuration also needs to be established for the bin. [asagsales.com]
Can I replace only my grain bin sweep?
Potentially, but the replacement needs to match the existing unload configuration. Identify the unload size, bin diameter, sweep configuration, drive components, and existing equipment before selecting a replacement.
Does a grain bin sweep come with a motor?
Don't assume that it does. The current A&S Grain Saver sweep descriptions list an easy-off motor mount and other drive components, but the accessible listing does not establish that a motor is included. Confirm the current package contents and required motor before ordering. [asagsales.com]
What's the difference between a grain bin sweep and a powersweep?
An electric or carry-in style sweep and a permanent powersweep are different unloading arrangements. A&S separates electric bin sweeps from other powersweep equipment and components in its current unload catalog. [asagsales.com], [asagsales.com]
Can I replace parts instead of the entire sweep?
Depending on the system and what's worn, replacement components may be available. A&S currently carries complete sweep equipment along with various unload and powersweep replacement components. [asagsales.com]