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How to Disassemble a Grain Bin: Picture Tutorial

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Just for Example...

The bin in this article is a 5-ring, 6,000 bushel Butler brand from the 1950's.
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The bin in this article is a 5-ring, 6,000 bushel Butler brand from the 1950's.

I have had many e-mail requests from people all over the U.S. on how to dismantle a used grain bin in order to move it to a new site. Here is the step-by-step tutorial I've promised you all. I do not consider this article done; it needs some tweaking. But I've done my best to make it clear and intelligable enough to work from, and if you have further questions or remarks, the Comments section is open at the bottom. By the way, my husband and live in Colorado, and usually do not work out of area. So we are generally unavailable to help you move your own grain bins. I do not know other contractors out of our area who do this kind of work. Sorry.


A Note on Weather

Weather can easily make or break your grain-bin moving day. The slightest breeze can turn a bin hung from a crane into a wrecking ball...or a mashed up piece of trash. A slight shift in a bin, hung six inches from the ground, can cut off a foot or crush steel-toed boots right into your toes. Therefore, we recommend that you use extreme caution when deciding whether this is the day to get your bin moved. If you should start disassembly, and the breeze comes up, the safest thing to do is to set the bin firmly on the ground, put the crane or boom truck arm on top of it, and drive 4' metal fence posts into the ground at intervals close around it. How many you'll need and how deep to drive them depends on the size of the bin, and on how soft your ground is (or isn't). This will hopefully keep your bin from blowing away (and maybe taking your boom truck with it), until you can return when the weather is nicer.

Besides all this, you should consider humidity. A grain bin is shaped much like a water bottle, and acts much like one, with condensation forming easily, and water vapor finding it hard to exit. Even fairly dry weather outside can mean a sweltering atmosphere inside a bin. If you are doing your bin-moving project in the summer, we recommend trying to work in the early morning(s) as much as you can, before the sun hits the bin full-force.

The Tools You Will Need for Grain Bin Disassembly

An impact wrench with the correct size socket (most grain bin bolts are 1/2" or 9/16")

Box-end wrenches (2) the correct size

Vice Grips

Boom truck, or crane

Lifting ring (see Step Three, below, for images and details)

A trailer suitable to the weight and dimensions of your bin, or its parts

You May Also Need:

Wonder bar (flat crow bar)

Hammer

Wrecking bar

10-lb. sledge hammer

Torch

Grinder

SawzAll/reciprocating saw

Screw gun with appropriate sized bit(s)

About Lifting Rings

There is such a thing as a "professional" lifting ring. But they seem to be scarce, so unless you care to weld your own, you're probably out of luck.

Most often we use an old semi-tractor wheel with the tire still attached. On the semi wheel, we used a round plate that is placed under the wheel and is of a size that it cannot fit through the center hole of the wheel. On that, we have welded a large-diameter rod in a semi-cirle, to which we attach the boomtruck hook.

You can also make a lifting ring out of a large-diameter spoked iron wheel. Just wrap a length of log chain around it where it will stay level on its own, and be easy to hook up.

See illustration, here:

http://hubpages.com/hub/How-Not-to-Move-a-Grain-Bin

Step One - The Foundation and Accessories

Foundations vary in quality and the details of what may need dealt with to separate them from the bin. On some (not this one), it is necessary to go around the outside and "cut" sealing tar with a crow (wonder) bar and a hammer, while lifting the bin
Foundations vary in quality and the details of what may need dealt with to separate them from the bin. On some (not this one), it is necessary to go around the outside and "cut" sealing tar with a crow (wonder) bar and a hammer, while lifting the bin
This one appears to be loose, but isn't on the inside. We will therefore finish dealing with it last. If you could easily get the bin loose, you would start the dismantling process with this bottom ring.
This one appears to be loose, but isn't on the inside. We will therefore finish dealing with it last. If you could easily get the bin loose, you would start the dismantling process with this bottom ring.
Since we couldn't, we climbed to the roof and removed the lid. (Not the collar!) There are a variety of attachment methods for lids.
Since we couldn't, we climbed to the roof and removed the lid. (Not the collar!) There are a variety of attachment methods for lids.
Toss the lid to the ground. You won't want to try to climb down with it.
Toss the lid to the ground. You won't want to try to climb down with it.

Separating Ring From Foundation

If the bottom ring is heavily cemented or is rusted severely, cut it off with a torch, grinder, or plasma cutter in an appropriate place to bolt on a new base angle.

Step Two - The Door

Next, start on the door and doorframe. Expect the bolts to fit tightly.
Next, start on the door and doorframe. Expect the bolts to fit tightly.
On many older bins, there are a variety of fasteners. Sometimes, they are rusted past loosening. You may need a torch for situations like this.
On many older bins, there are a variety of fasteners. Sometimes, they are rusted past loosening. You may need a torch for situations like this.
Sometimes, vice grips placed snugly on the inside of the bolts will hold them enough to allow the impact wrench to loosen them.
Sometimes, vice grips placed snugly on the inside of the bolts will hold them enough to allow the impact wrench to loosen them.
Using a box-end wrench outside and vice grips or another wrench inside is another possibility.
Using a box-end wrench outside and vice grips or another wrench inside is another possibility.
If you have someone on the inside, attempting to hold the vice grips, be careful! Hand and wrist injuries are very probable, should the vice grips slip, or get twisted out of the user's hands.
If you have someone on the inside, attempting to hold the vice grips, be careful! Hand and wrist injuries are very probable, should the vice grips slip, or get twisted out of the user's hands.
For not-so-tight bolts, a regular wrench will do.
For not-so-tight bolts, a regular wrench will do.
Leave one bolt at the top until last, so you can control until the last second how stable the doorframe is.
Leave one bolt at the top until last, so you can control until the last second how stable the doorframe is.
After romoving these bolts, the doorframe should be ready to come out. It may fall on its own...
After romoving these bolts, the doorframe should be ready to come out. It may fall on its own...
...or it may need help coming out. Lay it out of the way, outside.
...or it may need help coming out. Lay it out of the way, outside.

Step Three - Position Lifting Ring

Position lifting hook in exact center of bin roof opening.
Position lifting hook in exact center of bin roof opening.
Lower hook nearly to floor of bin.
Lower hook nearly to floor of bin.
Attach lifting ring. There is such a thing as a specially-made lifting ring, but the one we commonly use is a large truck tire with a securely fastened log chain around it.
Attach lifting ring. There is such a thing as a specially-made lifting ring, but the one we commonly use is a large truck tire with a securely fastened log chain around it.
Attach the chain or lifting apparatus to the crane hook, and lift toward roof.
Attach the chain or lifting apparatus to the crane hook, and lift toward roof.
This part is best done with two people, as it is important...
This part is best done with two people, as it is important...
...to center it exactly.
...to center it exactly.

Step Four - First Sheets Off

Since we cannot easily loosen the bottom ring from the foundation, we start with Ring 2. Unbolt the first two sheets to the right of the door (reference point inside the bin).
Since we cannot easily loosen the bottom ring from the foundation, we start with Ring 2. Unbolt the first two sheets to the right of the door (reference point inside the bin).
Finish unbolting Ring 2 all the way around. You will need one person inside with an impact wrench, and other person outside with a box end wrench (or two, depending on how fast you move).
Finish unbolting Ring 2 all the way around. You will need one person inside with an impact wrench, and other person outside with a box end wrench (or two, depending on how fast you move).
Next, spray paint a #2 on all the sheets on this ring (sweep dust off, as necessary). This will become important during re-assembly. If you screw up and put a sheet that goes on Ring 3 on the bottom ring, your bin will most likely collapse.
Next, spray paint a #2 on all the sheets on this ring (sweep dust off, as necessary). This will become important during re-assembly. If you screw up and put a sheet that goes on Ring 3 on the bottom ring, your bin will most likely collapse.
Break the rings away from each other, so the bin moves freely and doesn't bind on the bottom ring.
Break the rings away from each other, so the bin moves freely and doesn't bind on the bottom ring.
The tool shown is available at many hardware stores, but a large crow bar will work as well.
The tool shown is available at many hardware stores, but a large crow bar will work as well.
The tool is about five feet long, and is made of steel. The ends are shaped for prying and wedging.
The tool is about five feet long, and is made of steel. The ends are shaped for prying and wedging.
Stack all the sheets from Ring 2, either out of the way or in your trailer. You may wish to adjust the height of the bin before proceeding, depending on whether it is swinging too freely in the breeze.
Stack all the sheets from Ring 2, either out of the way or in your trailer. You may wish to adjust the height of the bin before proceeding, depending on whether it is swinging too freely in the breeze.

Step Five - Removing Most of the Sheets

Proceed as with Ring 2, beginning counter clockwise...
Proceed as with Ring 2, beginning counter clockwise...
...with someone with impact wrench inside...
...with someone with impact wrench inside...
...and box-end wrench(es) outside.
...and box-end wrench(es) outside.
Take off brackets and stubborn bolts any way you can (don't destroy brackets, though). Try the simplest, less destructive way first (unscrew them).
Take off brackets and stubborn bolts any way you can (don't destroy brackets, though). Try the simplest, less destructive way first (unscrew them).
That failing, reciprocating saws...
That failing, reciprocating saws...
grinders, or torches are all good options.
grinders, or torches are all good options.
Proceed removing sheets according to how they are lapped, prying or kicking them loose once unbolted, and stack.
Proceed removing sheets according to how they are lapped, prying or kicking them loose once unbolted, and stack.
For Ring 4 (2nd to last ring), start on sheet above door: (inside vantage point) do left seam, then right, then top. Proceed counter clockwise (from inside)...then next sheet clockwise...then next two counter clockwise (according to seam laps).
For Ring 4 (2nd to last ring), start on sheet above door: (inside vantage point) do left seam, then right, then top. Proceed counter clockwise (from inside)...then next sheet clockwise...then next two counter clockwise (according to seam laps).

It takes two experienced people only about 20 minutes to dissassemble a ring on an 18' diameter grain bin. If you use your head about stacking sheets, you can use a tractor or fork lift to load them onto a trailer, in the order needed to re-assemble.

About hardware: Do not try to re-use the hardware! The water-resistant washers on the bolts may not be good anymore. Bolts and nuts are cheap compaired to a bin full of wheat or other grain - or a leaky cottage, if you plan to use the bin for a residence. Trash the used nuts too, as they are frequently rusty and a bit rounded.

Step Six - Reposition Roof

Finish removing any sheets attached to the top ring.
Finish removing any sheets attached to the top ring.
Lift it well clear of the rest of the bin...
Lift it well clear of the rest of the bin...
...and set it down in an appropriate place for dissassembly.
...and set it down in an appropriate place for dissassembly.
Now you are ready to begin removing the roof sheets.
Now you are ready to begin removing the roof sheets.

Roof Disassembly Cautions; Outline of Process

Disassembly of grain bin roofs can be tricky. Some common-sense precautions must be observed. Let's start with scaffolding.

Scaffolding is recommended if the diameter of your bin is more than 18 feet (6 meters). You will want to figure out the height at which to set your scaffolding before you get it in place. It is a good idea to put in the scaffolding as soon in the disassembly process as possible, as it will normally fit through the door of the bin, but not through the roof manhole.

Next, even if you don't need scaffolding to work safely, place a ladder inside the bin before starting disassembly, for a potential escape route through the roof manhole, should you need to stop bin disassembly unexpectedly (weather comes up, etc.)

Lastly, once you start removing pieces of a grain bin roof, it becomes extremely unstable. The roof as a whole is relatively strong - but as soon as you take it to bits it's nothing but some pieces of easily crumpled, easily bent metal. For this reason, it is important to work in a specific pattern while removing roof sheets. You will remove the sheets in opposite pairs, to maintain the integrity and balance of the roof as long as possible. When you get down to just a few sheets, it is extremely helpful to have a third, strong person, even if you have managed the rest of the bin with just two workers.

First, assess the hardware and accessories. If there are support irons bolted and/or hanging from the bottom of the roof sheets - i.e. under the roof ladder - remove the hardware and support irons in a manner that won't give you injuries.

Next, leaving the top (collar) and bottom bolts intact, remove the rest of the bolts and nuts from the roof. From the top side, using an electric impact wrench, you should be able to reach about three roof sheets at a time.

After all bolts except for the top and bottom have been removed, the person on the ground removes the bottom bolts from a sheet (do ladder sheet first). Then, the person on the ladder removes the top bolt and assists in sliding the roof sheet down. Do this in a pattern of 12:00, then 6:00, then 3:00, then 9:00, until there are only 4 or so sheets left. You must remove the sheets in opposites, so the roof doesn't collapse. Use extreme caution on the last four or five, using a step ladder or scaffolding as a platform. You will need a moderate amount of strength and leverage in order to safely handle these last sheets.

Step Seven - Disassembly of Roof Sheets

My kids, who have been on grain bin building sites nearly all their lives, can't resist a lowered roof.
My kids, who have been on grain bin building sites nearly all their lives, can't resist a lowered roof.
Carefully assess any damage to roof sheets, and determine whether you should fix the sheet(s), or replace them.
Carefully assess any damage to roof sheets, and determine whether you should fix the sheet(s), or replace them.
You will need one person inside with vice grips, and one on the outside with an impact wrench (this picture was taken about halfway through the roof disassembly process).
You will need one person inside with vice grips, and one on the outside with an impact wrench (this picture was taken about halfway through the roof disassembly process).
Remove all bolts except top and bottom ones (collar and bottom lip). Start with door sheet. Tool needs vary. Some bolts will be stubborn (or possibly of an odd make), and require different tools.
Remove all bolts except top and bottom ones (collar and bottom lip). Start with door sheet. Tool needs vary. Some bolts will be stubborn (or possibly of an odd make), and require different tools.
Remove top bolt only when ready to remove sheet, then slide the roof sheet down and out. to your roof sheet pile.
Remove top bolt only when ready to remove sheet, then slide the roof sheet down and out. to your roof sheet pile.
Next, you will remove the sheet which was lapped under that one, before moving to the opposite side of the bin. You can take two per space, generally.
Next, you will remove the sheet which was lapped under that one, before moving to the opposite side of the bin. You can take two per space, generally.
While his co-worker continues to work on bolts, my husband begins removing the collar. My son Billy helps unscrew bolts.
While his co-worker continues to work on bolts, my husband begins removing the collar. My son Billy helps unscrew bolts.
Some bolts are best ground off.
Some bolts are best ground off.
Remove the lifting ring if it is in the way...which it eventually will be. Some bolts are tricky to reach, from either outside or inside the bin.
Remove the lifting ring if it is in the way...which it eventually will be. Some bolts are tricky to reach, from either outside or inside the bin.
You may sometimes be able to take more than one sheet at a time. It depends on the size and weight of the sheets, and their general condition.
You may sometimes be able to take more than one sheet at a time. It depends on the size and weight of the sheets, and their general condition.
Once you are down to just a few sheets, you will need to rest the center of the roof sheets on ladder.
Once you are down to just a few sheets, you will need to rest the center of the roof sheets on ladder.
Unbolt the last bolts on the second-to-last sheet...
Unbolt the last bolts on the second-to-last sheet...
...and carefully lower the last sheet, with collar, to the ground.
...and carefully lower the last sheet, with collar, to the ground.
It is fragile, and can be quite heavy! Rest second-to-last sheet on ladder, until there are two sets of hands free to support and unbolt it.
It is fragile, and can be quite heavy! Rest second-to-last sheet on ladder, until there are two sets of hands free to support and unbolt it.
Finish unbolting sheets, and you are done with the roof.
Finish unbolting sheets, and you are done with the roof.

Step Nine - Remove Foundation Sheets

First, loosen bolts down each seam with impact wrench.
First, loosen bolts down each seam with impact wrench.
Bang sheets away from foundation, and each other, if necessary.
Bang sheets away from foundation, and each other, if necessary.
Finish separating any sheets, after getting them away from foundation.
Finish separating any sheets, after getting them away from foundation.

Notes on Trailers and Roads

We have been asked what kind of trailer we use most for grain bin moving, especially when we don't completely disassemble a bin. It is basically an iron framework...and it is too big to be legal in most areas, being 16' wide. Be aware that, on any interstate, you cannot legally move anything over 8'2" inches wide without over-wide permits. But - if you have completely disassembled your bin, as shown in this article, this shouldn't generally be a problem. We have hauled bins larger than the one shown in a pickup box trailer. However, be sure your trailer and towing vehicle can handle the weight and size of your bin.

Check width restrictions on the highway(s) along which you will be moving. Check your State's agricultural equipment highway laws, too. It is perfectly legal in many states to pull practically anything down the road with a tractor, or with a truck that has "Farm" plates on it. If your State is this way, you won't need overwide permits, provided you can use farm equipment or a truck with farm plates.

Other Grain Bin Articles

Moving a Used Grain Bin: A Day in the Life of a Rural Contractor

How to Find Used Grain Bins

 

More how-to grain bin articles are in the works. Some of the topics are:

Grain Bin Assembly (used or new)

Grain Bin Jacks

Boom Truck vs. Crane: Pros and Cons

When is it Necessary to Completely Disassemble a Bin in Order to Move It?

But it will take me time to get together all the necessary photos and information for these hubs, so be patient!

Others are also reading...

Comments

no body 15 months ago

Did you guys start out with Lincoln logs and tinker toys? because I failed at those as a kid. Can you imagine what I would do if I saw a trailer full of these big metal thingees. I would be under my bed quoting the Greek alphabet - backwards and blubbering! I know this is probably very basic stuff but I seems an engineering miracle. God bless you in your work and life. Much love Bob.

Joy At Home 15 months ago

No Body,

LOL! I loved Lincoln logs and tinker toys! My dad made my siblings and I a huge set of square Lincoln logs, with which we could build towers and forts as tall as a kindergartner.

However, I don't love grain bins quite so much. I just build them. They're hot, dirty, heavy, and exhausting...and you can't do anything creative with them - they only go together one way.

LiftedUp 15 months ago

I must confess, grain bins hold a certain fascination for me. I remember how I loved to try to walk around Dad's bins on the bit of foundation (it was pretty narrow), and I always thought it was so neat to be there when Dad opened the doors to get the bins ready for harvest. However, I must agree with No Body -- I would run screaming from a trailer full of bin parts that needed to be assembled, and the thought of the disassembly leaves me just as cold. An interesting hub, though; I admire those who can and will work with such a process.

De Greek 15 months ago

How do you always manage to write about things that interest me? :-)))

Joy At Home 15 months ago

LiftedUp,

I remember reading a John Phipps humor column about the pleasures of singing in a grain bin...so I agree, they have a certain charm. (He also thought well pits were great.)

But frankly, up until the time I had to start working in grain bins, and do or die, Dad's big bin with the pit always scared me.

Joy At Home 15 months ago

DeGreek,

It's a gift. ;-)

cody  14 months ago

im looking at buying a bin for my farn the one i found is only 4 rings high and 51 feet round. would it be esential to seperate every piece? i was hopping to possibly leave 2 sheets atatched to each so i can save as much of the hardware as i can also why did you leave the bottom ring until the last ?

Joy At Home 13 months ago

Cody,

It's not necessary to separate each piece; 2 sheets at a time are fine if you can handle them.

We left the bottom ring until last because it was stuck in the cement, with no reason to salvage it. We wound up taking it out and using the upper half of the sheets...the rest was pretty trashed.

Kristin 12 months ago

Hi Joy!

How come you start with the bottom and work up instead of the top and work down? So the bin comes crashing down to the ground with each ring taken off? I've got your other grain bin article saved for reading tomorrow. I'm looking for a large one to fix up and live in so I'm learning all I can. Thanks for all the information!

Joy At Home 11 months ago

Kristin,

Due to the fragility of the roof panels when separated from each other, there is no safe or logical way to dismantle the roof first, that high up in the air, and work down from top ring to bottom ring. The strength of the roof is rather great when it is whole, but it can be delicate when taken to bits...especially half-way through the dismantling process. (Just like with a stone arch...it's hard to break when all together, but if you start taking stones out, you wind up with a mess in a hurry.) Either a crane or boom truck, or grain bin jacks, need to be available for safe dismantling of a grain bin.

I hope this helps, and you're welcome for the info in the articles.

sld9696 4 months ago

Hello I was just wondering where you are based from. We have a bin site on our farm that is no longer in use. We have been trying to figure out how to have them removed. They are located in a town called Alta, Iowa. Do you know of anyone in that area that we could contact to find out if they are interested? Thank You.

Joy At Home 4 months ago

Sld,

We are based in N.E. Colorado...a bit far, I think, to be of use.

coondog 2 months ago

we have moved 18' bins on a hydrolic trailor that lays them down on a trailor so their only 18' wide and about 20' high and go down the road. they only hold 3 or 4 thousand bushells, combines today can pick 2 or 3 or 4 times that amount in a day

Full Circle Education 7 weeks ago

We can't get out hands on a crane or a boom truck.. How about a Forklift which can lift 8000 pds. We have a 20', 4 ring grain bin. What is the approx. weight of each pannel?

Thanks for your help!

Joy At Home 2 weeks ago

Full Cirlce Education,

Sorry for the tardy reply. I need to do some more checking in order to try to answer your questions. What brand of bin do you have here? The panels on different brands of bins don't all weigh the same, even on the same ring. (Naturally, the bottom-ring panels are heavier than the top-ring panels.)

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