Flaman Rentals Blog

Three Phase Electricity for Grain Handling

Posted by Jeff Brown Nov 06, 2023

Three-Phrase Grain Handling Power. Doable. Valuable.
More acres seeded might mean more bushels brought into your bin yard. But it doesn't have to mean more work and expense. As farming grows, new technologies emerge to boost your grain operation's speed and efficiency.



Technology Boosts Productivity.
Grain Dryers like our AGI NECO and Oakland models are designed to run continuously and safely. There's no need for you to spend your time or hire a hand to supervise them. And with remote monitoring systems, you can spend more time working in the field.



The same goes for the Walinga Blower System. Its airflow can move dried grain to your dry bins at rates of up to 2,000 bushels an hour. Achieving those higher volumes depends on the size of your piping and your motor's horsepower. The latter can be a sticking point for many farmers.



Amping Up Your Operation
Most farming operations are still wired for single-phase power. The high-volume systems mentioned above require three-phase power, which hits its peak amplitude three times as often as single-phase for three times the power output. It’s the optimum circuit for power generation. Higher-phase systems prove too complicated and expensive to be worth pursuing. 

Despite its benefits, Farmers aren't often eager to rewire their farms to facilitate three-phase. Fortunately, they don't have to.

How to Convert from Single to Three-Phase Power Safely and Affordably
Walinga Blower Systems and AGI NECO and Oakland grain dryers all employ VFD technology. Variable Feed Drives have two outstanding features. First, they allow your motor to slow down and speed up, limiting energy consumption to reduce your power bill.
Walinga's Variable Frequency Drive Systems monitor and automatically adjust motor speeds

More importantly, they can be set up to draw current from your existing single-phase power source and convert it to three-phase electricity. So, you don't have to change your farm's entire power supply to run one or two bigger machines.



It's worth noting that not every variable frequency drive motor can deliver these results, but AGI, Oakland, and Walinga have engineered their motors with the farmer's single-phase/three-phase dilemma in mind.

Savings and Convenience to Help You Get Growing
There’s a big benefit to this small-scale phase shift. It removes a giant obstacle to building up your bin yard. Instead of waiting until you’ve saved up for a big change, you can increase your grain handling capacity in stages. More high-quality grain in your bin allows you to purchase more components down the road.



Ready to Lower Grain Handling Electricity Costs and Boost Production?
Get in touch with your local Flaman dealer and ask our bin yard experts how you can convert single-phase to three-phase power, add valuable components, and get your bin yard humming.

Posted in Product Information | Tagged with grain handling three phase power walinga neco oakland | More articles by Jeff Brown

Be ready for harvest 2022: Summer is the time to build your bins & install your grain handling equipment

Posted by Calla Simpson Jun 24, 2022

Now that seeding is complete and the crops are growing, you may be starting to think about the next steps in your farming operation for 2022. This likely includes thoughts of additional Grain Storage, Grain Handling, and even Grain Drying equipment.



It may seem early to plan for harvest, but summer is a great time to build your bins and install your grain handling equipment to move the crop come harvest time. Buying now will ensure your equipment is installed and ready to go in the fall – so you can have peace of mind all season long.

Lean on the Pros
At Flaman, our Grain Systems team is equipped to work with you on developing your yard for the future. Let one of our industry experts come to your yard to measure, draw, and discuss your needs for the coming year. Our tactical approach provides you with various drawings and site layouts that can utilize your existing equipment, and plan for future expansion in a multi-phased strategy.

We can create a yard design based on your operational needs and the desired function of your site.

We specialize in full grain handling setups, including a wide range of bucket elevators and pneumatic conveyors – such as the Walinga Ultra-Veyor. Our turn-key offering also includes grain dryer systems, like the NECO Mixed Flow Dryer, as well as grain cleaning and processing facilities, automated bin sites, and producer loading sites.



Our team is here to guide the entire setup and installation process of your grain handling system and provide maintenance and service for every item that goes in and out of our doors.

Schedule your appointment today for a free, no commitment site assessment. 

-----
For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.

Posted in Ag news | Tagged with grain systems grain handling grain drying grain cleaning turnkey bin site NECO Walinga | More articles by Calla Simpson

Reduce labour when filling bins: Automate your grain handling site with a Walinga Blower System

Posted by Calla Simpson Aug 31, 2020

A Walinga Pneumatic Blower System may be one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can add to your Grain Handling lineup. The Ultra-Veyor is designed to fill bins of various heights and distances from the ground up, allowing you to easily add the system to any pre-existing site.

Walinga Sales Rep Doug Termeer explains how a blower system works

Many yard sites weren’t originally designed with the thought of adding a grain handling system or grain dryer down the line. As farms continue to grow, larger bins are being installed and grain storage is being built further and further away. The only way to hit all these bins of different sizes and distances economically is with a blower system. By allowing you to keep the current bins and other infrastructure you have already invested in, a Walinga Ultra-Veyor prevents you from having to redesign your entire yard site – saving you a lot of money in the long run.

A grain handling setup in Saskatchewan utilizing a Walinga blower system to reach bins of various heights

Walinga blower systems are also very flexible and expandable, so you don’t need to have your whole yard designed and planned out ahead of time. You can easily expand down the road as your business grows and you start to add more acres or dry more grain. These systems can be installed under driveways to reduce the risk of damaging any pipes as you load/unload trucks in your yard.

The Walinga Ultra-Veyor is also a great add-on to any grain dryer, especially continuous flow dryers like NECO. Automating your grain dryer and grain handling reduces the number of augers, legs, and additional trucking necessary to move grain around your yard. This maximizes accessibility to any drying or storage facility. Your grain can go straight from the dryer into the final storage bin, so you don’t have to move it around multiple times before you get it where you want it in the end. It’s faster, more efficient, and most importantly, safer.

A NECO Grain Dryer unloading into a Walinga system

With the Smart-Flo feature on your Walinga blower, you have the ability to control the airspeed which reduces unnecessary damage to product and piping. This Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) system monitors and adjusts motor speeds depending on crop type, volume of product, and distance – optimizing performance and reducing energy costs. The Smart-Flo system can also be wired into your continuous flow grain dryer to speed up and slow down as necessary.

A blower system is not only an economic and affordable solution for long-distance conveying, it is also simple to install and is gentle on product – moving grain virtually dust and damage-free. Walinga Ultra-Veyors can move anywhere from 400 bushels/hour to 2,100 bushels/ hour, depending on the size of your operation.

Hear first-hand how a Walinga Ultra-Veyor made a positive impact on this customer's operation

Want to invest in a Walinga Pneumatic Blower system and automate your grain handling site this year? Contact us to schedule a free, no-commitment site assessment today.

-----
For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location. 

Posted in Product Information | Tagged with grain systems grain handling Walinga Ultra-Veyor blower system NECO grain dryer | More articles by Calla Simpson

Reduce labour when filling bins: Automate your grain handling site with a Walinga Blower System

Posted by Calla Simpson Aug 31, 2020

A Walinga Pneumatic Blower System may be one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can add to your Grain Handling lineup. The Ultra-Veyor is designed to fill bins of various heights and distances from the ground up, allowing you to easily add the system to any pre-existing site.

Walinga Sales Rep Doug Termeer explains how a blower system works

Many yard sites weren’t originally designed with the thought of adding a grain handling system or grain dryer down the line. As farms continue to grow, larger bins are being installed and grain storage is being built further and further away. The only way to hit all these bins of different sizes and distances economically is with a blower system. By allowing you to keep the current bins and other infrastructure you have already invested in, a Walinga Ultra-Veyor prevents you from having to redesign your entire yard site – saving you a lot of money in the long run.

A grain handling setup in Saskatchewan utilizing a Walinga blower system to reach bins of various heights

Walinga blower systems are also very flexible and expandable, so you don’t need to have your whole yard designed and planned out ahead of time. You can easily expand down the road as your business grows and you start to add more acres or dry more grain. These systems can be installed under driveways to reduce the risk of damaging any pipes as you load/unload trucks in your yard.

The Walinga Ultra-Veyor is also a great add-on to any grain dryer, especially continuous flow dryers like NECO. Automating your grain dryer and grain handling reduces the number of augers, legs, and additional trucking necessary to move grain around your yard. This maximizes accessibility to any drying or storage facility. Your grain can go straight from the dryer into the final storage bin, so you don’t have to move it around multiple times before you get it where you want it in the end. It’s faster, more efficient, and most importantly, safer.

A NECO Grain Dryer unloading into a Walinga system

With the Smart-Flo feature on your Walinga blower, you have the ability to control the airspeed which reduces unnecessary damage to product and piping. This Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) system monitors and adjusts motor speeds depending on crop type, volume of product, and distance – optimizing performance and reducing energy costs. The Smart-Flo system can also be wired into your continuous flow grain dryer to speed up and slow down as necessary.

A blower system is not only an economic and affordable solution for long-distance conveying, it is also simple to install and is gentle on product – moving grain virtually dust and damage-free. Walinga Ultra-Veyors can move anywhere from 400 bushels/hour to 2,100 bushels/ hour, depending on the size of your operation.

Hear first-hand how a Walinga Ultra-Veyor made a positive impact on this customer's operation

Want to invest in a Walinga Pneumatic Blower system and automate your grain handling site this year? Contact us to schedule a free, no-commitment site assessment today.

-----
For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location. 

Posted in Product Information | Tagged with grain systems grain handling Walinga Ultra-Veyor blower system NECO grain dryer | More articles by Calla Simpson

Early season utilization: Increase the grade of your grain with a NECO Grain Dryer

Posted by Calla Simpson Aug 26, 2020

As harvest is well underway in most areas of the province, many producers are utilizing their grain dryers early on this season and increasing the available window to combine. Some farmers have even noticed increases in their durum quality as their grade improves after drying.

20% moisture durum before going into the NECO grain dryer (left) and 14.5% moisture durum after being dried (right)

Nolan Gettis, a farmer in central Saskatchewan, discusses how his NECO Grain Dryer has improved his operation:

“Two years ago, I would have been waiting to combine saying, ‘It’s getting close’. Right now, I’m full on harvesting because I have this dryer as a tool. I’m not waiting to use it. I’m literally taking off 20% durum and it’s coming out dry and just shining. It’s amazing how much better this durum looks once it comes out of that dryer. When you have a crop of unicorn #1 amber durum, you’ve gotta go get it.

I’d have to say the biggest benefit of this NECO dryer is that we’ve taken on more acres this year and I’ve already conquered that land without buying another combine. I have three bins on the go; a dry bin, an aeration bin, and the dryer. It’s a total harvest management tool.”

Nolan's grain drying setup in Semans, SK

Mixed flow dryers reduce the risk of crop damage, resulting in higher test weights. This drying process helps mature the kernels and brings out the rich colour evenly, producing higher quality grain with more consistent results. This dramatic difference in quality increases profitability and improves yield.

It's not too late – contact us to book your dryer install with Flaman today.

-----
For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location. 

Posted in Product Information | Tagged with grain systems grain handling grain drying NECO grain dryer mixed flow continuous flow | More articles by Calla Simpson

Early season utilization: Increase the grade of your grain with a NECO Grain Dryer

Posted by Calla Simpson Aug 26, 2020

As harvest is well underway in most areas of the province, many producers are utilizing their grain dryers early on this season and increasing the available window to combine. Some farmers have even noticed increases in their durum quality as their grade improves after drying.

20% moisture durum before going into the NECO grain dryer (left) and 14.5% moisture durum after being dried (right)

Nolan Gettis, a farmer in central Saskatchewan, discusses how his NECO Grain Dryer has improved his operation:

“Two years ago, I would have been waiting to combine saying, ‘It’s getting close’. Right now, I’m full on harvesting because I have this dryer as a tool. I’m not waiting to use it. I’m literally taking off 20% durum and it’s coming out dry and just shining. It’s amazing how much better this durum looks once it comes out of that dryer. When you have a crop of unicorn #1 amber durum, you’ve gotta go get it.

I’d have to say the biggest benefit of this NECO dryer is that we’ve taken on more acres this year and I’ve already conquered that land without buying another combine. I have three bins on the go; a dry bin, an aeration bin, and the dryer. It’s a total harvest management tool.”

Nolan's grain drying setup in Semans, SK

Mixed flow dryers reduce the risk of crop damage, resulting in higher test weights. This drying process helps mature the kernels and brings out the rich colour evenly, producing higher quality grain with more consistent results. This dramatic difference in quality increases profitability and improves yield.

It's not too late – contact us to book your dryer install with Flaman today.

-----
For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location. 

Posted in Product Information | Tagged with grain systems grain handling grain drying NECO grain dryer mixed flow continuous flow | More articles by Calla Simpson

Dry your grain with ease: Get ahead of harvest this year and book your NECO dryer install with Flaman today

Posted by Calla Simpson Jun 26, 2020

There are many advantages to owning a grain dryer. As we learned last year in Western Canada, harvest 2019 had its challenges; most of which showed up when the crop needed to come off the field. Being able to dry your grain allows you to better manage your timeline and start combining as soon as it’s time to go! The earlier you can get started, the less likely you are to get caught with crop out in the field over winter.



NECO Mixed Flow Grain Dryers are designed to easily and efficiently condition all types of grain for storage. With no screens to clean or unplug, this industry-leading grain dryer is designed not only for its performance, but also its versatility.



The flexible, modular design of these grain dryers make for easy installation and can be customized and expanded to suit any farming operation.


A time lapse of a NECO Grain Dryer installation near Saskatoon

The NECO Grain Dryer’s mixed flow operation ensures even heating and cooling to provide consistent, high-quality grain. The improved air flow, quieter fans, and unequalled fuel efficiency make this dryer a valuable addition to any farming operation.



NECO dryers use Commander Control with a Dryer Master moisture control system to protect the quality of your grain and prevent over- or under-drying. The COMMANDnet system allows remote access to your NECO Grain Dryer to monitor its performance from your smartphone or computer – providing you with total control over your dryer wherever you may be.



It is never too early to start planning for harvest, as we never know what mother nature has in store for us. Bookings are filling up fast, but there are still a few spots left to get your name on a dryer for fall. Our Grain Systems team can customize a complete grain drying system to suit your needs, guiding the setup and installation, and providing service and maintenance along the way.


Hear first-hand from Flaman customers what a NECO dryer can do for your operation

Be ready to get ahead of harvest this year – contact us to book your dryer install with Flaman today.

-----
For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location. 
Posted in Product Information | Tagged with grain systems grain handling grain drying NECO grain dryer | More articles by Calla Simpson

Dry your grain with ease: Get ahead of harvest this year and book your NECO dryer install with Flaman today

Posted by Calla Simpson Jun 26, 2020

There are many advantages to owning a grain dryer. Being able to dry your grain allows you to better manage your timeline and start combining as soon as it’s time to go! The earlier you can get started, the less likely you are to get caught with crop out in the field over winter.



NECO Mixed Flow Grain Dryers are designed to easily and efficiently condition all types of grain for storage. With no screens to clean or unplug, this industry-leading grain dryer is designed not only for its performance, but also its versatility.



The flexible, modular design of these grain dryers make for easy installation and can be customized and expanded to suit any farming operation.


A time lapse of a NECO Grain Dryer installation near Saskatoon

The NECO Grain Dryer’s mixed flow operation ensures even heating and cooling to provide consistent, high-quality grain. The improved air flow, quieter fans, and unequalled fuel efficiency make this dryer a valuable addition to any farming operation.



NECO dryers use Commander Control with a Dryer Master moisture control system to protect the quality of your grain and prevent over- or under-drying. The COMMANDnet system allows remote access to your NECO Grain Dryer to monitor its performance from your smartphone or computer – providing you with total control over your dryer wherever you may be.



It is never too early to start planning for harvest, as we never know what mother nature has in store for us. Bookings are filling up fast, but there are still a few spots left to get your name on a dryer for fall. Our Grain Systems team can customize a complete grain drying system to suit your needs, guiding the setup and installation, and providing service and maintenance along the way.


Hear first-hand from Flaman customers what a NECO dryer can do for your operation

Be ready to get ahead of harvest this year – contact us to book your dryer install with Flaman today.

-----
For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location. 
Posted in Product Information | Tagged with grain systems grain handling grain drying NECO grain dryer | More articles by Calla Simpson

Be ready for harvest 2020: Summer is the time to build your bins & install your grain handling equipment

Posted by Calla Simpson May 29, 2020

As seeding is coming to a close throughout the province, you may be starting to think about the next steps in your farming operation for 2020. This likely includes thoughts of additional Grain Storage, Grain Handling, and even Grain Drying equipment.

It may seem early to plan for harvest, but summer is a great time to build your bins and install your grain handling equipment to move the crop come harvest time. Buying now will ensure your equipment is installed and ready to go in the fall – so you can have peace of mind all season long.

Lean on the Pros
At Flaman, our Grain Systems team is equipped to work with you on developing your yard for the future. Let one of our industry experts come to your yard to measure, draw, and discuss your needs for the coming year. Our tactical approach provides you with various drawings and site layouts that can utilize your existing equipment, and plan for future expansion in a multi-phased strategy.

Our Specialists can create a yard design based on your operational needs and the desired function of your site.

We specialize in full grain handling setups, including a wide range of bucket elevators and pneumatic conveyors – such as the Walinga Ultra-Veyor. Our turn-key offering also includes grain dryer systems, like the NECO Mixed Flow Dryer, as well as grain cleaning and processing facilities, automated bin sites, and producer loading sites. Our team is here to guide the entire setup and installation process of your grain handling system and provide maintenance and service for every item that goes in and out of our doors.

Schedule your appointment today for a free, no commitment site assessment. 

-----
For more information on our grain handling and grain drying solutions, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.

Posted in Ag news | Tagged with grain systems grain handling grain drying grain cleaning turnkey bin site NECO Walinga | More articles by Calla Simpson

Harvest 2019: An unconventional way to dry your grain in wet conditions

Posted by Paul Boechler Oct 09, 2019

The 2019 harvest is shaping up to be frustrating for most.  It’s no secret that harvest is well behind this year, with only 34% of crops being combined in Alberta (47% 3-yr avg), 47% in Saskatchewan (75% 3-yr avg), and 71% in Manitoba (85% 3-yr avg) as of last week.  Wet weather has plagued the prairies, with record rainfall in Manitoba and snowfall in southern Alberta & Saskatchewan in September.  A combination of high moisture levels and widespread crop damage has contributed to diminished grade.

It’s now a race to get remaining crops off the field and although we can’t control the weather, we can help you maintain the grade of your grain by getting it dried faster and limiting spoilage.  The most effective option is a NECO dryer from Flaman, which can be scaled to the size of your operation.  However, dryer installs are contingent on many environmental and logistical factors and it’s far from a guarantee that a dryer purchased today would be installed before the end of harvest. 

So, what does a farmer do if he or she can’t get a dryer installed in time?

Our team in Saskatchewan has heard a lot of stories from our customers who’ve resorted to unconventional methods to dry their grain. The overwhelming favourite by local farmers has been the Frost Fighter (available only at our Saskatchewan locations), which is a diesel-powered 350,000 BTU industrial heater designed to heat remote construction sites and shops. As it turns out, they are also easily adaptable to a bin aeration system and can pump heat into two bins simultaneously. It’s been a lifeline given the soggy conditions.

Kelly Stewart, the operations manager at our Flaman Moosomin location, was the man who made this idea a reality:

“I saw a video a couple years ago of an Alberta farmer using a similar method and he claimed it worked like a charm. It inspired me to try it out given how wet it’s been this year. Some local farmers put it to work and were extremely pleased with the results.  It’s not a perfect solution and we know it’s not recommended by the manufacturers, but desperate times have forced us to think outside the box.

With a little extra work, moving your grain around and monitoring your moisture levels closely, we’ve heard from many happy customers that have seen up to 30,000 BU dried in a week. Obviously, the best way to dry your grain is with a dryer but given how wet it’s been and with more precipitation in the forecast, this has been a great makeshift way to salvage what has been a tough harvest.”

Interested in learning more about grain drying? Talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.
Posted in Ag news | Tagged with grain drying frost fighter neco dryer flaman harvest crops aeration | More articles by Paul Boechler