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Holes in spouts are a common problem that can result in thousands of dollars in lost product. However, repairs are expensive and result in costly downtime. A magnetic spout patch provides a fast, temporary solution so you can get back to work as soon as possible and prevent further loss of product. 

Features and benefits

Magnetic spout patches have several advantages over conventional methods of sealing holes. These include:

Durability

Magnetic spout patches are made in the U.S.A. using hard-wearing materials. They come standard with galvanized outer sheets, with heavy-duty stainless steel an option for special order. You can also purchase inner liners made of urethane, nitrile/neoprene, or Teflon. 

Urethane has the highest wear resistance among the three, while Teflon is recommended for food-grade materials. Neoprene is a middle-of-the-road option that provides good wear resistance and excellent dust-sealing capabilities. 

The magnetic spout patch is reusable. Once you’ve made permanent repairs to a hole in a pipe, you can put the patch away and save it for the next time you need it. 

Versatility

They come in 6″ x 6″ and 12″ x 12″ sizes. Self-adjusting, magnetic spout patches can be used on rounded metal surfaces 6 to 20 inches in diameter.  

The patches are designed to adhere firmly to chutes, troughs, pipes, spouts, and more, which they do with great success. The neodymium magnets in the patches ensure they stay secure regardless of temperature, vibration, or impact. They are suitable for use in a variety of non-pressurized applications. 

Ease of Use

Unlike other patches, the magnetic spout patch does not require any adhesives, welding, bolting, or taping. The magnets hold it in place with no gaps to let out any grain, even the smallest kinds like rapeseed and sesame seeds. 

Applying a magnetic patch can be done by one person and does not require any special skills or tools—you definitely won’t have to call in your maintenance crew. You also don’t have to waste time waiting for an adhesive to dry—you can get back to work loading and unloading grain as soon as you’ve snapped the patch over the hole. It also comes with handles for hassle-free placement even in elevated or hard-to-reach areas. 

Final thoughts 

Grain handlers have to be prepared for equipment emergencies. Having a magnetic spout patch in their toolkit ensures they can quickly address holes and gaps until they can arrange a more permanent fix. Versatile, durable, and easy to use, the magnetic spout patch is a must for grain handlers who wish to avoid the costs and headaches of paused operations. 

You may reach out to KC Supply Co. for more information. 

Grain sampling is a must during the fall harvest. Since the results will form the basis of marketing and inventory decisions and grain grading, it’s crucial that sampling is both adequate and accurate.  

However, grain sampling can be very tiring and tedious work, whether done by hand or pneumatic probes. The Port-a-Probe offers a convenient way to sample grain at varying depths quickly. It does so more accurately than doing it by hand and less costly than using conventional sampling equipment.

The Port-a-Probe allows users to take samples of grain stored in silos, flat storage structures, and grain piles. Using this equipment can help farm owners and operators efficiently conduct grain sampling during the fall harvest, identify moisture or other grain storage problems, and minimize storage losses.

Features and Benefits

The Port-a-Probe comes in two main models: the 9HES Power Vac and the 5.5H Power Vac.

The 9HES has a 9 HP (270cc) Honda gas engine with an electric key start. It’s gas-powered, making the Port-a-Probe suitable for remote locations where electricity is not readily available. The 9HES is capable of sampling grain in bins more than 120 feet high.

The 5.5H Power Vac is smaller and lighter than the 9HES. Its recoil start engine has a tachometer and an hour meter, and it is strong enough to facilitate sampling in grain bins and storage sheds with a height of up to 60 feet.

During the busy fall harvest, you won’t have to waste time and energy carrying sampling equipment into your bins, silos, and sheds. The base can be placed on the ground next to the storage facility. All that’s needed to be on the surface of the grain are the hose and probe.

Other features of the 9HES Power Vac and 5.5H Power Vac are a positive displacement vacuum pump, heavy-duty aluminum machine-threaded probe sections, and a cyclone receiver that can be moved to and from the emptying position. The receiver means you don’t have to carry samples down from grain storage facilities or carry them around.

Final thoughts

Taking representative samples of your grain throughout the year, not just during the fall harvest, is essential. It alerts you to potential problems such as pests, mold, and moisture caused by fluctuating temperatures. The Port-a-Probe is a reliable, easy-to-use tool that provides users with the information they need to ensure proper grain management.

Get more information on the Port-a-Probe by getting in touch with KC Supply Co.

Arnold Company’s Door Demon: Hopper Trailer Opener (HTO) is billed as the first of its kind—a handheld, powered device explicitly designed for use with hopper trailers. It aims to make the tough job of opening trailer gates and traps easier and safer. Does it live up to the hype? Read on to find out.

Features and Benefits

Rugged yet lightweight, the HTO is suitable for single-person operation and can be used comfortably for long periods. Operators won’t have to expend a lot of effort to open hopper traps like they would with a manual crank. The speed and continuous torque the HTO produces allows for an efficient and controlled opening of even the most stubborn gates without causing damage to trailer components.  

The HTO is an air-powered trailer opener, requiring only 15 CFM to operate. However, it is surprisingly quiet for a pneumatic tool, with noise levels at below 80 decibels.

One of the features that make the HTO truly stand out is its shaft and socket assembly. The HTO comes standard with three interchangeable sockets that can be used with most trailers. The shaft and socket design allows users to switch between sockets quickly but prevents detachment while the device is in use.

There’s also a locking mechanism so users can safely open the latch on a trailer. Also, there is a safety mechanism on the throttle that prevents users from accidentally engaging the HTO.

Final Thoughts

The Door Demon: Hopper Trailer Opener is proof that great things come in small packages. This portable, handheld device gets the job done, and it does so much more quickly and safely than larger, manual crank systems. Operators will appreciate how this lightweight, user-friendly tool makes the process of unloading grain seamless, allowing them to save time and boost productivity.

Operators and facility owners interested in the Door Demon: HTO can reach out to KC Supply Co. for more information. 

Organizations such as the CDC and OSHA recommend that businesses install acrylic dividers to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. To meet the demand for a protective shield for COVID-19, PS Industries has created the ArmorBoss product line. It includes the Floor Stand Shield, the Countertop Shield, and the Counter Stand shield.

 ArmorBoss Models and Features

ArmorBoss is made of thick and durable acrylic compared to other commercially available dividers made of flimsy materials. It’s clear, so you can easily see the person you’re talking to.

The Floor Stand Shield is designed for in-person interaction between two standing individuals. It can be raised to 78.5 inches, and its mobile design makes it easy to move from place to place. These features make the Floor Stand Shield ideal for security staff, assembly line workers, and others who stand while working. 

The Countertop model works well as a shield for COVID-19 in places like reception areas and checkout counters. It has a large window at the bottom, allowing employees or customers to pass through items without making physical contact.

The Counter Stand Shield is a taller version of the Countertop Shield. You can either fix it in place with screws or mount it onto a weighted base. The latter allows the shield to be placed in different locations while keeping it stable.

>> ArmorBoss Shield KC Supply

Assembly and Maintenance

Putting together an ArmorBoss shield is easy and only takes a few minutes. No special tools are required. They’re also a breeze to keep clean—all that’s needed is a non-ammonia cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

Final Thoughts

Businesses looking for a shield for COVID-19 protection need look no further. ArmorBoss shields act as physical barriers against coughs and sneezes that can transmit viruses. They help ensure safe, face-to-face conversations, whether standing or seated, in a wide variety of settings, from reception areas to office break rooms. While there are other dividers on the market, ArmorBoss shields stand out for their versatility, durability, and ease of use

Contact KC Supply Co for more information.

Before you start bringing in the harvest, it’s worth it to take the time to prepare your grain bins by conducting a pre-harvest inspection. Preventative maintenance on grain bins can prevent a host of problems, from pest infestation to structural damage.

Making sure your grain bins are in tip-top shape can prevent a lot of frustration and lost time during harvest season. Follow this pre-harvest inspection checklist to help make sure your grain bins are in ideal condition for grain storage.

Clean Your Grain Bins Thoroughly

Old grain can cause mold growth and attract pests. Before you start bringing in the crop, make sure your grain bins are free from any trace of grain from the previous harvest season. You can do this with brooms, a vacuum, or a high-powered air hose. Avoid pressure washing as it creates moisture that can cause corrosion.  

Clean the areas around grain bins. Mowing long grass and clearing shrubbery around grain bins discourages rodents from nesting nearby.  

Clear the Vents

Clogged vents reduce airflow, causing your grain to take longer to dry. In addition, they can cause excessive pressure inside the bins, which can result in damage to the roof. Make sure to include in your pre-harvest inspection checklist the need to check your grain bins’ vents and clear away any debris that could cause clogs.

Check the Gearboxes

Make sure your grain bins’ gearboxes are well-lubricated and have proper oil levels. In addition, address any leaks you may find in the oil seals.

Inspect the Exterior

Go over your grain bins and seal any holes that can serve as entry points for rodents, insects, and moisture. Also, assess the walls and roof of your grain bins for bulges, missing bolts, and changes in shape, as these may indicate structural damage. It’s best to get repairs done as soon as you spot problems because the damage may worsen with daily operations of your grain bins, such as during loading and fan operation.

These are just some of the pre-harvest inspection steps you can take to make sure your grain bins are in tip-top shape. Are your grain bins ready for the harvest season? If not, come on over to KC Supply and get what you need in time for the season.

Many businesses recognize that their greatest asset is their workers. For this reason, creating a safe environment for employees is essential, even though safety signs. The COVID-19 pandemic has made staying safe in the workplace even more challenging.

 Employers should have a communications plan in place to keep all employees informed about changes and updates to work processes due to the pandemic. This may involve holding meeting and training sessions. To further strengthen their message, employers should consider putting up signage throughout the workplace.

 With signage, businesses can:

 Remind Employees to Wear PPE

If you have a “no mask, no entry” policy, a sign at the door will help make sure your workers know about it before they try to enter. In addition, if the nature of your business requires your workers to wear other types of personal protective equipment (PPE), safety signs can remind employees of this policy while providing information on how to wear it properly.

 Reinforce Proper Hand-Washing Hygiene

Frequent hand-washing is an important preventative measure against the coronavirus. Signs in bathrooms and break rooms will remind employees to continue practicing good hand hygiene.

 Help Employees Navigate Business Premises

Businesses may need to make changes in how employees enter, exit, and navigate their spaces to avoid crowding. Directional signage, safety signs, and floor decals help make sure your employees know how to get around your store or office while maintaining social distancing.

• Remind Employees Not to Enter if They’re Feeling Sick

Employers can utilize signs to remind employees to watch for COVID-19 symptoms and to not enter the premises if they suspect they’re infected. Employers can include a phone number employees can call for instructions in case they are unwell.  

 Signage is a tool that businesses can utilize to help communicate important health and safety information to employees during the pandemic. Have you put up COVID-19-related signage in your workplace? Contact KC Supply Co in case you need more safety materials in place.

When it comes to grains, choosing the right spouting is vital to ensuring that everything works smoothly. You have to consider the shape, such as round or square, and truss kits, elbows, liners, and distributors.

How to Choose the Best Option

Here are a few things to ask your supplier:

● What material will the spout handle come into contact with? How abrasive is this material, and what are its flow characteristics? What is the density and moisture content?

● Is there a required flow rate for the spout?

● What would the exterior exposure of the spouting be?

● Is a liner necessary?

● What is the capacity of the actual spout area?

● How long is the spout going to be?

● What is the service life or life span of the spouting?

● Do you need a dead box or an elbow at the end of the spout?

If the material you are handling is low volume and only mildly abrasive, you can get away with a 10-gauge steel tube material. The exterior of this tubing should be either painted or galvanized. If more volume will be handled, or if the material is more abrasive, consider using a liner or a thicker gauge tubing. You can also use thick wall steel pipe rather than tubing.

If your spouting is longer than 40 feet, it’s a good idea to use external trussing to support its weight and prevent the spouting from wavering in strong winds. Then, at the end of your long spout, ensure there is an elbow or a dead box for slowing the material moving through and direct it to the appropriate bins.

There are still more things to consider as you choose the right spouting for your needs. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with KC Supply Co.

Explosion-proof lighting is an integral part of any facility that works with any potentially explosive materials. Without EPL, there is a chance that any small spark from the lighting fixtures can trigger a catastrophic failure costing lives and money. However, just choosing any EPL will not do either. Because conditions can vary from one place to another, a system of classes and divisions has been created to help you choose the right lighting you need.

There are three main classes to be aware of: class I, class II, and class III. Within each class, there are two divisions. To help you out, here are all the classes and divisions of explosion-proof lighting, and what they are for.

• Class I, Division 1 – These lights are used when the workplace atmosphere has ignitable concentrations of hazardous vapors, gases, and liquids continuously, or even frequently.
• Class I, Division 2 – CI D2 lighting is used when the atmosphere in the workplace has ignitable concentrations of these hazardous vapors, gases, and liquids under any abnormal working conditions.
• Class II, Division 1 – If under normal working conditions, the area’s atmosphere has ignitable levels of combustible dust, then the class II division 1 lights are used.
• Class II, Division 2 – These lights are used instead of the class II division 1 explosion proof lighting if the ignitable levels of combustible dust only exist in abnormal working conditions.
• Class III, Division 1 – If under normal operating conditions, combustible particles from flammable fibers or materials are present in the atmosphere, these lights are used.
• Class III, Division 2 – If the combustible particles are only present in the atmosphere during abnormal conditions, then these lights are used in place of CII D1 lights.

To ensure the utmost safety, it is important to source the appropriate explosion proof lighting from companies that are trusted in the industry. Contact KC Supply today to know more.

In a maintenance technician’s regular rounds, one of the things that they would check for is the temperature of the bearings in your equipment. If they are found to be running at a high temperature, the technician will make sure to take action. However, the action taken depends on the condition of the bearings. There are four different conditions to watch out for:

• Caution – A bearing would fall under this category if its temperature lies between 180 to 200F. This temperature range is higher than the ideal, but when it comes to some equipment, this may actually be their normal operating temperatures.
• Alert – If the bearing temperature is hovering around 200 to 250F, this can be considered an alert condition.
• Alarm – Anything operating at 250 to 300F is at an alarm condition. Generally, this can mean that they are experiencing some failure. A technician will have to take immediate action.
• Shutdown – If bearings are operating at temps higher than 300F, they are in critical failure.

Monitoring Temperatures

Keeping an eye on your equipment and keeping track of their regular working temperatures is essential. That way, if any temperature out of the ordinary occurs, you can immediately take action. You see, a bearing that reaches alarm or even shutdown conditions without being replaced can cause a catastrophic equipment failure that will cost tons of money and can even cost lives.

As a business owner, you do not want that type of liability—besides, would you not want to take good care of your employees and your equipment?

To make monitoring the temperature of bearings an easier and more automated task, you can look into some sensors and monitors. A computerized system that can detect temperature anomalies can save lives, not to mention your business. Contact KC Supply to learn more.