When it comes to moving bulk materials efficiently and reliably, drag conveyors have long been a trusted solution across agriculture, feed mills, grain facilities, and industrial operations. At KC Supply Co., we often recommend drag conveyors for facilities that need a durable, low-maintenance option to move grain, pellets, or other bulk products with minimal product loss and dust.

Here’s what you should know about drag conveyors, how they work, and why they may be the right fit for your operation.

What Are Drag Conveyors?

Drag conveyors use a chain and flight system that drags material along the bottom of an enclosed trough. Unlike screw conveyors that move material by rotation, drag conveyors gently push or pull product forward, making them ideal for horizontal or slightly inclined conveying.

Because they operate inside an enclosed casing, drag conveyors help reduce dust, protect product quality, and keep the work environment cleaner and safer.

Key Benefits of Drag Conveyors

1. Gentle on Product
   Drag conveyors minimize grain breakage and preserve quality because they move material at slower speeds compared to other systems.

2. Durable and Low Maintenance
   Their heavy-duty chain and flight construction can withstand abrasive materials and long hours of operation with less frequent servicing.

3. Energy Efficient
   Drag conveyors require less horsepower to move the same amount of material compared to some other conveyor types, making them cost-effective for large-scale facilities.

4. Dust Control
   With fully enclosed troughs, drag conveyors limit airborne dust, which is essential for both product quality and worker safety.

5. Versatile Applications
   Drag conveyors can handle grains, pellets, wood chips, and other bulk materials, making them a flexible choice for many industries.

Common Uses in Agriculture and Industry

Drag conveyors are especially popular in:

• Grain Elevators and Feed Mills: Moving corn, soybeans, and other grains gently and efficiently.

• Processing Plants: Handling powders or pelletized materials with minimal spillage.

• Industrial Facilities: Transporting heavy or abrasive materials in mining, wood, and energy sectors.

Their enclosed design makes them ideal for facilities that prioritize dust control and maintaining product integrity during transport.

Choosing the Right Drag Conveyor

Selecting the right conveyor starts with understanding your operational needs:

• Capacity Requirements: Determine the volume of material to be conveyed per hour.

• Material Type: Consider density, abrasiveness, and flowability.

• Distance and Layout: Choose a conveyor size and configuration that fits your facility’s space and distance requirements.

• Maintenance Access: Ensure you have the right access points for chain inspection and upkeep.

A well-chosen drag conveyor not only streamlines operations but also reduces downtime and extends equipment lifespan.

Maintenance Tips for Drag Conveyors

Routine maintenance helps keep your drag conveyor running efficiently:

• Inspect the chain regularly for wear or stretching.

• Check flights and trough liners for damage.

• Keep tension properly adjusted to avoid excessive wear.

• Lubricate bearings and moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Remove buildup or debris that can reduce efficiency or lead to premature failure.

Consistent upkeep minimizes costly repairs and ensures continuous, reliable operation.

KC Supply Co. – Your Partner for Material Handling Solutions

At KC Supply Co., we understand the importance of dependable material handling. Whether you’re upgrading an older system or installing new equipment, we can help you select, install, and maintain the right drag conveyors for your facility. Our team works with you to ensure your conveyor system meets your capacity needs and stands up to your toughest operating conditions.

Final Thoughts

Investing in the right drag conveyor system can improve productivity, maintain product quality, and enhance workplace safety. By understanding the basics of drag conveyors—from their design to their benefits—you can make informed decisions that pay off for years to come.

Contact KC Supply Co. today to explore our range of drag conveyors and discover how we can help optimize your material handling operations.

When it comes to grain storage, choosing the right capacity can make or break your operation’s efficiency, safety, and profitability. Whether you’re a small farm looking to simplify harvest logistics or a growing enterprise planning for the future, understanding how to select proper storage capacity is critical. At KC Supply Co., we’re here to help you make the smart choice—one that fits your needs now and flexes with your growth down the road.

Why Capacity Matters

Your storage capacity determines how much grain you can hold, which affects everything from harvest timing and marketing flexibility to bin layout and equipment requirements. Too little capacity can force rushed sales or make you rely too heavily on external storage. But oversized capacity ties up capital and takes up more space than you actually need.

Finding that sweet spot ensures you can store securely, preserve grain quality, and maintain operational control.

Key Questions to Ask When Planning Capacity

Here’s what you need to think about first:

1. What’s Your Current Output?
   Calculate your typical annual yield in bushels and use that as your base measurement. That’s the starting point for your storage needs.

2. Are You Adding to Existing Bins or Building New Ones?
   If you’re expanding, ensure your new capacity works with current bin layout, unloading systems, and foundations.

3. Do You Have Space or Height Constraints?
   Physical limitations can shape your options. Truck clearance lanes, site drainage, and local building restrictions may favor wider, shorter bins over tall, narrow ones.

4. What’s Your Budget?
   A new bin can be a better long-term investment than repairing a failing one. Weigh upfront costs against efficiency gains, downtime risks, and replacement expenses.

5. How Long Will Grain Stay in Storage?
   If you plan on holding season-long, you’ll need ample capacity. If grain moves off quickly, you may get by with more modest sizing—but unexpected weather or market delays can always change that.

6. Where Are You Headed in 5 to 10 Years?
   Planning for growth means you won’t outgrow your facilities. Look for expandable or modular designs that allow you to scale up without building from scratch later.

Capacity Meets Innovation

Just selecting the right bin capacity isn’t enough. Consider features that optimize how you use that space:

• Aeration Systems to maintain grain quality over extended storage

• High-Strength Designs (such as stiffened bins) that support taller structures and higher capacities

• Ease of Access with properly sized doors, catwalks, and safety features

These investments help you capture more value from your stored grain and protect your operation’s long-term success.

KC Supply Co. Can Help You Right-Size Your Storage

You don’t have to figure out bin sizing alone. At KC Supply Co., we’re experts in assessing storage needs—matching capacity, site conditions, and operational goals to turnkey grain storage solutions.

We help you determine:

• Exactly how many bushels you’ll need to store

• Whether standalone bins or additions to existing facilities make the most sense

• If your setup allows for future expansion

• What supplemental equipment (fans, ladders, safety gear) supports the capacity in place

Final Thoughts

Getting grain storage capacity right is about balancing today’s harvest demands with tomorrow’s growth. Storage that fits just right helps preserve grain quality, minimize losses, and maximize your ability to market when the time is best.

Ready to get started? Reach out to KC Supply Co. today, and let’s make sure your grain storage capacity supports your most excellent yields—now and in the future.

Grain storage is a critical investment for every operation, and one of the most important decisions is selecting the right bin size. Choosing a bin that’s too small can lead to overflow, rushed sales, and missed market opportunities, while an oversized bin can tie up unnecessary capital and create inefficiencies. At KC Supply Co., we know that finding the right balance is key to both profitability and safety.

Why Bin Size Matters

Your grain bin is more than just storage—it’s part of your operational strategy. The right bin size helps you:

• Maximize Profitability: Store grain long enough to wait for better market prices.

• Streamline Logistics: Handle harvest more efficiently without relying solely on off-site storage.

• Protect Quality: Reduce grain movement and exposure, which can help maintain quality and safety.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Bin Size

1. Acreage and Crop Yields
   Start by looking at how many acres you farm and your average yields per acre. Knowing your expected total bushels per crop will help you plan bin capacity that fits your operation today—and in the future.

2. Number of Crops and Harvest Timing
   If you store multiple crops, consider the timing of your harvests. Crops coming off the field close together may require more space to avoid bottlenecks during busy harvest periods.

3. Marketing and Holding Strategy
   Producers with a “sell later” strategy will want larger bins to hold grain for extended periods. If your goal is quick turnover, you might lean toward smaller bins with faster loading and unloading systems.

4. Future Growth
   Building for the farm you’ll have in five or ten years is often more cost-effective than upgrading later. Planning ahead now prevents costly expansions and downtime.

5. Available Space and Infrastructure
   Bin placement matters. Ensure your site layout accommodates truck traffic, auger or conveyor systems, and future additions.

Matching Bin Size with Technology

Modern storage systems are designed to make large bins more manageable. Features like high-capacity fans, temperature cables, and automated controls help maintain quality and simplify grain management, no matter the bin’s size. When planning your purchase, factor in these accessories to get the most out of your investment.

Safety Considerations

With larger bins comes a greater need for safety. Proper ladders, platforms, and safety gear are non-negotiable when scaling up your bin size. KC Supply Co. offers fall protection systems, rescue tools, and safety equipment designed for grain storage facilities of every size.

Let KC Supply Co. Help You Plan

Choosing the right bin size isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It requires careful planning, understanding your goals, and accounting for future growth. At KC Supply Co., we’re here to guide you through every step, from bin selection to installation, safety equipment, and ongoing support.

Whether you’re a growing farm operation or a commercial grain handler, we’ll help you design a system that keeps your grain secure, your team safe, and your operation efficient.

Portable gas detectors are one of the most important tools you can have on any worksite. Whether you’re in grain storage, confined spaces, or around hazardous gases, these devices help protect workers from unseen dangers. But like any tool, they only work if you take care of them.

At KC Supply Co., we believe safety starts with readiness. A gas monitor that’s dirty, uncalibrated, or damaged isn’t just unreliable—it’s a liability. Here’s what every operator should know about proper gas detector maintenance to ensure long-lasting performance and accurate readings.

1. Perform Daily Bump Tests

A bump test is a quick check to make sure your gas detector responds to the presence of gas. This test doesn’t measure accuracy—it simply confirms that the monitor and sensors are working.

Before every shift or job, expose the unit to a known concentration of gas to make sure the alarms go off as expected. If it doesn’t respond correctly, don’t assume it will in a real emergency. The unit may need calibration or repair.

2. Calibrate Regularly

Calibration ensures your gas monitor is accurately reading gas levels. Over time, sensors can drift, and even the environment (like temperature or humidity) can affect readings.

Most manufacturers recommend calibration every 30 days, but frequency may depend on how often the unit is used and in what conditions. In high-use or extreme environments, consider calibrating more often. Always use certified calibration gas and follow manufacturer procedures.

3. Clean Units Properly

Dust, moisture, and grime are common in industrial settings. Unfortunately, these are also enemies of gas detector performance.

Clean your unit with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using strong chemicals or solvents, which can damage sensor housings or plastic components. Never spray cleaners directly into the sensor ports. Make sure all ports, vents, and buttons are clear of debris that could block airflow or trigger a false alarm.

4. Check Batteries and Power

It might seem simple, but low battery power is one of the most common reasons gas detectors fail. Always start your day with a fully charged unit, especially if the job involves long hours or remote areas with no access to chargers.

If your detector uses replaceable batteries, make sure they’re in good condition and haven’t corroded. Rechargeable units should be docked when not in use.

5. Store Units Correctly

When your portable gas detector isn’t in use, store it in a clean, dry place—preferably in a case or cabinet designed for equipment storage. Avoid areas with extreme heat, cold, or humidity, which can degrade the sensors or the battery.

Also, be careful not to store detectors near gas cylinders or chemicals that could cause the sensors to become desensitized over time.

6. Replace Sensors When Needed

Every gas detector has a lifespan, and so do its sensors. If your unit frequently fails bump tests or calibration, or if it’s no longer responding reliably, it may be time to replace one or more sensors.

Keep track of sensor life and follow manufacturer recommendations for replacement intervals. This prevents surprise failures and keeps your team protected.

Final Thoughts

Your portable gas detection equipment is only as reliable as the maintenance behind it. At KC Supply Co., we encourage all businesses—whether in agriculture, grain handling, manufacturing, or utilities—to build a routine that includes bump tests, calibration, cleaning, and proper storage.

Need help selecting gas monitors? Reach out to our team. We’re here to help you protect your people and your operation, one smart step at a time.

At KC Supply Co. we know the value of staying protected on the job, especially when working at heights. Fall protection gear is only as good as the care it receives. Whether you’re using a harness, lanyard, self-retracting lifeline, or anchorage connector, routine inspection and maintenance are critical to ensure that your equipment performs when you need it most.

Let’s walk through a few key maintenance practices that will keep your fall protection system in top condition and help you avoid costly or dangerous surprises.

1. Inspect Every Time Before Use

Before any worker straps in, their gear should go through a quick but thorough inspection. Check for wear, cuts, burns, fraying, or broken stitches on all webbing. Pay close attention to buckles, D-rings, and connectors. These metal components must be free of cracks, rust, or deformation.

If something looks off, it probably is. When in doubt, take it out of service and have it reviewed. Regular inspections can catch early signs of failure and are the first line of defense in fall protection safety.

2. Clean Gear the Right Way

Dirt, chemicals, and even sweat can wear down materials over time. Cleaning your fall protection gear isn’t just about appearance. It helps preserve its strength and function.

Use mild soap and water to wipe down webbing and hardware. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals as they can break down fibers. Let everything air dry in a cool shaded area. Never use heat or direct sunlight which can degrade material faster than you think.

3. Store Gear Correctly

Where you store your gear matters just as much as how you use it. Fall protection equipment should be kept in a clean dry area away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or anything sharp.

Avoid tossing gear into the back of a truck or onto the floor after use. Ideally hang harnesses by the D-ring and keep other components in a designated storage area. Proper storage extends the life of your equipment and helps prevent accidental damage.

4. Schedule Regular Full Inspections

While daily checks are essential, every piece of fall protection gear should undergo a more detailed inspection on a scheduled basis. Depending on how frequently it’s used, this could be monthly, quarterly, or semiannually. Look for deeper wear, loose stitching, or any changes that might be easy to miss during quick daily checks.

Create a tracking system for inspections to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Tag gear with the date of the last inspection and keep logs for accountability.

5. Know When It’s Time to Retire Equipment

Even well-maintained gear has a lifespan. Fall protection systems should be removed from service immediately if they’ve been involved in a fall, show visible damage, or no longer meet the manufacturer’s standards. Some equipment also has expiration dates especially self-retracting lifelines or shock absorbers.

Don’t gamble with gear that looks good enough. The cost of replacement is nothing compared to the risk of failure on the job.

6. Train Your Team to Do It Right

Fall protection maintenance isn’t just a task. It’s a culture. Make sure every worker understands how to inspect, clean, and store their gear properly. A trained team is more likely to spot issues early and take ownership of their own safety.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, well-maintained fall protection gear saves lives. Take the time to build a maintenance routine that protects your people and your operation. At KC Supply Co. we offer reliable fall protection solutions along with the gear and guidance to help your team stay safe from the ground up.

Need help choosing the right fall protection system? Contact our team today.