used bin prices

[idalivered]

I'm constantly amazed at the prices people ask for used grain bins. I've been involved in moving bins for myself and others and used bins need to be CHEAP! They are alot of work, i've moved 3 30's and 1 27(and added rings) for myself. Also many need to realize that 27-36' bins are now considered small and have a very limmited amount  of customers.stirways and 6" unloads are worth $200/ton. I just saw a steel government bin on craigslist advertised for  $600!  good grief.....

4

[Husker-J]

Yup, I've seen people asking $2000 for a 5,000 bushel bin, and still expected someone to come and get it.

[Jim Meade / Iowa City]

There may be bargains in used bins, but like many other things it depends on the situation.  If you had to disassemble a bin, the manufacturer would recommend you put in all new bolts.  That can run into money pretty quickly, let alone the labor, and you still end up with a used bin.

I find it hard to justify paying very much for a used bin.  I've thought of moving one of mine on a farm I've rented for a long time  and have about decided to try to sell it in place and build a new one where I want it the way I want it.

You're going to end up with the same money in concrete and probably close to the same in electrical.  Only if you can move the bin without tearing it down is there any hope of saving any money or labor, and when it is all said and done you have an old bin.  

Putting the floor back in and making other parts fit can be a chore.  I moved one bind and marked every single piece so it went back the same way.

[buckfarmer]

I've looked at two new bins still on pallets. One at an auction and one for sale by a individual. Neither were much of a bargain. I could use either but neither was exactly what I was looking for. Even a situation like this would have to be more than 10% or so discount to get me to buy something that isn't exactly what I want.

[Husker-J]

I helped a guy move a bin, and I think you need to figure at least double the labor (maybe more) than it would take to put up a new one.   Plus, all new bolts, plus more than likely new unload tubes & flighting.  Not to mention many years of use on the fan, burner, stirway, etc.  I can think of at least one case, where the fan motor was bad, and was so old, that they couldn't get a new motor that fit, and had to get a whole new unit.

[Roy_Smith]

In the end a used bin will cost you more per bushel per year than a new one for bin, labor, concrete and all of the parts. The steel is the cheapest part of a bin!....Soyroy