Page 52 - Demo

50Unloading grainWHEN A FARMER IS READY to bring his crop to a grain elevator or feed mill, he usually transports it in a truck (sometimes a wagon). Before unloading, the entire truck is weighed on large in-ground platform scale (left). Later, after unloading, the empty truck is weighed. The difference between the two weights is the amount of grain delivered. Because wet grain weighs more than dry drain, a moisture meter is used to determine the density of the delivered crop. Years ago, the moisture content was measured by weighing a sample, then weighing it again after heating it up to drive off the dampness. Today it%u2019s measured with an electronic device. Once the moisture content is known, it%u2019s easy to figure out how many bushels the load consists of, based on its weight.If the moisture content of a sample is very high (which could encourage rot or disease), the grain will need to pass through a drier before it is stored. Additionally, a simple visual examination will reveal any weeds, stems, and other unwanted material. If there is too much debris, the grain will require cleaning prior to storage.The grain being delivered is unloaded into a receiving pit. The pit is covered by a heavy grate (below) to prevent someone from falling in, but vehicles can easily drive over it. Today, most trucks have either dump beds, or hoppers with gates on the bottom, both of which allow for quick and easy emptying.For a truck without a dump bed, or hoppers, a lifting mechanism, powered by a hoist, might be used (top right). A few mills and elevators still have them. One of these lifting mechanisms can raise the front wheels of a farm truck up off the ground, allowing the grain to slide out the back and into the pit. Some of the newer, larger facilities have a heavy-duty lift that can tilt up an entire semi-truck. NeedClanricarde, Porter Co. (694.02)Clanricarde, Porter Co. (694.07)