January 12, 2010

2 Min Read

Sheffield, Iowa – The world’s largest free-span commercial bin was recently erected in Arthur, Iowa. The bin, manufactured by Sukup Manufacturing Co. of Sheffield, Iowa, measures 135’ in diameter with a peak height of 131’. Maximum capacity of the structure is 1,218,000 bushels.

Most bins in this size range have some sort of center support structure. Having a bin this large with a roof strong enough to stand on its own is an incredible benefit. There is no loss in capacity due to the center support system and no additional points for grain to get hung up. The 135’ Sukup roof is supported by a heavy-duty internal rafter and purlin system, as well as external roof rings. The roof is rated for 30,000 lbs. evenly distributed with a 40 psf ground snow load.

In order to contain such a huge volume of grain, the sidewalls on the Sukup 135’ Commercial Bin have been beefed up. Sidewall sheet seams are laminated in order to ensure a strong bond, and grade 8.2 bolts are used throughout. The stiffeners on Sukup Commercial Bins are made from 65,000 psi minimum tensile strength and were computer-engineered to be the strongest on the market. In addition to standard full-length stiffeners, the Sukup 135’ Commercial Bin also features intermediate anchor brackets that serve as stiffeners for the bottom ring of the bin and also enable the bin to be unloaded in a single pass. Wind rings provide increased rigidity to the structure when it is empty.

Sukup Manufacturing Co. produces a full line of grain drying, handling and storage equipment. The Sukup product line includes farm and commercial grain bins, continuous flow grain dryers, tower dryers, axial and centrifugal fans and heaters, and a variety of other grain handling accessories. The company has been manufacturing grain drying and storage equipment since 1963 and is a family-owned company. Along with the main manufacturing facilities in Sheffield, Iowa, Sukup Manufacturing Co. also owns and operates distribution centers in Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and South Dakota.

For more information on Sukup Manufacturing Co. or any of their products contact Sukup Manufacturing Co.; Box 677; Sheffield, IA 50475-0677. Phone: 641-892-4222. Fax: 641-892-4629. Email: [email protected] or visit the Sukup web site at www.sukup.com.

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