Know how much grain the dryer can process: typically measured in tons/hour or tons/day.
For small-scale farms: 2–10 tons/hour may be sufficient.
For large-scale operations: 30+ tons/hour capacity is more suitable.
Choose a capacity that matches the volume of your harvest and your drying schedule.
Common fuel sources:
Natural gas
Diesel
Electricity
Solid fuel (wood, coal)
Choose based on fuel availability and cost in your region.
High fuel efficiency reduces long-term operational expenses.
Look for dryers with moisture sensors and automatic shut-off features.
These systems help prevent over-drying and reduce energy waste.
Smart control panels can automate the process based on target moisture levels.
Uniform heat distribution ensures that all grains dry evenly.
Poor airflow or design can lead to uneven drying, mold, or spoilage.
Essential for maintaining grain quality and shelf life.
Choose machines with heat recovery systems.
Good thermal insulation reduces energy loss and improves drying performance.
Look for dryers with low kWh/ton consumption.
Fast drying is important, but it must be gentle enough to avoid damaging the grain.
Too rapid drying can cause cracking, reducing market value and storability.
Balance between speed and grain integrity is crucial.
Control systems should be user-friendly and intuitive.
Maintenance procedures should be simple; easy access to parts is a plus.
Availability of local service and spare parts is critical.
Mobile dryers are ideal for field use or smaller operations.
Stationary dryers are better for large farms or integrated facilities (e.g. grain elevators).
Choose based on your operational structure.
Some dryers are optimized for specific grains (like corn or wheat).
Others are multi-purpose and can handle a variety of crops (e.g., barley, rye, sunflower seeds).
Make sure the dryer can adapt to your crop rotation.
Must include overheat protection, flame arresters, and emergency shut-off.
Fire risk is a major concern in grain drying — choose equipment with strong fire safety protocols.
Operator safety systems (e.g., thermal shields, alarms) are also important.
Make sure the equipment complies with:
CE, ISO 9001, EN 14001, etc.
For food safety and environmental regulations, especially if you export grain.
The cheapest option is not always the most cost-effective in the long run.
Consider:
Fuel and energy use
Maintenance frequency
Durability and resale value
A total cost of ownership analysis is recommended.
Always see the machine in operation (demo) before buying.
Compare local vs. imported models for service and parts.
Review farmer/user feedback and field performance, not just brochures.