5 Common Bulk Seed System Issues & Fixes
Generally, a thorough system check before treating is recommended to fix any immediate issues that could cause interruptions come treating time.
Equipment hiccups can still pop up though. Here are a few common issues UAS has seen with bulk equipment, and suggested ways to fix/troubleshoot them.
THE ISSUE: BIN GATES WON’T OPEN
When starting up a new batch, everything is functioning—you ask to receive a batch, the conveyors start, everything seems normal—but then, the screen says the Bin Gate is open, yet it’s not getting seed.
THE LIKELY FIX:
Make sure you have a bin selected. Or make sure your air compressor is turned on. If this doesn’t work, call your UAS rep or 888-402-4787 and we’ll figure it out.
THE ISSUE: PERISTALTIC PUMPS NOT PUMPING
THE LIKELY FIX:
Make sure your pump heads are closed for peristaltic pumps. If they’re not, they can’t pinch the line in that pump. Open your pump heads at night to relieve pressure on the lines. Then close it the next morning. If you don’t close it, it will not pump treatment.
If this doesn’t work, call your UAS rep or 888-402-4787 and we’ll figure it out.
THE ISSUE: LOSING TREATMENT FLOW
THE LIKELY FIX:
Check your filter. Pull your filter screen out and see if there is a blockage or gummed up chemical. Or maybe the lid was open on the tank and a bean got in and plugged the line. (We recommend keeping your lids shut on your mix tanks for this reason.)
If this doesn’t work, call your UAS rep or 888-402-4787 and we’ll figure it out.
THE ISSUE: LOOSE BELTS, CONVEYOR SLIPPING
THE LIKELY FIX:
Check the tracking and tension on all of your conveyors. Make sure they’re all tensioned properly and all the belts are tracking. You don’t want to be mid-run and have your underbin suddenly slip and get beans all over the ground.
THE ISSUE: CONVEYORS FREEZING
THE LIKELY FIX:
Pick a warmer day to treat seed. If your belt is freezing against the inside of the tube, don’t torch it. You risk setting that belt on fire and causing significant damage to your conveyor. Treat a different day.
For more troubleshooting tips, call your UAS rep or 888-402-4787 and we’ll figure it out.