Updated date:

Jul 11, 2020

Crane vs. Boom Truck: Pros and Cons for Building or Tearing Down a Grain Bin

Author:: Joilene Rasmussen

Joy worked in construction for 7 years alongside her husband (25+ yrs. experience)—working on pole barns, grain bins, and barn repairs.

An Experienced Boom Truck

This boom truck belonged to a friend, and was our work partner for several years. It helped move, tear down and set up many grain bins.

About Boom Trucks

Boom trucks have their own weight limits and boom extensions at different angles listed on them. Don't count on any two trucks being the same.

Plan on lifting the bin as much as possible with the boom extended straight behind the truck, or at only the slightest of angles. To do otherwise, even with outriggers fully extended, is to shake hands with disaster. Sometimes it can be done, but don't count on it.

If you get really close to your bins, you can lift them with a 60-foot boom. But again, play it safe. Dumping over a boomtruck is no fun.

This means you will need to walk the bin site carefully and plan your approach. Don't leave unecessary equipment or trash in the way.

Not all boom trucks are capable of safely lifting a grain bin, especially more than a few feet. If in doubt, hire a crane or use grain bin jacks for building and disassembly.

Boom Truck Used While Dismantling a Small Bin

This small vintage bin is being partially dismantled, so it can be moved to another site within a few miles.

Using a lifting ring, the operator lifts the bin up so that one ring at a time may be dismantled . . .

. . . until we are left with the roof and one ring.

In the foreground you can see the modified trailer which we used to haul this bin, split like the one above.

This small vintage bin is being partially dismantled, so it can be moved to another site within a few miles.

Is the Roof Weak or Damaged?

You can avoid using either a boom truck or crane by using grain bin jacks.

This is best if you have any doubt as to whether the bin roof can handle lifting the rest of the wall weight. If possible, rent 6 grain bin jacks for even a small bin. This is safer than a crane anyway, as a 10 m.p.h. wind won't bother you with jacks. However, using a boom truck with the same amount of wind can result in the bin being a kite. It would be easy to lose a foot, etc. if the bin starts swinging.

Partial Disassembly Method

Below we outline a way to tear down and move a bin without taking the roof to bits. This may not work with all jack types. A-frame jacks generally allow you to use this procedure.

This method must be used with SMALL BINS ONLY:

Use grain bin jacks as stated in the previous paragraph. If possible, use one per wall sheet for most of the tear-down, unless they are rated for very heavy loads. MANY ARE NOT.

For doing a partial tear-down on a small or medium-small bin, use six grain bin jacks on your last ring dismantle. Dismantle most of the rings, until you have the roof attached to one to three rings, depending on the total height of your bin. Plan for safe hauling, taking into account highline wires and other obstructions. (The jacks must be able to lift the bin above the height of the trailer on which it will sit.)

Disassemble the last ring which must be torn down, then remove all but four jacks, so you have a space either side-to-side or front-to-back. Back the trailer under the bin into this space, then lower the remaining jacks.

Remember, the fewer jacks you have, the less safe the procedure will be. Keep the bin level at all times when using only four jacks. Normally people use one jack per sheet when going up or down with a bin. Four jacks would be sufficient for a small bin if you use common sense and keep it level. (Small means 18-foot diameter or less.)

We choose to use a boom truck most often because less labour is involved, and we have experienced help. Jacks are more work, but in theory are safer.

Partial Tear Down Demonstration

Moving a Used Grain Bin--a Day in the Life of a Rural Contractor
A picture-journal entry showing how to move an erected grain bin on a flatbed trailer. Much useful discussion and advice in the comments section, should you wish to move your own bin in this way.

Boom Truck Lifting a Grain Bin Onto a Hopper

The boom angle in this photo is about as much as you want to risk while lifting this much weight. Also the ground conditions were soft, which meant the outriggers had a tendency to sink. Note handyman jacks placed under the rear bumper.

The skilled operator sets this 4,000 bushel bin slowly in place while a ground crew helps guide it with ropes.

The boom angle in this photo is about as much as you want to risk while lifting this much weight. Also the ground conditions were soft, which meant the outriggers had a tendency to sink. Note handyman jacks placed under the rear bumper.

About Cranes

Cranes have several of the same features and abilities as boom trucks, but in general have more stability and freedom of motion. A crane is generally the easiest, safest way to lift a grain bin, with a boom truck being the second choice.

A crane has a wider range of secure motion, and usually can accomplish tasks with fewer risks and adjustments. The center of gravity is somewhat different.

Still, talk to the operator about what you want to accomplish, and see what he recommends.

Crane Moving a Small Bin to Be Set on a Hopper

Here you can see why the wheels and bigger outriggers make this crane more stable than most boom trucks. It is lifting a 4,000 bushel bin (18-foot diameter) in preparation for setting it onto a hopper.

We still used caution and guide ropes while moving this bin across a big driveway to the site on which the hopper was built. Here the crane is slowly bringing the bin in close to the rear of the cab, with all outriggers extended.

Looking at this situation from another angle, you can easily see why great care must be exercised whenever the boom is not lined up with the rear of the cab.

To set the bin up, the crane backed in close to the hopper, and cautiously extended the boom, after resetting the outriggers.

Here you can see why the wheels and bigger outriggers make this crane more stable than most boom trucks. It is lifting a 4,000 bushel bin (18-foot diameter) in preparation for setting it onto a hopper.

Operator Safety

Whichever option you have available, the operator must understand the risks and wind influences on a heavy, hollow structure. Also he must take all available precautions to ensure his truck or crane is stable and in good working order. Leaky hydraulics can be a real menace with a task this delicate. Be sure all outriggers, as well as the boom, are stable and operating correctly.

Don't employ an operator who is careless or known for taking undue risks.

Large Forklift--Another Option for Small, Short Bins

What you use to lift your bin may depend on what is available on your worksite. On this job, we had access to a large forklift and skilled operator, provided by the bin owner.

We used it to build several new 4,000 bushel grain bins. It was a fast, reliable method which used a minimum of manpower.

Unfortunately, the boom extended only about 35 feet, which was not enough to finish building these 6-ring bins. Here there are only four rings. The wind came up so we quit for the day.

The bin was secured out of the way. Next day, we finished the 5th ring on this bin, then built the first ring and roof of a second bin. After that, wind won again.

With a forklift, boom truck, and crane, you may set the boom against the peak while pausing during construction, to ensure your bin doesn't blow away.

What you use to lift your bin may depend on what is available on your worksite. On this job, we had access to a large forklift and skilled operator, provided by the bin owner.

Demonstration of a Crane Moving a 7-Ring Grain Bin

Job Talks--Mobile Crane Operator Perspective

Job Profile: Corey--Boom Truck Operator

Previous and Next

How to Build a Grain Bin: Types of Lifting Rings
A discussion of different styles of lifting rings used to lift a grain bin ("silo") during construction, when a crane is used instead of grain bin jacks.
Moving a Grain Bin: When Is it Necessary to Completely Disassemble?
Some grain bin moving situations require a complete tear-down and re-erection of your bin ("silo"). Others don't. Here we discuss which is which.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.