Setting Up Your Cleaning Station: Floor Plans for a Portable Setup

When you invest in a 150HD or 300HD, you’re not just buying a piece of equipment; you’re adding a new workflow to your farm. One of the biggest advantages of our machines is their portability. You aren't tied to a massive, permanent grain leg or a multi-story cleaning plant.

However, even with a portable unit, a little bit of planning goes a long way. Setting up your "cleaning station" correctly can mean the difference between a smooth afternoon and a dusty, disorganized mess. Here is how to layout your space for maximum efficiency.

1. The "In-and-Out" Flow
The most efficient layouts follow a straight line or a slight "L" shape.

• The Input: You need enough room to positioned your auger or gravity wagon to feed the hopper.
• The Output: Leave space for your discharge—whether that’s into a pro-box, a bagging station, or a small take-away auger heading to a bin.
• The Screenings: Don't forget where the "trash" goes! Place a dedicated tote or bin under the screenings discharge so you aren't shoveling floor-waste all day.

2. Prioritize Level Ground
While our machines are rugged, they perform best when they are perfectly level.

• The Vibration Factor: A level machine ensures that the grain bed moves across the screens at a consistent depth. If the machine is tilted, grain will "bunch" on one side, reducing your cleaning surface and slowing you down.

Pro Tip: If you’re cleaning outside on gravel or dirt, keep a few pieces of 2x6 lumber or heavy plywood on hand to create a stable, level "pad" for the machine’s feet.

3. Dust Management and Ventilation
Grain cleaning is a dusty job by nature.

• Airflow Direction: Position your machine so that the prevailing wind (if outside) or your shop’s exhaust fan (if inside) pulls the dust away from the operator.
• The Fan Advantage: Since our machines use high-velocity air to separate chaff, you can often duct that air out of a window or door using a simple flexible hose, keeping your shop air much cleaner.

4. Accessibility for Screen Changes
One of the best features of a Farmstead cleaner is how fast you can switch from wheat to beans.

• The "Clear Zone": Make sure you have at least 4 to 5 feet of clear space on the side where the screens slide out. You don't want to have to move a tractor just to swap a screen for a different crop.
  

Ready to Build Your Station?
A well-organized shop makes for a profitable harvest. Whether you're setting up a permanent corner in your machine shed or a mobile station on a trailer, we build our machines to be as flexible as you are.

• Need Dimensions? Check out the 150HD and 300HD specs to plan your floor space.
• Looking for Setup Advice? Download our Buyer’s Guide for more tips on integrating a cleaner into your farm.
• Call the Family: Not sure if a specific space in your barn will work? Call us at 320-384-0003 We’ve seen hundreds of different setups and can help you avoid common layout mistakes.

Happy Farming!
– The Farmstead Products Family