More farmers are investing in long-term grain handling infrastructure that delivers consistent performance, even after more than a decade in service. Rather than replacing machinery sooner, an increasing number of growers say they are prioritising durability, simplicity and responsive support – qualities they say are essential to keep fixed costs down.
One manufacturer which ticks all these boxes is Mecmar. Its mobile grain dryers continue to perform reliably, sometimes more than 15 years after installation – with a service model focused on maintenance rather than replacement.
Breaking the cycle
Northumberland grower Graham Carr, who farms near Belsay, replaced his previous driers every five years due to wear and reliability issues. After researching alternatives, he purchased a Mecmar D24T around a decade ago.
“I needed something more robust,” says Mr Carr. “The Mecmar felt heavier-built and less likely to fatigue – and it’s proved itself over ten seasons.”
The machine continues to operate without major repairs. Phone-based support has resolved issues quickly, including electrical problems. “They talk me through fixes in real time. That keeps us going in harvest when downtime costs us the most.”
Rebuilding after fire
In Earlston, near Kelso, Douglas Stewart replaced his entire grain handling system after fire destroyed his old dryer in 2018. “We lost the whole drying system and had to rely on neighbours to get through harvest. It forced me to think long-term.”
Mr Stewart built a new grain store, trench intake, and elevator system, placing a Mecmar S40T at the centre. After speaking with other farmers, he chose the brand for its build quality and reputation for producing consistent grain results.
The new dryer has a lower labour requirement. Its aspirator system has improved air quality around the site and it is simpler to operate. “We save time, the drier runs cleanly, and it’s easy for staff to learn,” adds Mr Stewart.
Maintenance schedules are carefully planned to minimise the chance of mid-season breakdowns. It’s not just about the machine, it’s about who stands behind it.
Expanding output
In Leicestershire, James Wheeler still uses the Mecmar D20T he bought in 2009, originally installed to replace a drying floor. Since then, he’s expanded to 950ha of combinable crops, which prompted him to build a new grain store in 2022.
Rather than purchase a new drier, Mr Wheeler chose to refurbish the existing unit and integrate it into the new storage system. “Labour was the constraint,” he says. “We used to run it manually, but with the expansion, we needed automation.”
The dryer’s automated features were updated and linked into a Skandia trench intake. Grain now feeds directly into the Mecmar for drying and cooling, before being conveyed to the main store. A secondary bay allows overflow or alternative crop handling.
“The refurbished Mecmar met our new needs at lower cost than replacing it,” says Mr Wheeler. “Sixteen years on, it still performs as well as ever.”
When a fault occurred during a night-time harvest run, Mr Wheeler called technicians after midnight. “They answered, diagnosed the problem – and got the part out by 7:30am. That kind of support is rare – and it matters.”
Reliability key
Scott McArthur, project director for grain handling specialists and Mecmar suppliers McArthur BDC, says farmers are focusing on reliability, integration and service rather than simply upgrading every few years.
“Farmers need systems that last,” he says. “Many of them now look at refurbishment, lifecycle support, and retrofit options before considering a replacement.”
The traditional model – buying new equipment every few years – no longer works in a sector facing labour shortages, compressed harvest windows, and rising input costs, says Mr McArthur.
“A mobile drier today must fit into a broader handling system, adapt to changing volumes, and be easy to maintain,” he says. “Farmers can’t afford downtime, and they need support they can count on.”