Internal Silo Hoppers

Unloading a flat-bottom silo without the right equipment is slow, labour-intensive, and hard on your grain. An internal hopper changes that. It sits inside the silo and directs grain towards the discharge point, improving flow and making the unloading process significantly more efficient. It’s a practical addition that makes a flat-bottom silo work harder for your operation.

Can You Supply an Internal Hopper for a Silo?

Yes, we can provide an internal hopper for your silo. Our customised internal hoppers enhance grain flow efficiency and improve unloading processes. 

Rather than relying entirely on mechanical sweep systems to move grain across a flat base, an internal hopper creates a central collection point that encourages grain to flow towards the outlet. This reduces the load on unloading equipment and speeds up the overall discharge process.

How an Internal Hopper Improves Silo Performance

Flat-bottom silos are the preferred choice for long-term, high-volume grain storage, but their design means grain doesn’t move on its own. An internal hopper addresses this directly by improving the flow characteristics inside the silo. 

The practical benefits include: 

• Faster unloading by directing grain flow towards the central discharge point 
• Reduced reliance on sweep auger systems to clear grain from the silo floor 
• Less residual grain left in the silo after unloading, improving storage hygiene and efficiency 
• Lower mechanical wear on unloading equipment over time, as the hopper does more of the work

Customised to Fit Your Silo

Every internal hopper that Franklin Hodge supplies is customised for the specific silo it’s going into. Silo diameter, grain type, discharge outlet position, and unloading setup all influence how the hopper is designed and configured. 

This is particularly relevant for Brice-Baker silos, where the modular construction of the silo itself means the internal hopper can be integrated precisely into the existing structure. Whether you’re fitting an internal hopper as part of a new silo installation or adding one to an existing flat-bottom silo, Franklin Hodge can specify the right design for your setup.

Part of a Complete Grain Storage System

An internal hopper is one element of a well-designed grain storage and handling system. Franklin Hodge supplies a full range of grain handling solutions through our silos range, including flat-bottom and hopper-bottom silo options, silo inspection services, and refurbishment support to keep your storage infrastructure performing reliably over the long term. 

If you’re planning a new installation or looking to improve the performance of an existing silo, our team can advise whether an internal hopper is the right addition for your operation.

Get in Touch With Franklin Hodge

To discuss internal hoppers or any aspect of your grain storage requirements, contact us directly or request a quote and our team will be in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an internal hopper do in a flat-bottom silo? 

An internal hopper directs grain flow towards the central discharge point, improving unloading efficiency and reducing reliance on mechanical sweep systems to clear the silo floor. 

Are Franklin Hodge internal hoppers customised for each silo? 

Yes, each internal hopper is designed to fit the specific silo, taking into account diameter, grain type, discharge position, and the wider unloading setup. 

Can an internal hopper be added to an existing silo? 

Yes, internal hoppers can be fitted to existing flat-bottom silos as well as incorporated into new installations. 

Does an internal hopper replace the need for a sweep auger? 

It reduces the load on sweep auger systems by improving grain flow towards the outlet, but the two are typically used together rather than one replacing the other. 

Are internal hoppers available for Brice-Baker silos specifically? 

Yes, Franklin Hodge manufactures and supplies internal hoppers compatible with the Brice-Baker silo range.