Polycool Grain Pedestals
Polycool
Polycool grain pedestals are the UK’s most trusted grain cooling pedestals for crop storage and conditioning. As vertically standing, modular pedestal cooling systems, Polycool grain pedestals deliver efficient grain cooling across farm operations of all sizes. Constructed from robust, food-grade twin-wall plastic, these grain storage pedestals have evolved from over 55 years of British agricultural engineering and development.
Polycool Standard (3.5m) for storage depths of 3m – 5.5m
Polycool Maxi (5.1m) for storage depths of 5m – 9m
Product Details
Specifications
Standard
Part No: PEDSTAN
Type: Robust Food Grade Plastic
Height: 3.5m can be extended to 5.5m
Base unit: 1.2m x 450mm perforated base unit
Reducing Cone: 150mm reducing cone
Extension Pipes: 2m x 150mm and 1m x 150mm
Polycool extension pipes
Suggested crop storage depth: 3m – 5.5m
Fan Recommendation (not included): PV250 or Evolution
Open area per metre: 0.8m2
Maxi
Part No: PEDMAX
Type: Robust Food Grade Plastic
Height: 5.1m can be extended to 9.1m
Base unit: 2m x 450mm perforated base unit
Reducing Cone: 200mm reducing cone
Extension Pipes: 2m x 200mm and 1m x 200mm
steel extension pipes
Suggested crop storage depth: 5m – 9m
Fan Recommendation (not included): PV400
Open area per metre: 0.8m2
Polycool Pedestal Options
Airflow – The unique ribbed construction adds strength and stops the crop from blocking the perforations, allowing equal airflow throughout the base of the pedestal. The large slots ensure maximum ventilation for stored crops, maintaining equal air distribution.
Airflow tests have proven Polycool pedestals allow fans to run at maximum performance, regardless of airflow direction.
Strength – Plastic pedestals are manufactured using food grade polymer for added strength, constructed with twin wall plastic. They are much stronger than metal pedestals. Even when they are hit with the loader bucket, they do not damage. When stores are being emptied, loader drivers can dig the unit out quickly, without worry.
Over 35,000 units on farms across the globe.
Two sizes available:
Standard Polycool (3.5m) Can be extended for use in crop depths up to 5.5m
Maxi Polycool (5.1m) Can be extended for use in crop depths of up to 9m
Strong, Twin Wall, Food-grade plastic
Reduced damage when hit with loader. Makes stores easy to load and unload
Open Area: Unique 0.8m2 Open Area by product metre Approved by ADAS in 1994
Perfect for all crops – Use with PV250, Evolution or PV400 Fans
How to space pedestals in your grain store
| STORAGE DEPTH | PEDESTAL SPACING |
|---|---|
| 2.5-3.5m | Storage depth plus 100% |
| 3.6-5.0m | Storage depth plus 75% |
| 5.1m and above | Storage depth plus 50% |
What are grain pedestals?
Grain pedestals (also called grain cooling pedestals or pedestal ventilation systems) are vertical crop cooling structures positioned directly in grain stores. Unlike lateral ventilation or underfloor systems, grain pedestals stand upright within your stored crop, drawing heat out through a fan mounted at the top of the pedestal unit.
Polycool grain pedestals feature a 450mm slotted base section that draws air in from floor level. This base reduces to either 200mm or 150mm extension pipes – non-slotted sections that extend upward through your grain storage. Once grain covers the pedestal, a fan positioned on top either sucks or blows heat from the crop, maintaining optimal storage conditions and preventing mould and insect damage.
For UK farmers managing grain storage, pedestal cooling systems like Polycool offer flexibility that other grain cooling methods can’t match. These grain storage pedestals work in both new builds and existing facilities, require no permanent installation, and can be repositioned as needed throughout harvest and storage seasons.
Why Choose Polycool Grain Pedestals?
Polycool grain cooling pedestals deliver advantages that standard metal pedestals and alternative grain cooling methods simply can’t match:
Unmatched Strength & Durability: Twin-wall food-grade plastic construction makes Polycool grain pedestals significantly stronger than metal alternatives. When hit with loader buckets during grain store operations, Polycool pedestals won’t damage or dent like metal units. This robust construction means faster, worry-free grain store loading and unloading – loader drivers can work confidently without concern for damaging expensive pedestal ventilation systems.
Maximum Airflow Performance: The unique ribbed construction of Polycool grain pedestals adds structural strength while preventing crop from blocking the ventilation perforations. With 0.8m² open area per meter – independently verified by ADAS in 1994 – these grain cooling pedestals ensure equal airflow distribution throughout the base, allowing fans to operate at maximum performance regardless of airflow direction.
Proven Track Record: Over 35,000 Polycool pedestal units operate successfully on farms across the globe, testament to the reliability and effectiveness of these grain storage pedestals.
Polycool vs Other Grain Cooling Methods
When choosing grain cooling systems, understanding how grain pedestals compare to alternative methods helps ensure the right solution for your operation:
Grain Pedestals vs Lateral Ventilation: Polycool grain cooling pedestals offer greater flexibility than lateral systems. Laterals require permanent installation into grain store walls, while pedestal cooling systems can be repositioned or removed as needed. Pedestals also work in existing buildings without requiring structural modifications.
Grain Pedestals vs Underflow Systems: Underflow ventilation requires floor-level ductwork and significant installation work. Polycool grain pedestals install immediately without building modifications. Pedestals are also easier to maintain and clean compared to buried underfloor systems.
Polycool vs Metal Pedestals: Traditional metal grain pedestals damage easily when struck by loaders. Polycool’s twin-wall plastic construction withstands impacts that would dent or destroy metal units. Food-grade plastic also won’t rust or corrode, ensuring decades of reliable grain cooling performance.
Frequently asked questions
Grain pedestals (also called grain cooling pedestals or pedestal ventilation systems) are vertical ventilation structures placed directly within grain stores to control crop temperature and prevent spoilage. Polycool grain pedestals draw air in through a 450mm slotted base section positioned at floor level. The air moves up through the non-slotted extension pipe (either 150mm or 200mm diameter) and a fan mounted at the top sucks or blows heat from the stored grain. This circulation maintains optimal storage conditions, prevents mould growth, and eliminates insect problems in stored crops.
Polycool grain cooling pedestals are manufactured from food-grade, twin-wall plastic construction that is significantly stronger than traditional metal grain pedestals. When hit by loader buckets during grain store operations, Polycool units don’t damage, dent, or break like metal pedestals do. This superior strength means faster store loading/unloading without worry. Additionally, plastic pedestals won’t rust or corrode over time like metal units, ensuring decades of reliable grain cooling performance. The unique ribbed design also prevents crop from blocking ventilation slots – a common problem with smooth metal surfaces.
The number of grain cooling pedestals needed depends on your storage depth. For storage depths of 2.5-3.5m, space pedestals at storage depth plus 100%. For 3.6-5.0m depth, use storage depth plus 75%. For 5.1m and above, space at storage depth plus 50%. For example, with 4m grain depth, space pedestals approximately 7m apart (4m + 75% = 7m). This spacing ensures even airflow distribution throughout your grain store. Contact our technical team at +44 (0)1935 850750 for specific recommendations based on your grain store dimensions and crop types.
Polycool Standard (3.5m) grain pedestals work with our PV250 or Evolution fans. For deeper grain storage, Polycool Maxi (5.1m) pedestals use the PV400 fan. All Evans & Pearce pedestal fans integrate seamlessly with Polycool grain cooling pedestals, providing optimal airflow for effective crop conditioning. The Evolution fan offers the advantage of built-in differential temperature control, using 50% less power than traditional 1.1kW fans while delivering equivalent grain cooling performance.
Yes! Polycool grain cooling pedestals install immediately in existing grain stores without requiring building modifications or permanent installation. Unlike lateral ventilation systems that need wall penetrations or underflow systems that require floor ductwork, grain pedestals simply position on the floor and work as soon as grain is loaded. This makes Polycool ideal for both new construction and retrofitting existing storage facilities. The modular design also means you can reposition pedestals as needed or move them between different storage locations.
Polycool grain cooling pedestals are built for decades of service. The food-grade twin-wall plastic construction won’t rust, corrode, or deteriorate like metal pedestals. With proper handling during grain store operations, Polycool grain pedestals typically last 20+ years of continuous use. Over 35,000 units operate worldwide, many in service for multiple decades. The robust construction withstands repeated loader bucket contact that would destroy metal grain pedestals, making Polycool a long-term investment in reliable grain storage infrastructure.
Polycool grain pedestals provide 0.8m² open area per metre of pedestal length – independently verified by ADAS in 1994. This generous open area ensures maximum airflow for effective grain cooling. The unique slot design and ribbed construction prevent crop from blocking perforations, maintaining consistent ventilation performance throughout operation. This open area specification allows connected fans to operate at full capacity regardless of airflow direction (suction or blowing mode).
Yes, Polycool grain pedestals work effectively with all grain crops including wheat, barley, oats, oilseed rape, beans, and peas. The food-grade plastic construction is safe for all crop types. The modular design accommodates different crop depths and storage configurations. Whether storing seed grade crops requiring precise conditioning or feed grain needing basic cooling, Polycool grain cooling pedestals deliver reliable temperature management and crop quality preservation.