07 Jan 2026 | News & Updates

How to Choose the Right Hopper Cone Size for Grain Storage

When it comes to grain handling and on-farm storage, hopper cone size is more than just a specification. It’s a strategic decision—and if done correctly, will improve material flow, protect grain quality, and speed up loading, keeping your entire operation running smoothly.

At Bridgeview Manufacturing, we designed our bolt-together hopper cones to integrate with your workflow, not the other way around. Whether you’re storing cereal grains, oilseeds, or specialty crops, choosing the right hopper cone size starts with understanding your needs. Let’s take a closer look.

Why Hopper Cone Size Matters

Material volume, crop type, and yard layout all play a role in how your hopper cone performs. Choosing a cone that is too small will result in limited capacity and slower material flow. Too large, and you may be over-investing in storage you won’t utilize, and take up valuable yard space. The right hopper cone size ensures:

Consistent and reliable flow with the correct slope and diameter
Reduced bridging or clogging, decreasing cleanouts
Efficient unloading for quicker turnaround and increased efficiency
Safe, stable storage that matches your site’s requirements

Selecting the Right Hopper Cone

Start with Storage Volume

Consider your storage requirements when selecting the right hoppe cone. Think about:

How much grain you need to store per bin
- A number of smaller bins gives more options to divide mixed grades and moisture levels of crops as they come off the field
Whether you’re planning for current values only, or future expansion
If your handling system matches the hopper’s capacity

Larger capacities require wider cone diameters and taller profiles, while smaller volumes can run efficiently on lower-profile cones that still offer a full clean-out. Matching volume to cone size ensures that your storage system works with your bin—not against it.

Consider Your Aeration Compatibility

How your crop behaves in a hopper cone is closely tied to airflow and moisture control, making aeration compatibility an essential consideration when choosing a hopper cone.

Proper aeration helps manage condensation, reduce moisture-related issues, and support consistent material flow—especially during temperature swings or long-term storage. Designing your hopper cone with aeration in mind will allow you to optimize performance.

At Bridgeview Manufacturing, our Jet Stream Air system is engineered to integrate seamlessly with your hopper cone setup and can be added as a retrofit later on. This allows you to adapt your system as your storage needs change without replacing major components.

Evaluate Yard & Space Constraints

A hopper cone must fit your operation. Period. Consider:

Available height under existing systems
Clearance for trucks and grain carts
Ground conditions and foundation requirements
Bin spacing and accessibility during harvest
Taller hopper requires a longer grain auger to reach

A properly sized hopper cone will help to optimize yard layout, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall operational flow.

Built to Fit: Bridgeview’s Customizable Hopper Cones

Bridgeview Manufacturing’s bolt-together hopper cones are engineered to deliver durability, convenient assembly, and dependable performance season after season. Designed to match a wide range of bin sizes and operation demands, they offer:

Custom Sizing: With a wide selection of sizes available, you can choose the hopper cone size that fits your exact bin and workflow
Heavy-Duty, Prairie-Tested Construction: Built to withstand harsh conditions and heavy loads
Easy Installation: Our bolt-together design makes on-site assembly straightforward and efficient
Standard Transport: Bolt-together hopper cones can be easily transported on standard-width trailers, saving you money on freight
Reliable Performance for Any Crop: All Bridgeview hopper cones feature sandblasted and powder-coated steel and galvanized sheets for advanced durability and corrosion resistance

No matter your crop type, yard layout, or storage volume needs, Bridgeview’s hopper cones are built to adapt to your needs, now and in the future. When it comes to your operations, don’t compromise.

Upgrade Your Storage: Find Your Ideal Hopper Cone Solution Today

Choosing the right hopper cone size should never be guesswork. It’s about understanding your crop’s characteristics, storage needs, and site layout. At Bridgeview Manufacturing, we understand your needs, and are committed to providing you with the right equipment designed to keep up. With our customizable, rugged hopper cones, you get a solution that’s built for your operation today and ready for the long haul.

If you’re upgrading your storage solutions or planning a new build. Our team is here to help! Contact Bridgeview Manufacturing to get started today.