How to Pull a Bunker Tarp over a Grain Bunker

Pulling a bunker tarp over a grain bunker involves careful planning and coordination to ensure the tarp is properly positioned and secured. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Before you begin:

1. The bunker does not have to be completely full before starting to cover the grain. Cover the grain as filling progresses to avoid possible damage by sudden storms.
2. Do not attempt to handle large tarps in windy conditions as they will quickly become unmanageable.
3. Always have direct communication between loader operators and people so movement can stop immediately if needed.
4. If you require more than one tarp you will need to sew or weld them together. Consider hiring or purchasing a sewing machine if you don’t have one, Polytex can supply these.

Steps for Pulling a Bunker Tarp:

1. Position the Tarp
   • Unroll your bunker tarp across the WIDTH of your bunker at one end.
2. Attach Ropes/Straps
   • Neck two corners of the tarp and tie a load binder strap or rope around this and attach to a machine that is on either side of your bunker (telehandler, JCB, tractor, loader etc.)
3. Coordinate Pulling
   • Have a machine on either side of your bunker and, if needed, have one person walk over the centre of the pile with a tarp puller to keep the centre of the tarp up.
4. Pull the Tarp
   • Begin pulling the tarp slowly and steadily over the pile. Always have direct communication between loader operators and people so movement can stop immediately if needed.
5. Secure the Tarp
   • Your bunker covers should be secured down tight to prevent damage from billowing and flapping in the wind. They also should be sealed to protect from insects, rodents, water and to allow for effective fumigation. There are a number of methods to secure and seal your tarps:
     • Concrete tyres: This is a common method of securing and sealing your tarps if you have no walls or earth walls. Fold both the top tarp and ground sheet together back underneath and place your concrete tyres on the fold, giving you a good seal.
     • Earth trench: You can seal your tarps with an earth trench by simply digging a 250mm deep trench around your pad and burying the ground sheet and top tarp together, then backfilling the trench.
     • Concrete walls: Clamps and rails are available for securing and sealing the top tarp and ground sheet to the outside of the wall.

Download our Grain Bunker Construction Guide for practical and actionable advice on the construction and storage of grain in bunkers.