Frequently Asked Questions
Find Answers to Common Questions About Our Equipment and Services
General Questions
What areas do you serve?
We are based in Winkler, Manitoba, and primarily serve Western Canada including Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. We also provide equipment sales and support to customers across Canada. Our service area for installation and maintenance extends throughout Western Canada, with same-day or next-day emergency response in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
How long have you been in business?
Soaring Eagle Grain Equipment Inc. was established in 2018. While our company is relatively young, our team brings decades of combined experience in agricultural equipment sales, installation, and service. Our principals have been serving the Canadian agricultural community for over 30 years.
Do you sell used equipment?
Yes, we occasionally have quality used equipment available. Used equipment inventory changes frequently based on trade-ins and customer upgrades. Contact us to inquire about current used equipment availability. All used equipment is thoroughly inspected and refurbished before sale, and comes with a warranty.
Can I visit your facility?
Absolutely! We welcome customers to visit our facility in Winkler, Manitoba. We recommend calling ahead to schedule a visit so we can ensure someone is available to show you around and answer your questions. We often have equipment on display and can demonstrate features and operation.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, we work with several agricultural equipment financing companies to offer competitive financing options. We can help you explore lease, loan, and seasonal payment programs that match your cash flow. Contact us to discuss financing options for your equipment purchase.
What brands do you carry?
We carry a range of quality brands known for reliability and performance in Canadian agricultural conditions. We select manufacturers based on product quality, parts availability, and service support. Contact us to discuss specific brands for your equipment needs.
Do you service equipment purchased elsewhere?
Yes, our service department can maintain and repair most brands of grain handling equipment, even if you didn't purchase it from us. We stock common parts for major brands and can order specialized parts as needed. Contact our service department to discuss your equipment service needs.
How quickly can you deliver equipment?
Delivery times vary based on equipment type and current inventory. Stock items can often be delivered within 1-2 weeks. Custom equipment or special orders typically require 4-8 weeks. During peak season (spring and early summer), lead times may be longer. We recommend ordering early to ensure equipment arrives when you need it.
Product Questions
What capacity equipment do I need?
Equipment capacity depends on several factors including your grain volume, bin sizes, truck fleet, and operational timeline. As a general rule, you want equipment that can handle your peak harvest volume with some capacity to spare. Our consultation service can help you calculate the right capacity for your operation. Contact us for a free capacity assessment.
What's the difference between augers and belt conveyors?
Augers use a rotating screw (flighting) inside a tube to move grain. They're economical, versatile, and work well for most grain types. Belt conveyors use a moving belt to transport grain and are gentler on delicate seeds and specialty grains. Belt conveyors typically cause less than 0.5% kernel damage compared to 2-5% with augers. Choose augers for general grain handling and belt conveyors for seed operations or high-value specialty grains.
How do I choose between portable and permanent installation?
Portable equipment offers flexibility to move between locations or reposition as your operation changes. It's ideal if you need to serve multiple bin sites or anticipate facility changes. Permanent installations are more stable, often have higher capacity, and require less setup time. Consider portable equipment if you need flexibility, and permanent installation if you have a fixed facility layout and want maximum efficiency.
What maintenance do grain conveyors require?
Regular maintenance includes lubrication of bearings and chains (every 40-80 hours of operation), belt tension and alignment checks, inspection of wear parts, and cleaning between grain types. Annual professional service should include complete inspection, adjustment, and replacement of worn components. Proper maintenance can extend equipment life by 50-100% compared to neglected equipment.
Can equipment be upgraded or expanded later?
Yes, most of our equipment is designed with expansion in mind. Conveyors can often be lengthened, additional discharge points can be added, and automation can be integrated later. When we design systems, we consider future expansion possibilities and can build in provisions for easy upgrades. Discuss your growth plans with us during the consultation phase.
What power requirements do I need?
Power requirements vary by equipment type and capacity. Small portable augers may need only 5-10 HP (single-phase 240V), while large conveyor systems may require 30-50 HP (three-phase 600V). We provide detailed electrical specifications for all equipment and can help you assess your electrical service capacity. Electrical upgrades are often needed for large installations.
How long does equipment typically last?
With proper maintenance, quality grain handling equipment typically lasts 15-25 years. Factors affecting lifespan include usage intensity, maintenance quality, operating environment, and grain types handled. Equipment in harsh environments or handling abrasive materials may have shorter lifespans. Regular maintenance and proper operation are key to maximizing equipment life.
What safety features should I look for?
Essential safety features include emergency stop buttons at multiple locations, intake guards to prevent contact with moving parts, warning decals and signage, safety interlocks that prevent operation with guards removed, and proper grounding. For elevated equipment, look for guard rails, ladder cages, and fall protection anchor points. All our equipment meets Canadian safety standards.
Service & Support Questions
Do you offer 24/7 emergency service?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency service during harvest season (typically August through November) for maintenance plan customers. Emergency service includes phone support, remote diagnostics, and on-site service dispatch if needed. Outside harvest season, we offer extended hours and next-day service for urgent issues. Emergency service rates apply for after-hours calls.
What's included in a maintenance plan?
Maintenance plans include scheduled service visits with complete inspection, lubrication, adjustment, and minor repairs. Plans also include priority parts ordering, discounted labor rates, and priority emergency response. Higher-tier plans include more frequent visits, larger discounts, and additional benefits like free training. See our Maintenance & Support page for detailed plan comparisons.
How long does installation take?
Installation time varies by equipment complexity. Simple portable augers can be set up in a few hours. Permanent conveyor systems typically require 2-5 days for installation and commissioning. Complex custom systems may take 1-2 weeks. We provide detailed installation timelines during the quotation process and work to minimize disruption to your operations.
Do you provide operator training?
Yes, operator training is included with every equipment purchase. We provide hands-on training at your facility using your actual equipment. Training covers safe operation, pre-operation checks, basic troubleshooting, and routine maintenance. Additional training sessions and refresher training are available. See our Training Programs page for details.
What warranty do you offer?
Warranty coverage varies by equipment and manufacturer, typically ranging from 1-3 years on parts and labor. We offer extended warranty options for additional coverage. Warranties require professional installation and documented maintenance. We handle all warranty claims and work directly with manufacturers to ensure quick resolution.
Can you help with equipment financing?
Yes, we work with several agricultural equipment financing companies and can help you explore financing options. Available programs include traditional loans, leases, and seasonal payment plans that match agricultural cash flow. We can provide quotes with financing terms and help you complete applications. Contact us to discuss financing for your equipment purchase.
Do you stock replacement parts?
Yes, we maintain an extensive parts inventory for all equipment we sell, including belts, bearings, chains, motors, and controls. We also stock common wear parts for major competitor brands. Most parts ship same-day for next-day delivery in Western Canada. For specialized parts, we can typically obtain them within 2-3 business days.
What if I need help troubleshooting?
Our technical support team is available by phone during business hours to help troubleshoot issues. Many problems can be diagnosed and resolved over the phone, saving you time and service call costs. For maintenance plan customers, we offer priority phone support and can provide remote video assistance for complex issues. If on-site service is needed, we'll dispatch a technician promptly.
Purchasing Questions
How do I get a quote?
Contact us by phone, email, or through our website contact form with details about your equipment needs. We'll discuss your requirements and can often provide preliminary pricing over the phone. For complex systems or custom equipment, we recommend a site visit to provide accurate quotes. Quotes are typically provided within 2-3 business days and are valid for 30 days.
What information do you need for a quote?
To provide an accurate quote, we need to know your grain volumes, types of grain handled, bin sizes and configuration, available space, electrical service capacity, and any special requirements. Photos of your facility are helpful for complex installations. The more information you provide, the more accurate our quote will be.
Can I trade in my old equipment?
Yes, we accept trade-ins on most grain handling equipment. Trade-in value depends on equipment age, condition, brand, and current market demand. We'll inspect your equipment and provide a fair trade-in offer that can be applied to your new equipment purchase. Trade-ins can simplify the upgrade process and reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Do you offer package deals?
Yes, we offer package pricing when you purchase multiple pieces of equipment together. Package deals can include equipment, installation, training, and maintenance plans at discounted rates. We can also bundle equipment with accessories and spare parts for additional savings. Contact us to discuss package options for your operation.
What payment terms do you offer?
We offer several payment options including full payment at delivery, progress payments for large projects, and financing through our lending partners. For established customers, we can offer net 30-60 day terms. Deposits are typically required when ordering equipment, with balance due upon delivery or installation completion.
How far in advance should I order?
We recommend ordering 2-3 months before you need equipment, especially for spring and summer delivery. This ensures equipment arrives in time for harvest and allows for proper installation and training. Custom equipment may require 3-4 months lead time. During peak season, lead times can be longer due to high demand.
Can you help with government grants or programs?
Yes, we're familiar with various agricultural equipment grant and incentive programs available in Canada. We can provide documentation needed for grant applications and help you understand program requirements. While we don't handle applications directly, we can connect you with resources and provide the technical information needed for your application.
What happens if equipment arrives damaged?
All equipment is thoroughly inspected before shipping and insured during transport. If damage occurs during shipping, document it immediately with photos and notify us within 24 hours. We'll file insurance claims and arrange for repair or replacement at no cost to you. We stand behind every equipment delivery and ensure you receive equipment in perfect condition.
Still Have Questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our knowledgeable team is here to help. Contact us today and we'll be happy to answer any questions about our products and services.