Prices for used silos vary widely based on size, condition, material, and installation needs. Buyers should consider transport, foundation work, and potential repairs as major cost drivers. This guide outlines typical cost ranges and what affects the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Used farm steel silo | $5,000 | $15,000 | $60,000 | Smaller diameters and shorter heights are cheaper; larger units may require rehab. |
| Used concrete silo | $8,000 | $30,000 | $120,000 | Higher upfront costs; condition of concrete affects price. |
| Foundation and site prep | $2,500 | $8,000 | $25,000 | Includes soil work, rebar, and leveling. |
| Delivery and installation | $2,000 | $12,000 | $40,000 | Depends on distance, access, and crane needs. |
| Repairs and rehab | $1,000 | $6,000 | $30,000 | May involve seals, joints, ladders, and coatings. |
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost range for a used silo project spans broad limits due to size, condition, and installation requirements. A small, decommissioned or portable unit might sit in the low thousands, while a large, well-maintained steel or concrete silo with new foundations and hookups can reach well into six figures. Assumptions include mid-size units with basic foundations and standard access.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3,000 | $12,000 | $50,000 | Steel panels or concrete blocks; condition matters. |
| Labor | $1,500 | $5,000 | $20,000 | Includes disassembly, loading, and assembly on site. |
| Equipment | $1,000 | $4,000 | $15,000 | Crane or forklift rental if needed. |
| Permits | $200 | $2,000 | $8,000 | Local zoning, height clearances, and inspections. |
| Delivery/Disposal | $1,000 | $3,000 | $12,000 | Transport to site and disposal of debris. |
| Warranty/Support | $0 | $1,000 | $5,000 | Limited coverage on used equipment. |
What Drives Price
Size, condition, and installation complexity drive most costs. Large diameters, tall heights, and concrete silos require heavier foundations and specialized equipment. A60 nloads, corrosion, and previous repairs add risk and may elevate estimates. Sealing, ladders, interior rappels, and lining materials also influence final pricing.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor costs depend on crew size and local rates. Typical projects might use a two-person crew for smaller units or a multi-person crew with crane support for larger silos. In many regions, crane access and travel time can substantially shift totals. Use a basic formula for planning: labor_hours × hourly_rate, adjusted for site constraints.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to transport, demand, and labor. In the Midwest, a mid-size used silo and foundation may be about 5–15% cheaper than urban West Coast installs, while rural Southern sites could be 0–10% cheaper again due to lower labor costs. Local markets and availability influence the final quote.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes
Basic — Used steel silo, small diameter, no major repairs, simple foundation. Specs: 12–18 ft diameter, 25–35 ft tall. Hours: 6–12. Total: $12,000-$18,000. Per-unit highlights: $/ft height around $400–$1,000; $/ft diameter around $1,000–$2,500.
Mid-Range — Steel unit with partial rehab, modest foundation, standard delivery. Specs: 22–28 ft diameter, 40–50 ft tall. Hours: 20–40. Total: $35,000-$60,000. Per-unit: foundation and assembly add $10,000–$25,000; delivery $2,000–$8,000.
Premium — Concrete silo with full rehab and upgraded access, enhanced sealing. Specs: 28–40 ft diameter, 60–80 ft tall. Hours: 60–120. Total: $90,000-$150,000. Per-unit: materials $40,000–$100,000; specialized equipment $15,000–$40,000; permits and inspections $3,000–$8,000.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.