Outside Coal Bins

Todd · By: **Todd** On: Fri Feb 10, 2006 2:07 pm

Does anyone have photos of there outside coal bin? I would like to build a bin outside and would like to see some photos for ideas. Thanks

wenchris · By: **wenchris** On: Fri Feb 10, 2006 4:00 pm

This one holds 3 tons of rice coal. 4x4x8 Coal guy told my wife it was the best one he's seen. She told him I was anal. LOL!!!!!!! Small chute at the bottom center makes loading a bucket a breeze.

Todd · By: **Todd** On: Fri Feb 10, 2006 4:51 pm

Thanks Jimmy for the photo thats exactly what I'm looking for. When you get coal delivered how does the coal enter the bin? Is the roof hinged?

wenchris · By: **wenchris** On: Fri Feb 10, 2006 7:51 pm

Not hinged it just has cleats around the inside to hold each side of the roof in place. Ridge stays in place. Rolled roofing keeps it weather tight. Each side of the roof lifts off, just have to open one side to fill. Jimmy

Chris · By: **Chris** On: Fri Feb 10, 2006 9:06 pm

Mine is simular to wenchris'. I like the shoot he has on his, gives me a good idea. I can lift my bin with my tractor, put it on a trailer and take it to the dealer for filling. Bin holds 2500lbs.

Richard S. · By: **Richard S.** On: Fri Feb 10, 2006 10:57 pm

Most build a box like Wenchris has, I would suggest making one of the 4x4 sides removable slats, like a guillotine. This provides easy access to the bin once you have emptied out the coal directly against the slats.

You just leave a small gap at the bottom to shovel it out, remove the slats as you remove the coal against them. Once it get to the bottom you can get in the bin to get the rest of the coal. Otherwise you're going to be crawling over the top all the time. For easy delivery make sure the roof is on hinges or can be removed.

Fishbait · By: **Fishbait** On: Thu Apr 06, 2006 3:57 pm

Wenchris. what would you do differently in the design of your coal box now that you have had a chance to use it.

My brothers and I are building a coal bin for mom and dad... mom will soon be 80 and dad is out of commission. Mom wants the coal stored outside in a coal bin. We want to make it easy for mom to fill the bucket. Looking for designs. Would like for the coal to slide forward as the bin empties. Would like information on inside and outside design.

Thanks for your help.

wenchris · By: **wenchris** On: Sun Apr 09, 2006 1:12 pm

Would have slopped the bottom towards the chute. In a "Y" so I don't have to mound the coal towards the chute as it gets towards the bottom. Maybe line it with alum. so it's nice and slick. Still may do it once it is empty. Jimmy

George-NJ · By: **George-NJ** On: Thu Jun 15, 2006 9:28 am

Here is my outdoor bin getting loaded. the front (not pictured) has a good size hinged door to access the coal, I keep a piece of plywood behind the opening and move it as the coal pile lowers.

When loading, for added safety I put some extra 2X10's on the long sides & ratchet straps around the whole thing to prevent blowouts. I'll take it all off in a couple of days after the coal settles.

When I build my next house it will be in the basement with a sloped valley bottom, ideally with an electric auger right to the stoker.