A-Series Sidewall Stairs: Built for Stability and Heavy-Duty Use on Grain Bins
When it comes to accessing large grain bins, reliability isn’t optional. Whether you’re running a commercial elevator or an industrial site, the need for secure, long-term access is non-negotiable. Greene Stairs’ A-Series Sidewall Stair System is engineered specifically for commercial agricultural work, with compliance, safety, and durability in mind.
Why the A-Series Stair System Was Developed
The A-Series was designed to meet the needs of heavy-duty, commercial-grade agricultural operations. It was built to help users and site owners meet generally accepted industry safety expectations. During development, Greene’s design team referenced the following standards:
- Walking-working surfaces (OSHA 1910)
- ASAE S412
- ANSI A1264
- NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
- AS 1657-2003 (Australian Standard)
Each system is built not only to comply with key safety benchmarks but also to improve daily usability for those who rely on safe bin access.
Engineering Strength and Weight Efficiency
To minimize system weight without compromising strength, Greene’s team created a custom 11″ x 30″ step tread for the A-Series. This tread underwent independent structural testing at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Simulating 34 years of use (50,000+ load cycles), the treads showed no degradation. That’s durability, validated.
The huck bolted support channels used in each step reduce dead load by approximately 5 pounds per tread compared to 12-gauge equivalents. In total, this makes the A-Series stair system roughly 10% lighter overall — reducing stress on bin sidewalls without sacrificing reliability.
A-Series Stair Sections: Built for Practical Fit
Each A-Series stair section provides a 30″ wide walkway with continuous 1.5″ round interlocking handrails on both sides. Handrails extend below the bottom tread to assist users during the initial climb or descent.
Compatible bin ring types:
- 44″ standard rings
- 42″ Chief rings
- 1-meter rings
- 32″ and 42″ 2.66″ corrugated rings
Best fit: Bins 39′ and larger. Smaller bins may create compliance challenges due to step spacing on the stair’s outer edge. Systems can be installed clockwise or counterclockwise.
Each stair includes a built-in 42″ guardrail on the exposed side. Most sections offer step rises of 7.1″ to 7.5″; for 1-meter ring bins, the rise increases to 8.75″.
A-Series Rest Landings
Industry standards call for rest landings based on elevation:
- Australian: every 18 steps
- NFPA, ANSI, OSHA: every 12 vertical feet
Each rest landing provides:
- 30″ wide by 30″ deep landing
- Handrails on both sides
- 42″ guardrail on the exposed side
A-Series rest landings are designed to replace the top tread of the stair section they attach to, ensuring seamless fit and structural continuity.
Eave and Inspection Platforms
Included standard in every A-Series package:
- Eave Platform: Mounts level with the bin eave for smooth transition to roof stairs
- Inspection Platform: Positioned ~22″ below the eave to allow easy access to the inspection portal
Both platforms are built from a modular 40″ x 60″ deck plank system for easier shipping and handling. The inspection platform includes a self-closing gate to prevent unintentional falls while inspecting the portal.
Manhole Guardrail Integration
The optional manhole guardrail system bolts directly to the AWT 8600 series inspection platform. Key features:
- No extra roof panel holes required
- Booster step included for ease of use
- Uses existing roof rib bolt holes for mounting
This guardrail improves safety at one of the most accessed (and often riskiest) points of the bin.
A-Series Safety Gates
Greene offers adjustable A-Series Gates in galvanized or yellow powder-coated finish. These can be installed at stair entrances and configured as either self-closing or locking.
- Adjustable width: 22″ to 38″
- Reversible hinge mounting (right or left)
- Bolts directly to pre-punched post holes
These gates improve the final step of fall prevention and system control.
Built With Quality, Backed By Experience
From structural lab testing to user-friendly installation design, the A-Series Sidewall Stair System reflects Greene’s long-standing commitment to safe, durable access solutions.
Have questions about how this system would fit your bin site? Call 217-375-4244 or email info@greenebinstairs.com to talk to one of our access specialists.