GSI 1220S & 1220H Portable Grain Dryer

The GSI 1220S and 1220H are single-module portable grain dryers in the 1200S&H Series, built around two vane axial fans, two heaters, and a balanced 50/50 plenum split. With 544 bushels of holding capacity and Full Heat drying performance up to 990 BPH at 5-point moisture removal, the 1220 sits at a critical threshold in the GSI portable lineup — it’s the first 1200S&H model to break the 900 BPH barrier and the first to offer the full range of configurations: upgradable S-Series, stand-alone H-Series, and X-Stream optimized HX variant.

The 1220 is often described as the sweet spot of the 1200S&H Series. It delivers near-1,000 BPH single-module throughput, accommodates both single-phase and three-phase operations, and gives buyers a choice between long-term upgrade flexibility (1220S) and stand-alone simplicity (1220H) — without compromising on drying performance. For operators handling 1,500 to 4,000 acres of corn, the 1220 is frequently the most balanced choice in the entire portable lineup.

1220S vs 1220H vs 1220HX — Configuration Choice

The 1220 is offered in three distinct configurations. All three share identical drying performance, the same fans, heaters, plenum split, grain column, and control system. The differences are structural and operational.

1220S — Upgradable Stand-Alone

The S-Series is engineered as the foundation for a future multi-module dryer. Operators starting with a 1220S today can later add modules to convert the unit into a 2300 Series two-module dryer or a 3400 Series three-module dryer — without replacing the base. The frame, augers, control system, and electrical capacity are all sized from day one to support that growth path.

Best for: Growing operations, expanding farms, or buyers with capacity uncertainty over a 5–10 year horizon.

1220H — Stand-Alone (Non-Upgradable)

The H-Series delivers identical drying performance to the 1220S but is not upgradable. The structural design is optimized for permanent single-module operation, which keeps the unit lighter and simpler than its S-Series counterpart while preserving every drying advantage.

Best for: Established operations with stable acreage, custom drying businesses with fixed throughput needs, or anyone replacing an existing single-module dryer with no expansion plans.

1220HX — X-Stream Variant

The 1220HX is a 1220H with the X-Stream fan rearrangement applied. X-Stream redistributes airflow and heat across the grain column from front to back, producing measurably more uniform drying. The capacity numbers stay identical to the 1220H (990 BPH Full Heat at 5-point removal), but grain quality at that throughput improves — fewer overdried kernels at hot spots, fewer wet pockets at cooler areas in the column.

Best for: Operators handling food-grade corn, seed corn, malting barley, or any grain where uniformity directly affects grading and price. Note that X-Stream is offered only in the H-Series body, so choosing 1220HX means committing to the stand-alone (non-upgradable) configuration.

Key Specifications

Specification	Value
Series	1200S&H
Configuration	1 Module / 2 Stages
Fans	2 vane axial @ 15 HP, 36″
Heaters	2 @ 4.5 Mil. BTU/hr
Plenum Split	50/50
Grain Column	14″ × 20′
Total Holding Capacity	544 BU
Grain Column Holding Capacity	470 BU
Top Auger (Loading)	8″ flight, 7.5 HP — 3,800 BPH
Bottom Auger (Unloading)	8″ flight / 10″ tube, 7.5 HP
Meter Roll Drive	VFD, 1 HP — 2,800 BPH max
Fuel	LP or Natural Gas
Phase Options	Single Phase or Three Phase
Voltage	230V / 208V / 460V / 575V
Inverter (VFD) Available	Yes
Configurations Available	S (upgradable), H (stand-alone), HX (X-Stream)
Control System	Vision Controls (GSI Connect compatible)

Drying Capacity

All capacities below are wet bushels per hour, based on mature unfrozen #2 yellow shelled dent corn. Full Heat assumes grain is cooled in-bin after discharge; Dry & Cool numbers reflect grain that exits the dryer already cooled. The 1220S, 1220H, and 1220HX share identical capacity ratings.

Mode	Moisture Removal	Capacity
Full Heat	30% to 15%	450 BPH
Full Heat	25% to 15%	620 BPH
Full Heat	20% to 15%	990 BPH
Dry & Cool (Continuous)	25% to 15%	280 BPH
Dry & Cool (Continuous)	20% to 15%	445 BPH
Dry & Cool (Staged Batch)	25% to 15%	400 BPH
Dry & Cool (Staged Batch)	20% to 15%	520 BPH

The 1220 hits 990 BPH in Full Heat at 5-point removal — about 15% more than the 1218S and the first model in the 1200S&H lineup to approach the 1,000 BPH threshold. The capacity gain is delivered by extending the grain column from 18′ to 20′, upgrading both fans to 15 HP at 36″, and stepping heater output from 3.5 to 4.5 Mil. BTU/hr each.

For operators running Staged Batch Dry & Cool, the 1220 delivers 520 BPH at 5-point removal — 17% faster than continuous Dry & Cool in the same conditions, thanks to the alternating dry/cool cycle sequencing.

Fan & Heater Configuration

The 1220 runs two vane axial fans rated 15 HP each, with 36-inch fan housings. Both fans pair with their own 4.5 Mil. BTU/hr heater feeding a dedicated plenum. The 50/50 plenum split delivers equal heat input to both halves of the grain column — a key advantage over the standard 1200 Series with its 67/33 split that biases heat toward the upper plenum.

In the X-Stream (1220HX) configuration, the fan layout is rearranged to optimize airflow distribution from front to back of the column. This produces more uniform drying across the depth of the dryer, particularly beneficial when running at peak Full Heat capacity where uneven heat exposure is most visible.

For single-phase operations, the 1220S and 1220H are available with single-phase fans drawing 211–266 amps at 230V — making the 1220 the largest 1200S&H model still practical without three-phase service. The 1220HX is available in either single or three-phase configuration as well. Three-phase configurations are available across all standard voltages (208V, 230V, 460V, 575V) and deliver lower amp draw at the same drying capacity.

Grain Column & Holding Capacity

The 1220 uses standard 14-inch wide grain columns measuring 20 feet long. Total holding capacity is 544 bushels, with 470 bushels held inside the active grain column itself — the remainder occupies the loading and discharge zones above and below.

The 14″ column width is GSI’s standard for the entire portable lineup and is optimized for corn-sized kernels. For drying canola or other small grains, the optional small grain screen with 0.055″ perforations is available. Note that installing the small grain screen reduces corn drying capacity by approximately 20%.

Loading, Unloading & Metering

Top auger (loading): 8-inch flight driven by a 7.5 HP motor — a step up from the 5 HP loader on the 1214S and 1218S — with a peak loading rate of 3,800 BPH. The larger motor handles the 1220’s longer column without extending fill time, keeping truck cycle time short during peak harvest.

Bottom auger (unloading): 8-inch flight in a 10-inch tube, also 7.5 HP. The unloading auger is sized to keep pace with the dryer’s peak metering capacity.

Meter roll drive: 1 HP VFD with maximum metering capacity of 2,800 BPH — significant headroom over the 1220’s actual maximum throughput. This margin matters most in All Heat mode at 5-point removal, where actual discharge rates approach the meter’s working range.

The VFD-driven meter roll, combined with Vision Controls, lets the 1220 target a specific exit moisture content and adjust unload speed dynamically as inlet moisture varies. For multi-day harvest operations where inlet moisture can swing 5–8 points across a single day, this dynamic targeting consistently reduces overdrying losses by 1–2%.

Operating Modes

The 1220S, 1220H, and 1220HX all support the four standard 1200S&H operating modes:

All Heat — Maximum throughput. Grain leaves the dryer hot and is cooled in-bin. Best for corn and rice operations with adequate in-bin cooling air. Peak capacity: 990 BPH at 5-point removal.

Continuous Dry & Cool — Full continuous flow with integrated cooling. Grain exits cooled and ready for direct binning. Slower than All Heat but eliminates in-bin cooling requirements.

Staged Batch Dry & Cool — Alternating dry/cool cycles inside the dryer. Faster than continuous Dry & Cool while still delivering pre-cooled grain. Particularly useful for high-moisture corn or sensitive grains where extended exposure to heat affects quality.

Continuous Flow — Steady-state production mode for lower moisture differentials.

The 1220HX X-Stream variant runs all four modes with the same capacity numbers but delivers measurably better grain uniformity at any given throughput — a meaningful advantage in Staged Batch and Continuous Dry & Cool modes where dwell time variations within the column are most visible in final grain quality.

Transport & Installed Dimensions

The 1220 is engineered as a true portable dryer. Note that transport weight differs between configurations — the 1220S is heavier than the 1220H due to the structural reinforcement required for future module additions.

Dimension	Transport	Installed
Length	29′ 2″ (hitch to discharge auger)	27′ 2″
Width	8′	8′ 8″ (S) / 8′ (H)
Height	13′ 5″ (11′ 9″ shortest)	14′ 6″ (excl. foundation supports)
1220S Weight	14,500 lbs	—
1220H Weight	14,500 lbs	—
1220HX Weight	14,500 lbs	—

Transport height is given with both standard and shortest configurations — the lower 11′ 9″ figure assumes the discharge auger is folded down for road transport under low bridges and power lines. Installed width on the S-Series is slightly wider (8′ 8″) compared to the H-Series (8′) due to the reinforced module-ready structure.

At 14,500 lbs transport weight, the 1220 is roughly 3,000 lbs heavier than the 1218S — primarily from the longer column, larger fans, and higher-capacity heaters. This still keeps it within practical range for most farm tractors and trucks rated for portable grain handling equipment.

Vision Controls

The 1220 ships standard with Vision Controls — GSI’s purpose-built color touchscreen control system for grain dryers. Vision handles:

• All four operating modes with dedicated mode-select interface
• Plenum temperature setpoints for both upper and lower heaters
• Moisture-targeting through automatic meter roll VFD adjustment
• Full system diagnostics and fault logging
• Multi-grain profiles for fast switching between corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, and other crops

The Vision display can be mounted directly on the dryer or remoted into a shop or office with a hardwired connection. The remote option is particularly useful for operators running the 1220 continuously during harvest who want monitoring without walking to the unit.

GSI Connect Remote Management

The 1220 is GSI Connect compatible, enabling phone-based remote monitoring and control through the GSI Connect mobile app. Connect functionality includes:

• Real-time dryer status (running, idle, fault)
• Live plenum temperatures and grain moisture readings
• Remote setpoint adjustment
• Remote stop function
• Unload speed adjustment
• Performance logs and runtime alerts

GSI Connect is especially valuable for overnight drying runs or when the dryer is sited away from the main farmstead. Historical performance data captured through Connect can also be used to optimize drying efficiency season over season.

Optional Equipment

Beyond the standard configuration, the 1220 supports several factory and dealer-installed options:

Static Moisture Sampler — Improves moisture reading accuracy by sampling only when grain is stationary. Includes debris guards to prevent fines from contaminating the sensor. Recommended for operators using moisture-targeting mode in Vision Controls.

Inverters (VFDs) — Available on all 1200S&H models including the 1220. VFD upgrades allow finer control over fan and auger speeds, reducing energy consumption at partial loads.

Small Grain Screen — 0.055″ perforations for canola and other small grains. Reduces corn capacity by approximately 20% when installed.

Single-to-Three-Phase Converter — For operators wanting three-phase fan performance on a single-phase service.

X-Stream Upgrade (HX configuration) — Available at order for the 1220 in H-Series body. Cannot be retrofitted to S-Series.

Best Applications for the 1220S, 1220H, and 1220HX

The 1220 fits a specific operational profile, and the right configuration depends on long-term plans and grain quality requirements.

Best fit for the 1220S:

• Mid to large farms with active expansion plans (1,500–4,000 acres of corn)
• Operations expecting to need a 2300 or 3400 Series dryer in 5–10 years
• Buyers wanting near-1,000 BPH capacity now with insurance against future capacity needs
• Single-phase farmsteads needing the maximum practical capacity without three-phase service

Best fit for the 1220H:

• Established mid-size farms with stable acreage
• Custom drying operations needing fixed single-module throughput
• Replacement of an existing single-module dryer where expansion isn’t planned
• Buyers prioritizing lower upfront cost over future upgrade flexibility

Best fit for the 1220HX:

• Food-grade corn producers
• Seed corn operations
• Malting barley growers (with small grain screen)
• Any producer where grain uniformity affects grade premiums
• Operations selling into specialty markets where overdried or unevenly dried kernels are penalized

Less suitable for:

• Operations consistently exceeding 1,200 BPH demand — step up to the 1222S/H or 1226S/H
• Pure small-grain operations where canola or wheat is the primary use — the 14″ column is corn-optimized

How the 1220 Compares to Adjacent Models

1220 vs 1218S: The 1220 adds 2 feet of grain column (20′ vs 18′), upgrades fans from 10–12 HP to 15 HP at 36″, and steps heaters from 3.5 to 4.5 Mil. BTU/hr each. The result is 130 BPH more Full Heat capacity at 5-point removal (990 vs 860 BPH) and the addition of the H-Series and X-Stream HX options — neither available on the 1218.

1220 vs 1222S/H: The 1222 family adds another 2 feet of column (22′ vs 20′) with the same fan and heater specs as the 1220. Full Heat capacity rises to 1,080 BPH — pushing past the 1,000 BPH threshold. The 1222 is the right step up if your typical drying volume regularly exceeds 1,000 BPH.

1220S/H vs 1120 (1100 Series): The 1120 is a single-fan, single-heater dryer with one plenum at the same column length. The 1220 delivers more capacity, full mode flexibility, and the 50/50 split for more uniform drying. The 1220 is the better long-term investment for any operation expecting to grow or wanting four-mode operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 1220S and 1220H? The 1220S is upgradable — it can be expanded into a multi-module 2300 or 3400 Series dryer by adding modules later. The 1220H delivers identical drying performance but is not upgradable, with structural design optimized for permanent single-module operation.

What is the 1220HX? The 1220HX is the 1220H with the optional X-Stream fan rearrangement, which improves heat distribution from front to back of the dryer for more uniform grain quality. Capacity ratings are identical to the 1220H.

What is the holding capacity of the GSI 1220? All three configurations (1220S, 1220H, 1220HX) have a total holding capacity of 544 bushels, with 470 bushels in the active grain column.

What is the maximum drying capacity of the 1220? At 5-point moisture removal (20% to 15%) in Full Heat mode, the 1220 delivers up to 990 BPH on standard corn — identical across all three configurations.

Can the 1220 run on single-phase power? Yes. The 1220S and 1220H are available in single-phase configurations with 230V single-phase fans drawing 211–266 amps. The 1220HX X-Stream variant is also available in single-phase.

Is the 1220H upgradable? No. The H-Series is engineered as a permanent stand-alone dryer and cannot accept additional modules. For upgrade flexibility, choose the 1220S.

Can X-Stream be added to a 1220S later? No. X-Stream is currently offered only in the H-Series body and must be specified at order. It cannot be retrofitted to the S-Series configuration.

What fuel does the 1220 use? All 1220 configurations support both liquid propane (LP) and natural gas (NG), selectable at order.

What is the transport weight of the 1220? Approximately 14,500 lbs across all three configurations.

Does the 1220 support remote monitoring? Yes. All 1220 configurations ship with Vision Controls and are GSI Connect compatible.

Related Models in the 1200S&H Series

• 1214S — Entry point in the series, 381 BU holding, 730 BPH Full Heat
• 1218S — Mid-range, 490 BU holding, 860 BPH Full Heat
• 1222S / 1222H — 599 BU holding, over 1,000 BPH Full Heat, X-Stream available
• 1226S / 1226H — Series flagship, 708 BU holding, 1,330 BPH Full Heat, X-Stream available

GSI 1220S & 1220H Reviews & Ratings