GSI 1226S & 1226H Portable Grain Dryer

The GSI 1226S and 1226H are the flagship single-module portable grain dryers in the 1200S&H Series — built around two large vane axial fans, two high-output heaters, and a balanced 50/50 plenum split. With 708 bushels of holding capacity and Full Heat drying performance up to 1,330 BPH at 5-point moisture removal, the 1226 delivers the maximum throughput possible from a single-module GSI portable dryer. For operations needing more capacity than this, the next step is the two-module 2300 Series.

The 1226 is offered in three configurations: upgradable S-Series, stand-alone H-Series, and X-Stream optimized 1226HX. All three share identical drying performance, fans, heaters, plenum split, grain column, and control system — the differences are structural and operational, giving buyers flexibility to match the dryer to long-term plans and grain quality requirements.

One important distinction sets the 1226 apart from every other model in the 1200S&H Series: the 1226 is three-phase only. Unlike the 1214S, 1218S, 1220, and 1222 — all of which can be ordered in single-phase configurations — the 1226’s 25 HP fans and 6.75 Mil. BTU/hr heaters require three-phase service. This makes the 1226 the right choice for large operations with three-phase power infrastructure already in place.

For farms handling 4,000 to 8,000+ acres of corn, the 1226 frequently represents the most cost-effective single-module solution before stepping into the much larger physical and capital footprint of a two-module 2300 Series dryer.

1226S vs 1226H vs 1226HX — Configuration Choice

1226S — Upgradable Stand-Alone

The S-Series is engineered as the foundation for a future multi-module dryer. Operators starting with a 1226S 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 upgrade path.

Best for: Large operations with active expansion plans, farms expecting to need 2,000+ BPH within 5–10 years, or buyers wanting maximum single-module capacity now with insurance against future capacity needs.

1226H — Stand-Alone (Non-Upgradable)

The H-Series delivers identical drying performance to the 1226S 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 large farms with stable acreage, custom drying businesses with fixed throughput needs above 1,200 BPH, or anyone replacing an existing single-module dryer where expansion isn’t planned.

1226HX — X-Stream Variant

The 1226HX is a 1226H with the X-Stream fan rearrangement applied. X-Stream redistributes airflow and heat across the grain column from front to back, producing more uniform drying. Capacity numbers stay identical to the 1226H (1,330 BPH Full Heat at 5-point removal), but grain quality at that throughput improves measurably — fewer overdried kernels at hot spots and fewer wet pockets at cooler areas in the column.

X-Stream is particularly valuable on the 1226 because the longer 26-foot grain column has the greatest potential for front-to-back heat variation in the entire 1200S&H lineup. The X-Stream layout effectively neutralizes that variation.

Best for: Large-scale food-grade corn producers, seed corn operations, malting barley growers (with small grain screen), and any high-volume specialty grain producer where uniformity directly affects grading and price. X-Stream is offered only in the H-Series body, so choosing 1226HX commits to the stand-alone (non-upgradable) configuration.

Key Specifications

Specification	Value
Series	1200S&H
Configuration	1 Module / 2 Stages
Fans	2 vane axial @ 25 HP, 40″
Heaters	2 @ 6.75 Mil. BTU/hr
Plenum Split	50/50
Grain Column	14″ × 26′
Total Holding Capacity	708 BU
Grain Column Holding Capacity	611 BU
Top Auger (Loading)	8″ flight, 10 HP — 3,800 BPH
Bottom Auger (Unloading)	8″ flight / 10″ tube, 10 HP
Meter Roll Drive	VFD, 1 HP — 3,640 BPH max
Fuel	LP or Natural Gas
Phase	Three Phase only
Voltage	208V / 230V / 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 1226S, 1226H, and 1226HX share identical capacity ratings.

Mode	Moisture Removal	Capacity
Full Heat	30% to 15%	620 BPH
Full Heat	25% to 15%	820 BPH
Full Heat	20% to 15%	1,330 BPH
Dry & Cool (Continuous)	25% to 15%	375 BPH
Dry & Cool (Continuous)	20% to 15%	600 BPH
Dry & Cool (Staged Batch)	25% to 15%	530 BPH
Dry & Cool (Staged Batch)	20% to 15%	700 BPH

The 1226 hits 1,330 BPH in Full Heat at 5-point removal — about 23% more than the 1222 and the highest single-module Full Heat capacity available in the entire GSI portable dryer lineup. The capacity gain over the 1222 is driven by three simultaneous upgrades: the grain column extends from 22′ to 26′, fans step from 15 HP/36″ to 25 HP/40″, and heaters jump from 4.5 to 6.75 Mil. BTU/hr each — roughly 50% more heater output per fan.

For operators running Staged Batch Dry & Cool, the 1226 delivers 700 BPH at 5-point removal — about 17% faster than continuous Dry & Cool in the same conditions. This is the highest cooled-grain throughput available from any single-module portable dryer in the GSI catalog.

Important note on All Heat capacity at 1,330 BPH: GSI’s documentation indicates that at this throughput, in-bin cooling for All Heat-dried corn typically requires bins of 50,000 bushels or less for safe cooling and storage without special grain management. Operators planning All Heat operation at peak 1226 capacity should size their cooling bin infrastructure accordingly.

Fan & Heater Configuration

The 1226 runs two vane axial fans rated 25 HP each, with 40-inch fan housings — the largest fans in the 1200S&H Series. Both fans pair with their own 6.75 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.

The combination of larger fans and higher-output heaters is what enables the 1226 to push 1,330 BPH through a 26-foot grain column while maintaining adequate dwell time for effective moisture removal. Smaller fans and heaters at this column length would create a moisture removal bottleneck.

In the X-Stream (1226HX) configuration, the fan layout is rearranged to optimize airflow distribution from front to back of the column. The benefit is most pronounced on the 1226 because of its 26-foot column length — the longest in the 1200S&H lineup — where front-to-back heat variation has the greatest potential impact on grain uniformity.

The 1226 is three-phase only. Unlike smaller models in the 1200S&H Series, the 1226’s 25 HP fan motors require three-phase power and cannot be configured for single-phase operation. Three-phase configurations are available across all standard voltages (208V, 230V, 460V, 575V):

• 208V three-phase: 196–273 amps
• 230V three-phase: 183–254 amps
• 460V three-phase: 94–127 amps
• 575V three-phase: 77–104 amps

For operations without three-phase service, single-to-three-phase converters can be used to run the 1226. However, this adds cost and complexity, and most operators considering the 1226 already have three-phase infrastructure in place for other large-load farm equipment.

Grain Column & Holding Capacity

The 1226 uses standard 14-inch wide grain columns measuring 26 feet long — the longest in the 1200S&H Series and the maximum column length available in any single-module GSI portable dryer. Total holding capacity is 708 bushels, with 611 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 10 HP motor — the largest loader in the 1200S&H Series — with a peak loading rate of 3,800 BPH. The 10 HP loader is sized to fill the 1226’s larger column without extending fill time relative to smaller models in the series.

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

Meter roll drive: 1 HP VFD with maximum metering capacity of 3,640 BPH — significant headroom over the 1226’s actual maximum throughput of 1,330 BPH. This margin is essential for handling capacity spikes during high-throughput drying cycles and for accommodating future upgrades on the S-Series version.

The VFD-driven meter roll, combined with Vision Controls, lets the 1226 target a specific exit moisture content and adjust unload speed dynamically as inlet moisture varies. For large operations handling significant grain volume per day with variable inlet moisture, this dynamic targeting consistently reduces overdrying losses by 1–2% — which on 50,000+ bushels per harvest season translates to meaningful dollars.

Operating Modes

The 1226S, 1226H, and 1226HX 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: 1,330 BPH at 5-point removal — but note the in-bin cooling capacity considerations mentioned above.

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 — particularly relevant on the 1226 where All Heat at peak capacity requires careful bin management.

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 1226HX X-Stream variant runs all four modes with the same capacity numbers but delivers measurably better grain uniformity at any given throughput. On the 26-foot column, this uniformity advantage is more pronounced than on shorter columns in the series — making X-Stream a particularly compelling choice for the flagship 1226.

Transport & Installed Dimensions

The 1226 is engineered as a true portable dryer despite being the largest unit in the 1200S&H Series. Note that installed width differs slightly between configurations — the 1226S is wider due to the structural reinforcement required for future module additions.

Dimension	Transport	Installed
Length	35′ 2″ (hitch to discharge auger)	33′ 2″
Width	8′	8′ 8″ (S) / 8′ (H)
Height	13′ 5″ (11′ 9″ shortest)	14′ 6″ (excl. foundation supports)
1226S Weight	18,500 lbs	—
1226H Weight	18,500 lbs	—
1226HX Weight	18,500 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 18,500 lbs transport weight, the 1226 is the heaviest unit in the 1200S&H Series — about 3,000 lbs more than the 1222 and roughly twice the weight of the entry-level 1214S. Operators planning to relocate the 1226 between sites should confirm their tractor or truck capacity is rated for portable grain handling equipment in this weight class.

Vision Controls

The 1226 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. For operations running the 1226 continuously during harvest — which is the most common use case for a flagship-size dryer — the remote display is highly recommended.

GSI Connect Remote Management

The 1226 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 on the 1226 because flagship-size dryers are often run overnight during peak harvest. Remote monitoring lets the operator catch faults, verify performance, and adjust setpoints from anywhere — without the trip to the dryer that would otherwise be required.

Historical performance data captured through Connect can also be used to optimize drying efficiency season over season — particularly valuable on a unit handling 50,000+ bushels per harvest where even small efficiency gains translate to meaningful fuel savings.

Optional Equipment

Beyond the standard configuration, the 1226 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. Strongly recommended for operators using moisture-targeting mode in Vision Controls — particularly important on a high-throughput dryer like the 1226 where overdrying losses scale with volume.

Inverters (VFDs) — Available on all 1200S&H models including the 1226. 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 to run the 1226 on a single-phase service. Note: required for any 1226 installation without three-phase power available.

X-Stream Upgrade (HX configuration) — Available at order for the 1226 in H-Series body. Cannot be retrofitted to S-Series.

Best Applications for the 1226S, 1226H, and 1226HX

The 1226 fits a specific operational profile, and the right configuration depends on long-term plans, grain quality requirements, and infrastructure.

Best fit for the 1226S:

• Large farms with active expansion plans (4,000–8,000+ acres of corn)
• Operations expecting to need 2,000+ BPH multi-module capacity in 5–10 years
• Buyers wanting maximum single-module capacity now with future upgrade insurance
• Three-phase farmsteads with established large-load electrical infrastructure

Best fit for the 1226H:

• Established large farms with stable acreage above 4,000 acres of corn
• Custom drying operations with throughput needs above 1,200 BPH
• Replacement of an existing single-module flagship dryer where expansion isn’t planned
• Buyers prioritizing lower upfront cost over future upgrade flexibility

Best fit for the 1226HX:

• Large-scale food-grade corn producers
• High-volume seed corn operations
• Large malting barley growers (with small grain screen)
• Specialty grain producers selling into markets where overdried or unevenly dried kernels are penalized at scale
• Any large operation where the 26-foot column’s potential for front-to-back heat variation justifies the X-Stream investment

Less suitable for:

• Operations consistently exceeding 1,500 BPH demand — step up to the 2300 Series two-module dryer
• Farms without three-phase power and unwilling to add a phase converter
• Pure small-grain operations where canola or wheat is the primary use — the 14″ column is corn-optimized
• Smaller operations under 3,000 acres where the 1222 or 1220 would deliver adequate capacity at lower capital cost

How the 1226 Compares to Adjacent Models

1226 vs 1222S/H: The 1226 represents a significant step up across multiple specifications: column length grows from 22′ to 26′, fans upgrade from 15 HP/36″ to 25 HP/40″, and heaters jump from 4.5 to 6.75 Mil. BTU/hr each. The result is 250 BPH more Full Heat capacity at 5-point removal (1,330 vs 1,080 BPH) — about 23% more throughput. The 1226 is the right step up if your typical drying volume regularly exceeds 1,150 BPH and three-phase power is available.

1226 vs 2320 (2300 Series): The 2320 is a two-module dryer with three fans and roughly 1,000 BPH more All Heat capacity than the 1226 (2,010 vs 1,330 BPH). It also costs significantly more, has a much larger physical footprint, and requires more substantial foundation infrastructure. The 2300 Series is the correct choice when single-module capacity — even at the 1226’s flagship level — is no longer sufficient. Operators who bought a 1226S can upgrade into the 2300 footprint without replacing the base.

1226S/H vs 1126 (1100 Series): The 1126 is a single-fan, single-heater dryer at the same 26-foot column length. The 1226 delivers nearly double the Full Heat capacity, full mode flexibility, and the 50/50 split for more uniform drying. For any large operation that has outgrown a 1126, the 1226 is the natural successor — same physical column dimensions, dramatically more drying capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the 1226S and 1226H? The 1226S is upgradable — it can be expanded into a multi-module 2300 or 3400 Series dryer by adding modules later. The 1226H delivers identical drying performance but is not upgradable, with structural design optimized for permanent single-module operation.

What is the 1226HX? The 1226HX is the 1226H 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 1226H. X-Stream is particularly beneficial on the 1226 because of its longer 26-foot grain column.

What is the holding capacity of the GSI 1226? All three configurations (1226S, 1226H, 1226HX) have a total holding capacity of 708 bushels, with 611 bushels in the active grain column. This is the highest single-module holding capacity in the GSI portable dryer lineup.

What is the maximum drying capacity of the 1226? At 5-point moisture removal (20% to 15%) in Full Heat mode, the 1226 delivers up to 1,330 BPH on standard corn — identical across all three configurations, and the highest single-module Full Heat capacity in the GSI portable lineup.

Can the 1226 run on single-phase power? No. The 1226 is three-phase only. The 25 HP fan motors require three-phase service and cannot be configured for single-phase operation. Operators without three-phase power can use a single-to-three-phase converter, but this adds cost and complexity.

Is the 1226H upgradable? No. The H-Series is engineered as a permanent stand-alone dryer and cannot accept additional modules. For upgrade flexibility, choose the 1226S.

Can X-Stream be added to a 1226S 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 1226 use? All 1226 configurations support both liquid propane (LP) and natural gas (NG), selectable at order.

What is the transport weight of the 1226? Approximately 18,500 lbs across all three configurations — the heaviest unit in the 1200S&H Series.

Is the 1226 the largest GSI portable dryer? The 1226 is the largest single-module GSI portable dryer. For higher capacities, GSI offers the two-module 2300 and 2400 Series dryers and the three-module 3400 and 3600 Series dryers — all of which are also portable.

Does the 1226 support remote monitoring? Yes. All 1226 configurations ship with Vision Controls and are GSI Connect compatible, enabling full phone-based remote monitoring and control.

What’s the difference between the 1226 and the 1126? The 1226 is part of the 1200S&H Series with two fans, two heaters, and a 50/50 plenum split. The 1126 is part of the 1100 Series with a single fan and single heater. Both use the same 26-foot column length, but the 1226 delivers nearly double the Full Heat capacity and supports four-mode operation versus the 1100’s more limited mode options.

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
• 1220S / 1220H — 544 BU holding, 990 BPH Full Heat, X-Stream available
• 1222S / 1222H — 599 BU holding, 1,080 BPH Full Heat, X-Stream available

GSI 1226S & 1226H Reviews & Ratings