Super-B SQ28 Continuous-Flow Grain Dryer

The Super-B SQ28 is the natural step up from the SQ24 for prairie operations that have outgrown the two-combine sweet spot. With 572 bushels of holding capacity, a 28-foot 7-inch grain column, and a 30 HP fan, the SQ28 is engineered for three-combine prairie operations, large custom drying businesses, and commercial operations where peak harvest throughput consistently exceeds what the SQ24 can sustain.

The SQ28 is also the model where the fuel-cost case for the A (Energy Miser) configuration becomes most compelling. At the SQ28’s annual drying volumes — typically 60,000 to 120,000+ bushels per season — the heat-recovery hot air return duct’s 20% fuel savings often translate to $8,000–18,000 per year in operating cost reduction, paying back the configuration premium within 2–3 harvest seasons.

For three-combine prairie operations, large mixed-crop farms exceeding 6,000 acres, and commercial drying operations in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba, the SQ28 frequently represents the right capacity-to-cost balance before stepping up to the substantially larger SQ32 or SQ36.

SQ28 Configuration Choice — D, E, A, or M

The SQ28 is offered in four standard configurations defined by the letter suffix after the model number. All four share identical grain column dimensions, holding capacity, and core drying technology — the differences are in drying mode capability and fuel-efficiency features.

SQ28D — Full Heat (Single Zone)

Continuous-flow full-heat operation with one temperature throughout the column. Grain leaves the dryer hot and is cooled in-bin afterward. Lowest capital cost in the SQ28 frame.

Best for: Large single-crop operations with established in-bin cooling capacity. Less common on mixed-crop prairie farms at SQ28 scale where mode flexibility matters more.

SQ28E — Continuous Flow with Louvers

Adds adjustable cooling louvers enabling three drying modes: full heat, pressure heat / pressure cool, and pressure heat / vacuum cool. The standard configuration for most three-combine prairie operations.

Best for: Large mixed-crop prairie operations handling wheat, canola, oats, and pulses. Three-combine farms where mode flexibility is essential across the harvest season.

SQ28A — Continuous Flow with Hot Air Return Duct (Highly Recommended)

Adds the hot air return duct for heat recovery — Super-B’s “Energy Miser” feature delivering up to 20% lower fuel consumption during continuous operation. On the SQ28, this configuration is the most economically justified across the SQ Series lineup because annual fuel consumption is high enough that 20% savings deliver major operating cost reductions year after year.

Best for: Three-combine operations drying 60,000+ bushels per season, custom drying businesses, large commercial operations where fuel cost is a significant operating expense, and any long-term ownership scenario at SQ28 scale.

SQ28M — Two-Temperature-Zone

Uses two distinct temperature zones for full-heat or pressure-heat / pressure-cool drying. Designed for operations needing precise temperature staging at high throughput.

Best for: Large seed-grade producers, commercial pulse processors, malting barley operations at scale, and specialty grain operations where temperature control directly affects grade-out and crop value at high volumes.

Key Specifications

Specification	Value
Series	SUPER-B Energy Miser SQ Series
Configuration	Single-module continuous flow
Total Fan HP	30 HP
Auger Load HP	7.5 HP
Chain Unload HP	2 HP
Column Length	28′ 7″
Overall Length	40′ 5″
Overall Height	14′ 2″
Total Holding Capacity	572 BU
Configurations Available	D (Full Heat), E (Louvers), A (Energy Miser), M (Two-Zone)
Fuel	LP or Natural Gas
Burner	Brock full flame-wall with stainless steel baffles
Blower	Double-width, double-inlet centrifugal (standard)
Grain Column	Variable-width (narrower top, wider bottom)
Outer Skins	18-gauge stainless steel perforated
Unloading	EVENFLO drag-chain conveyor
Standard Controls	QUANTUM or SPECTRUM
Optional Controls	INTUI-DRY 15.6″ touchscreen with remote access
Plenum Door	42″ × 22″ vertical access with safety shutdown switch

Drying Capacity by Crop and Mode

All capacities below are wet bushels per hour. Standard reference (corn 25.5%→15.5%) is published by Brock for cross-model comparison. Prairie crop capacities vary with grain temperature, ambient temperature, fines content, and crop maturity.

Corn Capacity (Manufacturer Standard Reference)

Mode	Moisture Removal	Capacity (BPH)
Full Heat – Single Zone (Model D)	25.5% to 15.5% (10 points)	830
Full Heat – Single Zone (Model D)	20.5% to 15.5% (5 points)	1,371
Modified Full Heat – Single Zone (Models M, E, A)	25.5% to 15.5%	798
Modified Full Heat – Single Zone (Models M, E, A)	20.5% to 15.5%	1,317
Pressure Heat – Two-Zone (Model M)	25.5% to 15.5%	752
Pressure Heat – Two-Zone (Model M)	20.5% to 15.5%	1,231

Approximate Prairie Crop Capacity (Practical Estimates)

Crop	Moisture Removal	Approximate Capacity (BPH)
Hard Red Spring Wheat	16% → 14.5% (1.5 points)	2,800–3,600
Wheat	18% → 14.5% (3.5 points)	1,600–2,100
Canola (crush grade, 82°C max)	12% → 8% (4 points)	1,250–1,700
Canola (seed grade, 45°C max)	12% → 8% (4 points)	620–900
Oats	16% → 14% (2 points)	2,000–2,700
Yellow Peas	18% → 16% (2 points)	1,500–2,000

These prairie-crop estimates are derived from the published corn ratings and typical efficiency factors for each crop. Always confirm capacity for your specific crop, moisture differential, and ambient conditions with your dealer before sizing.

Fan & Heater Configuration

The SQ28 runs a single 30 HP centrifugal blower — a meaningful step up from the SQ24’s 25 HP fan. The double-width, double-inlet centrifugal blower design provides:

• Significantly lower noise than axial fans found on most competitors and earlier Super-B models
• Higher static pressure capability for consistent airflow through the SQ28’s 28′ 7″ column
• Better energy efficiency at the SQ28’s drying capacity than equivalent axial designs

The 30 HP rating is matched to the SQ28’s column length and drying capacity. At three-combine throughput, consistent airflow performance throughout long operating days becomes critical — the centrifugal blower’s static pressure characteristics maintain drying performance even as column resistance varies with grain type and moisture loading.

The trade-off, common to all centrifugal-blower SQ Series units, is that the fan can ice up in extreme cold (typically below approximately –17°C) and may require a thaw-out cycle. For SQ28-class operations running long harvests, building a brief thaw-out interval into operating expectations during cold late-October and November drying is standard practice.

The Brock full flame-wall burner with stainless steel baffles distributes heat evenly across the SQ28’s longer grain column. The plenum is engineered to maintain uniform plenum temperatures from front to back — particularly important on the SQ28 because the longer column has more potential for front-to-back temperature variation than shorter models. Uniform plenum temperature directly affects grain quality consistency at high throughput.

The SQ28 is configured for either liquid propane (LP) or natural gas (NG) at order. For SQ28-class operations drying 60,000+ bushels per season, the long-term fuel cost difference between propane and natural gas is substantial — often $10,000–25,000+ per season. At SQ28 scale, natural gas is almost always the better long-term choice if it’s available at the yard for any reasonable connection cost.

Grain Column & Holding Capacity

The SQ28 features Super-B’s variable-width grain column in its 28′ 7″ configuration. The geometry follows the same principle as smaller SQ Series models — narrower at the top for efficient moisture removal, wider at the bottom for better dwell time — applied across a meaningfully longer column for higher throughput.

Total holding capacity: 572 bushels — including the perforated wet garner bin at the top, the active grain column, and the discharge zone. The wet garner pre-warms incoming grain using exhaust heat from the lower drying chambers, beginning the drying process before grain enters the main column. On the SQ28’s higher throughput, this pre-heating contributes substantially to overall drying efficiency.

Stainless steel perforated outer skins (18-gauge) are standard. With proper maintenance — including thorough cleaning between crops and especially after canola — stainless skins typically outlast every other component on the dryer. At SQ28 scale, the skin assemblies represent a substantial portion of the dryer’s structural value, and proper care directly affects 25–30+ year service life.

For drying canola or other small grains at SQ28 capacity, the small grain screen option is essential. The SQ28’s high throughput means significantly more potential for screen plugging from canola fines than smaller SQ Series models — daily screen inspection and active management during canola drying campaigns is non-negotiable.

Loading, Unloading & Metering (EVENFLO System)

The SQ28 uses Super-B’s patented EVENFLO drag-chain unloading system scaled for high-throughput operation.

Loading: A 7.5 HP top auger (versus 5 HP on the SQ24) feeds wet grain from your wet bin into the SQ28’s perforated wet garner. The 7.5 HP rating is sized to keep up with three-combine output during peak operation without becoming a fill-rate bottleneck.

Unloading via EVENFLO: A slow-moving drag-style chain conveyor at the base of the dryer powered by a 2 HP variable-speed AC motor. On the SQ28’s longer 28′ 7″ column, the EVENFLO advantages over conventional metering-roll systems become highly pronounced:

• Even unloading across the full column length — eliminates the column-to-column flow imbalance that becomes acute on long columns at high throughput
• Gentler grain handling at high throughput — kernel damage scales with throughput on metering-roll systems but stays low on the EVENFLO
• Debris-tolerant — SQ28-class operations handle very large volumes with variable cleanliness, where metering rolls jam frequently
• Easier between-crop cleaning — removable top cover means crop changeovers happen faster on the SQ28’s larger drying mass
• Consistent metering — chain speed control delivers reproducible exit moisture even at 1,000+ BPH throughput

For three-combine prairie operations switching between wheat, canola, oats, and pulses on the same machine, the EVENFLO’s clean-out advantage is a significant operational benefit — at SQ28 scale, between-crop cleaning that takes hours on auger-based competitors completes in less time on the EVENFLO system.

Operating Modes

The SQ28 supports continuous-flow drying with mode capability dependent on configuration:

Full Heat (D, E, A, M configurations) — Maximum drying intensity. Grain exits the dryer hot and is cooled in-bin. Highest published BPH ratings — 1,371 BPH on corn at 5-point removal. Best for high-throughput drying with substantial in-bin cooling capacity.

Pressure Heat / Pressure Cool (E, A, M configurations) — Cooling air pushed through the lower portion of the column. Grain exits cooled and ready for direct binning. The most-used mode on three-combine prairie operations because it eliminates in-bin cooling complexity at high volumes.

Pressure Heat / Vacuum Cool (E, A configurations) — Cooling air pulled through the lower column via vacuum. Different airflow characteristics than pressure cool.

Two-Zone Pressure Heat (M configuration only) — Hotter top zone for moisture removal, cooler bottom zone for finishing and grain protection. Used for sensitive crops including seed-grade canola, malting barley, and premium pulses at high throughput.

For most prairie SQ28 buyers, the A configuration with pressure cool mode delivers the best operating economics — the fuel savings on a heavy-use SQ28 directly offset the configuration premium within a few harvest seasons.

Transport & Installed Dimensions

Dimension	Value
Overall Length	40′ 5″
Overall Height	14′ 2″
Overall Width (varies by config)	Approximately 10′ 4″
Total Fan HP	30
Auger Load HP	7.5
Chain Unload HP	2

The SQ28 is designed exclusively as a fixed installation. The combination of size, weight, and infrastructure requirements means relocation is highly impractical — most installations are permanent for the dryer’s full service life.

Concrete pad requirement: The SQ28 requires a substantially reinforced concrete pad designed for the dryer’s operating weight plus full grain load. The longer overall length (40′ 5″) means pad engineering must account for distributed loading. Confirm specifications with your dealer and structural engineer.

Three-phase electrical service: Required. The 30 HP fan motor and supporting auxiliary loads cannot reasonably operate on single-phase service. SQ28 buyers should confirm three-phase service availability and adequate amperage capacity before committing to the platform.

INTUI-DRY Controls and Remote Monitoring

Like all current SQ Series dryers, the SQ28 supports two control system options:

QUANTUM or SPECTRUM Controllers (Standard) — Brock’s standard electronic dryer controllers covering all operating modes, plenum temperature setpoints, moisture targeting, and basic diagnostic logging.

INTUI-DRY Controller (Optional Upgrade — Strongly Recommended for SQ28) — A 15.6-inch full-color touchscreen system with intuitive management of all dryer functions and remote smartphone access.

For SQ28-class operations, INTUI-DRY upgrade is more compelling than on smaller models for three reasons:

1. Three-combine operations have the operator running combines, not the dryer. Remote monitoring and control from the combine cab keeps the SQ28 productive while the operator stays where they need to be during peak harvest.
2. Higher daily drying volumes mean more setpoint adjustments and more potential fault conditions. Catching a fault remotely versus discovering it on a yard walk can save hours of lost throughput on a unit drying 1,300+ BPH.
3. Season-over-season optimization through INTUI-DRY’s data logging delivers meaningful efficiency gains at the SQ28’s high annual volumes — 1–2% efficiency improvements translate to thousands of dollars in fuel savings per season.

Optional Equipment

Beyond the standard configuration, the SQ28 supports several factory and dealer-installed options:

Small Grain Screen — Smaller perforations for canola, mustard, and other small grains. Reduces maximum throughput on standard crops by approximately 20%.

MOISTURE EQUALIZER System — A patented Brock option that moves the hottest and driest grain through the dryer faster, improving drying uniformity. Highly valuable on the SQ28 because the longer column has greater potential for moisture variation top-to-bottom.

INTUI-DRY Touchscreen Upgrade — Strongly recommended for SQ28-class operations.

Heat-Recovery Hot Air Return Duct (A configuration) — Up to 20% fuel savings during continuous operation. On the SQ28, the per-season fuel cost reduction typically pays back the configuration premium in 2–3 years for operations drying 60,000+ bushels annually.

Reversing Cooling Louvers (E, A, M configurations) — Adjustable cooling louvers for fine-tuning the cooling air volume.

Service Access Catwalks and Platforms — Required for safe operation and maintenance access. The SQ28’s larger size means more comprehensive catwalk and ladder requirements.

Pneumatic Discharge System Compatibility — Most Canadian SQ28 installations pair the dryer with a Walinga Ultra-Veyor or similar pneumatic distribution system to move dry grain to multiple bins without auger handling. The SQ28’s discharge configuration supports pneumatic integration well.

Best Applications for the SQ28

The SQ28 fits a specific operational profile for large prairie farms and commercial operations.

Best fit for the SQ28:

• Three-combine prairie operations on mixed crops (typically 5,000–10,000+ acres)
• Large two-combine operations on tough harvest weather areas where SQ24 has become a bottleneck
• Custom drying businesses serving multiple neighboring farms
• Commercial pulse processors and seed plants
• Operators replacing aging GSI 1112, Super-B SQ500B, or competitor mid-range commercial units
• Yards with three-phase electrical service, pneumatic discharge systems, and substantial wet bin capacity

Best fit for the SQ28A (Energy Miser — strongly recommended):

• Three-combine operations drying 60,000+ bushels per season
• Custom drying businesses with significant annual run-time
• Long-term ownership scenarios where the heat-recovery payback period (typically 2–3 years on SQ28-class operations) clearly justifies the configuration premium

Best fit for the SQ28E:

• Large mixed-crop operations needing flexibility across full heat and pressure cool modes
• Buyers prioritizing slightly lower capital cost over fuel-recovery savings

Best fit for the SQ28M:

• Large seed-grade canola producers needing precise temperature staging at three-combine throughput
• Pulse processors handling premium-grade product
• Malting barley operations at significant scale

Less suitable for:

• Two-combine operations where the SQ24 already meets demand — the SQ28’s additional capacity rarely offsets its larger footprint and capital cost
• Operations consistently exceeding the SQ28’s capacity — step up to the SQ32, SQ36, or SQ40
• Yards without three-phase service or unwilling to upgrade utility infrastructure
• Smaller commercial operations where SQ28 capital cost cannot be justified by drying volumes

How the SQ28 Compares to Adjacent Models

SQ28 vs SQ24: The SQ24 has a 24′ 6″ column versus the SQ28’s 28′ 7″, with a 25 HP fan versus 30 HP, and 490 BU holding versus 572 BU. Drying capacity in corn at 5-point removal increases from 1,211 BPH (SQ24) to 1,371 BPH (SQ28) — about 13% more throughput. The capital cost step is meaningful but not dramatic. The SQ28 is the right choice for three-combine operations or large two-combine operations consistently maxing out the SQ24. The SQ24 remains the better choice for typical two-combine operations where the SQ28’s additional capacity isn’t needed.

SQ28 vs SQ32: The SQ32 has a 32′ 8″ column, 40 HP fan (a substantial step up from 30 HP), and 654 BU holding. Drying capacity in corn at 5-point removal increases from 1,371 BPH (SQ28) to 1,601 BPH (SQ32) — about 17% more. The SQ32 is the right step up for large commercial operations consistently exceeding three-combine throughput. The SQ28 is the better choice for typical three-combine prairie operations.

SQ28 vs SQ20: The SQ20 is a notably smaller machine — 408 BU holding, 20 HP fan, 20′ 5″ column. Corn drying capacity at 5-point removal is 976 BPH on the SQ20 versus 1,371 BPH on the SQ28 — about 40% more on the SQ28. The SQ20 is the right choice for large single-combine and small two-combine setups; the SQ28 is the right choice for three-combine operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the SQ28, SQ28E, SQ28A, and SQ28M? All four are the same SQ28 model with different drying mode capabilities. SQ28D is full heat only, SQ28E adds louvers for pressure cool modes, SQ28A adds the heat-recovery duct for fuel savings (Energy Miser — strongly recommended at SQ28 scale), SQ28M provides two-temperature-zone operation. The A configuration is the most economically justified choice for typical three-combine prairie operations.

Is the SQ28 a portable or fixed dryer? The SQ28 is exclusively a fixed installation. Size, weight, and infrastructure requirements make relocation impractical.

What’s the holding capacity of the SQ28? 572 bushels total — including the wet garner bin, active drying column, and discharge zone.

How much grain can an SQ28 dry per hour? Manufacturer-published capacity in corn is 1,371 BPH at 5-point moisture removal (Model D, full heat) and 830 BPH at 10-point removal. For prairie crops, capacity varies significantly: wheat at 1.5-point removal can run 2,800-3,600 BPH, while seed-grade canola at 4-point removal at the 45°C temperature limit may run 620-900 BPH. Always confirm capacity for your specific scenario with your dealer.

Why is the A (Energy Miser) configuration so strongly recommended on the SQ28? At SQ28 scale, annual fuel consumption is high enough that the 20% savings from the heat-recovery hot air return duct translate to $8,000–18,000+ per year in operating cost reduction. The configuration premium typically pays back in 2–3 harvest seasons — the fastest payback in the SQ Series lineup.

Does the SQ28 require three-phase power? Yes — the 30 HP fan motor and supporting auxiliary loads cannot reasonably operate on single-phase service. Confirm three-phase service availability before committing to the SQ28 platform.

Is the SQ28 the right choice for three-combine operations? Generally yes — it’s sized to match combined output of three Class 8 combines on typical prairie crops without becoming a bottleneck. Some very large three-combine operations on consistently tough harvest areas may benefit from stepping up to the SQ32, but the SQ28 fits the typical three-combine profile well.

Does the SQ28 handle canola at high throughput? Yes — with the small grain screen option and proper temperature management (45°C maximum for seed grade, 82°C maximum for crush grade per Canola Council guidelines). Daily screen inspection is essential during canola drying campaigns at SQ28 throughput because higher volumes mean more potential for screen plugging from canola fines.

What fuel does the SQ28 use? LP (liquid propane) or natural gas (NG), selected at order. For SQ28-class operations drying 60,000+ bushels per season, natural gas is almost always the better long-term cost choice if available at the yard. The annual fuel cost difference can run $10,000–25,000+ in favor of natural gas.

How long does an SQ28 last? With proper maintenance, current SQ Series units are designed for 25–30+ year service life. At SQ28 scale, daily cleaning during peak season and thorough between-crop cleanout become especially important — the higher throughput means accumulation happens faster and neglect compounds more quickly.

What financing is typical for an SQ28 purchase? Major Canadian agricultural lenders — Farm Credit Canada, ATB Financial, the prairie credit unions, and major banks — offer equipment financing structured around grain delivery cycles. At the SQ28’s higher capital cost, lease-to-own arrangements are increasingly common. Get pre-approved before negotiating equipment pricing.

Related Models in the SQ Series

• Super-B SQ20 — 408 BU holding, large single-combine and small two-combine
• Super-B SQ24 — 490 BU holding, two-combine prairie sweet spot
• Super-B SQ32 — 654 BU holding, large commercial operations
• Super-B SQ36 — 734 BU holding, very large commercial operations

For complete buying guidance — sizing math, crop-specific operation, used vs. new pricing, and how Super-B compares to GSI, Vertec, and Neco — read our Super-B grain dryers buyer’s guide.

Browse all grain dryers on Aglist to compare across manufacturers.

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Super-B SQ28 Reviews & Ratings

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