jblnut,
If you're still looking for a grain level indicator for your feed bins, check out "LevAlert". Installs from the outside of the bin. Can be wired with a switch also.
Thanks for posting. Cool to learn about the chicken farming process.
Here is another option for ya. This is the lift I made for my garage. The platform is roughly 4' x 8'. It works great. Hopefully the pics explain most of it. I modified a Northern Tool Hoist for the winch part.