Hay Moisture Tester - Recommendation?

[jimg]

I bought the low moisture meter yesterday and the parts guy was pretty good about giving me all the online lit to look at before I gave the order...most of which I posted.

We talked a bit about the baler mounted meter and I dont understand how it would work well. The probe is right there at the pickup and I cant figure how youd get enough hay density for a good reading. Guess it must work OK though. The baler I bought had a probe mounted in the bale case which I think would give a better reading. Of course the bad part is you only know after the fact.

 

[ddivinia]

I bought the low moisture meter yesterday and the parts guy was pretty good about giving me all the online lit to look at before I gave the order...most of which I posted.

We talked a bit about the baler mounted meter and I dont understand how it would work well. The probe is right there at the pickup and I cant figure how youd get enough hay density for a good reading. Guess it must work OK though. The baler I bought had a probe mounted in the bale case which I think would give a better reading. Of course the bad part is you only know after the fact.

I installed mine in the bale chamber. Running the cable is a job. I had to get a 10' extension cable to make it reach.

D.

 

[jimg]

As mentioned above I bought a Farmex meter repackaged for JD which looks to be the equivalent of this one:
Farmex Hay Tester -- Temperature and Moisture, Harvest Tools - GEMPLER'S

The manual states "Because of numerous variables which affect test readings, the indicated moisture content should not be used as an absolute, quantitative measurement. Test readings are however very useful guidelines for baling and storing hay."

Im not sure what to make of that stmt and how to use the data the meter is giving. Last night I probed some bales which all turned out to give about 20% readings. When cut open the hay was OK, no discoloration or mold. As per the instructions I probed the bottom of the bales where is more dense. So, Im wondering how this meter is going to be useful. Any ideas?

 

[ddivinia]

As mentioned above I bought a Farmex meter repackaged for JD which looks to be the equivalent of this one:
Farmex Hay Tester -- Temperature and Moisture, Harvest Tools - GEMPLER'S

The manual states "Because of numerous variables which affect test readings, the indicated moisture content should not be used as an absolute, quantitative measurement. Test readings are however very useful guidelines for baling and storing hay."

Im not sure what to make of that stmt and how to use the data the meter is giving. Last night I probed some bales which all turned out to give about 20% readings. When cut open the hay was OK, no discoloration or mold. As per the instructions I probed the bottom of the bales where is more dense. So, Im wondering how this meter is going to be useful. Any ideas?

I believe that is the required attorney section that says - we believe our stuff works fine but in the off chance it does not or you don't run it properly - it ain't our fault.

I have a handheld and baler mounted unit. Sometimes some crazy readings come up, but overall they seem good.

D.

 

[jimg]

Ah, that makes sense. I suspect too itll take some time to get the drill of using it properly. Sometimes its difficult to distinguish between lawyer weasel words and definitive eng stmts. Thanx...

BTW when testing windows how do you do that? My manual talks about making loops and knots which seem pretty variable. I think Robert said he uses a plastic pipe and jams it full then reads out of that. That seems a good bit more precise or at least has better potential for it.

 

[ddivinia]

Ah, that makes sense. I suspect too itll take some time to get the drill of using it properly. Sometimes its difficult to distinguish between lawyer weasel words and definitive eng stmts. Thanx...

BTW when testing windows how do you do that? My manual talks about making loops and knots which seem pretty variable. I think Robert said he uses a plastic pipe and jams it full then reads out of that. That seems a good bit more precise or at least has better potential for it.

I gotta say - I have checked a windrow once. I looked at the grass and was like - man, that is ready. I am really glad I put the baler mounted unit. I just keep an eye on it. Now, that is fine once you start baling.

I think the deal is - work it into a knot so it is dense enough to get a good reading. Loose hay won't produce the right numbers.

D.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Ah, that makes sense. I suspect too itll take some time to get the drill of using it properly. Sometimes its difficult to distinguish between lawyer weasel words and definitive eng stmts. Thanx...

BTW when testing windows how do you do that? My manual talks about making loops and knots which seem pretty variable. I think Robert said he uses a plastic pipe and jams it full then reads out of that. That seems a good bit more precise or at least has better potential for it.

I just twist the hay and fold it to form a dense ball and test it there. The tighter the ball the higher the reading will be so as long as you are within your moisture range you are fine. The plastic pipe idea is something another farmer uses and told me about which is a good idea for someone who isn't sure what to do. But I check the hay by hand first then toss the tester at it if I feel it is ready just to get a base reading for when the baler unit comes thru. I can then watch as the baler tester reads close to what my windrow read and during the day it will drop down till night time when it starts to climb up again.

Also, the hand held tester you have is designed for Alfalfa, if I recall mine said that for grass hay your reading can be 2 points higher and you will be fine. So if you want to bale at 18% and the tester shows 20 you are still fine for grass hay, if it shows 20 for Alfalfa then you are high as it reads true for alfalfa. I hope that makes sense.

 

[jimg]

Quick question for you all using the Delmhorst meter...I see the same meter can be used as baler mounted or handheld. Is anyone using itin both modes regualrly? Does it do both jobs well or a poor compromise?

 

[ddivinia]

Quick question for you all using the Delmhorst meter...I see the same meter can be used as baler mounted or handheld. Is anyone using itin both modes regualrly? Does it do both jobs well or a poor compromise?

I do not know.

What I do know is that now that I have a baler mounted tester, I don't even use my other tester.

D.

 

[jimg]

I see, where is the sensor mounted on the baler?