Range of Moisture Content
The FX-2000 is designed to test moisture in hay over a range
of 6%-40%. Readings over 30% should be used only as a
qualitative indication of high moisture content. Delmhorst
moisture meters use the relationship existing between electrical
conductivity and moisture content in hay. As moisture content
increases, so does the conductivity.
Tests on hay at high moisture content, over 25%, are less
accurate. This is mostly due to the variability in moisture
distribution. The reduced level of accuracy in the high range
does not significantly affect the usefulness of the meter, as a
few high readings indicate that some action be taken to dry
the hay to avoid spoilage or even self-combustion.
While it is important to note the average of several readings,
it is even more important to note the high readings and the
frequency at which they occur.
Hay Temperature
The FX-2000 has been calibrated at 80°F on various samples
of different types of hay, mostly alfalfa, and on different
cuttings and mixtures. The higher the temperature of the
sample, the higher the meter readings will be. Temperatures
lower than 80°F cause lower meter readings. The correction
is approximately 1% point for every 20° difference. Refer to
chart below:
Hay temperature
Add to reading
Subtract from reading
20°F/-7°C
3
--
40°F/ 5°C
2
--
60°F/15°C
1
--
80°F/30°C
0
0
100°F/40°C
--
1
120°F/50°C
--
2
140°F/60°C
--
3
Example
Meter reading:
22%
Temperature:
40°F/5°C
Moisture Content: 24% (22 + 2)
The validity of the meter readings is closely related to the
care spent in sampling the hay to be tested. Whether hay in
the windrow or baled hay is tested, the number of tests made
should be increased whenever the initial readings show
considerable variations.
Density
The calibration of the moisture testers applies to bales of
normal “average’ density. Generally:
h
Denser bales may yield readings 1-2% points higher.
h
Looser bales tend to yield 1-2% point lower.
h
Tests in stacks usually yield readings 2%-3% lower.
h
Tests on grass hay may yield readings about 3% lower.
Baling should be done according to the lower meter reading.
When testing baled hay, drive the prod across the slices of
the bale, not between them. This will ensure firmer and more
uniform contact.
Use of Preservatives
Hay preservative or stabilizers may also have an affect on
meter readings. Normally a bale of hay treated with preser-
vative will read higher than a bale of the same hay that had
not been treated. The readings typically increase by 2-4%
points, and 24-48 hours after treatment, the readings
between the bales tends to equalize.
Occasional higher readings may occur if, in addition to the
effect of the increased conductivity due to the stabilizer, the
bales tested also show an increase in temperature and
“sweating.” As the stabilizer becomes more thoroughly
absorbed and the sweating subsides, the meter readings
recede to the initial level and will continue to decrease,
assuming that the bale becomes progressively dryer.
Curing
Before proper curing has taken place, wide variations in
moisture content should be expected in both recently baled
hay and hay in the windrow. These variations will be exposed
by meter readings taken on different parts of the windrow or
bale.
The higher the moisture range, the wider are the
variations. The more curing has been allowed to take place,
the greater uniformity in moisture distribution can be
expected.
Sample Size
When testing baled hay, it is essential to take readings at
several different points in the bale. Hay moisture may vary a
great deal in the same bale. For example, at one point bale
moisture may be 20% and at another over 35%.
More tests must be made whenever the variations among
readings are greater. If there is a possibility of high moisture
areas, samples from these locations should be taken. Areas of
high moisture content will spoil, resulting in loss.
It is extremely important to note the high readings and the
frequency at which they occur.
USING THE METER FOR
CONTINUOUS MONITORING
The FX-2000 can be used for
on-the-go-monitoring, pow-
ered by the 12v tractor bat-
tery.To install the meter and
power supply:
h
Attach the red lead
of the power cable to a positive (+)
12-volt supply point controlled by the ignition switch or
attach it directly to the tractor battery.
h
Ground the other lead.
A replaceable fuse protects the circuit.
The meter can also be powered independently of the trac-
tor’s electrical system by using a 12V, (Eveready 732 or
equivalent) all-purpose battery.
h
Select a location in the cab
where the display can be easily
viewed while baling. Install the stainless steel mounting
loop and slide the meter onto the loop.
h
Connect the power cable
to the meter.
To install the #1986 bale sensor:
Installation on a conventional small square baler:
h
Locate a spot on either side
of the bale chamber, approxi-
mately halfway up the side of the bale, 12" to 24" in from
the rear of the chamber. The sensor pad and crop diverter
need to be located in the baler chamber as close to the
plunger face as possible. The sensor must mount flat.
Cutaway View of Conventional Square Baler Chamber
(viewed from plunger side of machine)
KNOTTERS
FEED OPENING
SENSOR PAD
TWINE FEEDER
DIVERTER
PLUNGER POSITION (EXTENDED)
KNIFE
PLUNGER POSITION (RETRACTED)