Operating Notes - AgraTronix HT-PRO Manuel D'utilisation

OPERATING NOTES

1. Your HT-PRO™ will read hay moisture between 8.0% and 45%. The tester is
most accurate from 10% to 30%. Readings over 30% should only be used as
a qualitative indication of very high moisture.
2. BELOW AND ABOVE LIMIT INDICATORS. Moisture readings below 8.0% will be
displayed as "00.0". Readings above 45.0% will be displayed as "99.9". Temper-
ature readings below 32˚F (0˚C) will be displayed as 00.0. Readings above 225˚F
(99˚C) will be displayed as "99.9".
3. The HT-PRO™ will display "00.0" in open air. (If open air reading of 8.0 is
displayed, the tip probably needs cleaning. Clean tip and re-calibrate tester.)
4. Temperatures can be measured from 32˚ to 225˚F (0˚ to 99˚C). Make sure to allow
the tip of the probe to adjust to the bale temperature. This can take a minute or two.
5. The tester measures only the hay in contact with the tip of the probe. Be-
cause moisture may vary widely in different parts of the windrow, it will vary
within each bale. Take readings in at least five (5) places in the bale, and
use the HIGHEST reading as a guideline.
Consult your local agricultural extension office for recommended baling
moisture. Most agree that hay should not be baled or stored over 20% mois-
ture without preservatives or over 25% with the application of a preservative.
6. Your tester is for reading moisture in hay. Placing a probe in 100% moisture –
water– will NOT result in a reading of 100%.
TESTING VARIABLES
Many variables affect the accuracy of your HT-PRO's readings. An understand-
ing of them can help you get the most from your tester.
A. Bale Density: In general, higher density bales of the same hay moisture
will read higher than lower density bales. Compaction of the hay also varies
within each bale. Although each brand of baler feeds hay into its chamber
differently, in general, small, rectangular bales are denser towards the bot-
tom or "tight" side; and large, rectangular bales, such as from the Heston
4800, are the most dense (compact) in the upper corners.
B. Natural variations within the plant before proper curing: The higher the
moisture content, the wider the variations. Greater uniformity can be expect-
ed as more curing takes place.
C. Sweating: Higher readings may occur during the first couple of days after
baling. Immediately after baling, moisture readings may be low and then
climb during the "sweating" process. As the hay cures, moisture readings
should drop and continue to decline, as the hay becomes progressively drier.
It is important to continue to monitor moisture for several days.
D. Some preservatives increase conductivity initially: Until the preservative
is absorbed, usually in 1-2 days, it may cause moisture readings to be 2-4
points above the same hay which is untreated.
E. % of grass in the hay: Your HT-PRO™ has been calibrated on 100% alfalfa hay.
The more grass in the hay, the higher the moisture reading is compared to actual.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
Because of the numerous variables which affect your HT-PRO's readings,
the indicated moisture content should not be used as an absolute, quantita-
tive measurement. Your tester's readings are, however, very useful guide-
lines for safely baling and storing hay.