The Top 3 Hay Moisture Meters
The moisture level of hay is essential to the product's overall value. When hay moisture is too high tot low, it can impact the product's palatability, nutrient content, safety, and stability.
Instrument Choice Scientists have selected the top 3 Hay Moisture Meters to help you find the best device for your application.
About Hay Moisture Meters
Hay moisture has a direct impact on hay quality. Where hay moisture is too high, the product will be less palatable, develop mould (and potentially mycotoxins), and excessive humidity can cause thermal expansion, which in extreme cases, can lead to combustion. If the hay moisture is too low, the product will have reduced nutritional value and be less palatable.
Acceptable moisture within a bale of hay will vary substantially and will depend on bale shape, bale size, temperature, additive(s) used, baling method, and type of hay. These variables can make pinpointing a specific 'ideal' moisture value difficult.
The Australian Fodder Industry Association states that minimum changes occur if baling occurs at 20% moisture or less. However, if it is uniformly dry, it can be baled and stored safely at 25%, and as a general rule, baling larger square bales requires a lower moisture content than small square or round bales.
Want more information on hay moisture? Read the Instrument Choice article 'What is a Suitable Hay Moisture Level?'
The Top 3 Hay Moisture Meters
The Instrument Choice scientists have put together a list of the Top 3 Hay Moisture Meters, including their key specifications.
1. Hfm II Hay Moisture Meter / Straw Moisture Meter 50cm
Product Code: AGFH0010
The AGRETO handheld hay and straw moisture meter HFM II is a professional measuring instrument designed for determining moisture levels and temperature levels in baled hay, straw, and silage.
Features include a 50cm long probe, dustproof casing, and intuitive four-button design. The AGFH0010 takes the guesswork out of hay moisture measurements.
AGFH0010 Key Specifications
Sensor Details: 50cm spear tip probe
Temperature Measurement: -10°C to 100°C
Moisture Range: 9-50%
Resolution: 0.1%
Other Functions: Backlit display, hold function, average function, count function and, automatic calibration.
2. Humimeter FL2 Hay and Straw Moisture Meter
Product Code: IC-humimeterFL2
TheIC-humimeterFL2 is a handheld spear tip moisture meter suitable for accurate, fast, and stable measurements of hay and straw.
Easy to handle, this hay moisture meter features a mounted 60cm stainless-steel probe for bale measurements, a compression plate for bulk material, as well as a rubber protection cover, which makes the meter robust and suitable for use in harsh environments.
IC-humimeterFL2 Specifications
Sensor Details: 60cm spear tip probe
Temperature Measurement: -20°C to 120°C
Moisture Range: 8 to 60%
Resolution: 0.1%
Other Functions: Calibration function, automatic temperature compensation, hold function, 10,000 paint data logging.
3. AGRETO PFM II Baler Mounted Moisture Meter
Product Code: IC-AGFP0010
The IC-AGFP0010 is a professional hay moisture content measuring instrument, designed to be retrofitted onto almost any make of modern hay baler.
Made from robust materials and featuring a splash and shockproof display unit, this hay measuring system is designed for many years of practical use. While taking accurate moisture measurements while baling, you can respond at the earliest opportunity, thus avoiding problems due to suboptimal feed quality or subsequent complaints.
IC-AGFP0010 Specifications
Sensor Details: 110mm diameter sensor plate with 12m sensor cable
Temperature Measurement: No
Moisture Range: 9 to 70%
Resolution: 0.1%
Other Functions: Ongoing display of measured values, adjustable alert functions, averaging at adjustable intervals and, no calibration necessary.
Conclusion
Taking hay moisture measurements both during and after the bailing process can give significant insights into the overall quality and value of the product.
Want more information about any of the top 3 products above? Contact one of the Instrument Choice Scientists by calling 1300 737 871 or email us at [email protected]. We're here to help!
Also interesting
Because pH and conductivity are common measurements used for an extensive range of applications, a common question put to the Instrument Choice Scientists is "What is the Relationship Between pH and Electrical Conductivity?".
Unfortunately, explanations involving pH and conductivity can take up entire chapters of textbooks, and often become overly complex. We put together this article in response to requests for a simplified explanation – without the scientific jargon.
There's lots of technology available that’s specially designed to make the lives’ of builders and building inspectors a whole lot easier. Perfect examples of such equipment are non-destructive moisture meters. They’re designed to capture moisture measurements quickly and over large areas, without creating a time-consuming post-test clean-up.
This article explains what non-destructive moisture meters are and how they work. As a bonus, Instrument Choice scientists thought you might like a peek at the five best non-destructive moisture meters available now.
