JOHN DEERE SW16136 Digital Hay Tester User Manual

Digital Hay Tester
SW16136
ISSUE: 29 JUN 12
John Deere Merchandise Division
SW16136

Introduction

THANK YOU for purchasing a John Deere Product.
READ THIS MANUAL carefully to learn how to operate and service your machine correctly. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
THIS MANUAL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED a permanent part of your machine and remain with the machine when you sell it.

WRITE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS in the Specifications section. Accurately record all the numbers to help in tracing the machine should it be stolen. Your dealer also needs these numbers when you order parts. If this manual is kept on the machine, also file the identification numbers in a secure place off the machine.
WARRANTY is provided through John Deere dealers for customers who operate and maintain their equipment as described in this manual. The warranty is explained on the warranty certificate which you should have received from your dealer.
This warranty provides you the assurance that John Deere will back its products where defects appear within the warranty period. In some circumstances, John Deere also provides field improvements, often without charge to the customer, even if the product is out of warranty. Should the equipment be abused, or modified to change specifications, the warranty will become void and field improvements may be denied.
All information, illustrations and specifications in this manual are based on the latest information available at the time of publication. The right is reserved to make changes at any time without notice.

Safety

RECOGNIZE SAFETY INFORMATION
This is the safety-alert symbol. When you see this symbol on your machine or in this manual, be alert to the potential for personal injury.
Follow recommended precautions and safe operating practices.
RECOGNIZE SAFETY INFORMATION
A signal word – DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION – is used with the safety- alert symbol. DANGER identifies the most serious hazards.
DANGER or WARNING safety signs are located near specific hazards. General precautions are listed on CAUTION safety signs. CAUTION also calls attention to safety messages in this manual.
FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Carefully read all safety messages in this manual and on your machine safety signs. Keep safety signs in good condition. Replace missing or damaged safety signs. Be sure new equipment components and repair parts include the current safety signs. Replacement
safety signs are available from your John Deere dealer.

Learn how to operate the machine and how to use controls properly. Do not let anyone operate without instruction.
Keep your machine in proper working condition. Unauthorized modifications to the machine may impair the function and/or safety and affect machine life.
If you do not understand any part of this manual and need assistance, contact your John Deere dealer.

Operation

UNDERSTANDING HAY CONDITIONS AND TEST READINGS

Many variables affect the accuracy of test readings. Understanding these variables can help to obtain accurate test readings.

IMPORTANT: Because of the numerous variables which affect test readings, the indicate moisture contentshould not be used as an absolute, quantitative measurement. Test readings are, however, very useful guidelines for baling and storing hay.

• Bale Density: The tighter the bale, the higher the moisture readings. Compact ion also varies within each bale. Although each brand of baler feeds hay into its chamber differently, in general, small, rectangular bales are denser toward the bottom or “tight” side; and large rectangular bales are densest in their upper corners.
• Natural variations within the plant before proper curing. The higher the moisture content, the wider the variations. Greater uniformity can be expected as more curing takes place.
• Sweating: Higher readings may occur during the first couple of days 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.

HAY TESTING GUIDELINES
RECTANGULAR OR SQUARE BALES:

The way hay is fed into the baler’s compression chamber results in more hay toward the bottom of the bale than the top. Any shattered leaves, etc., will sift downward, causing the bottom or “tight” side of the bale to be denser than the top or “loose” side. (An exception to this is a baler which “folds” hay into the chamber on each side. The top third of a folded bale and its upper corners are the densest areas.)
Because the inside of each bale is not uniform in density or leaf-to-stem ratio, moisture readings will vary from one part of the bale to another. It will read highest if the probe is inserted into the “dense” side. Tester will give higher readings in tight bales than in loose bales.
For best results, insert probe into the “dense” side of bale at a 45° angle. Take readings in at least five (5) places (approximately 6 in. apart along the bale center line) and use the highest reading as a guideline.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT AVERAGE RESULTS.

HAY TESTING GUIDELINES – CONTINUED
ROUND BALES:

Test readings can be taken anywhere around the outside surface of the bale, as long as the probe tip is inside the outer wrap, since the outer wrap tends to dry out first.
IMPORTANT: Do not insert probe into the wound end of the bale. If inserted from the wound end, probe tip can end up between the hay wraps and not have sufficient contact to produce an accurate test reading.
For best results, insert probe into the outside radius of the bale at a 45° angle and at least 12 in. deep. Take readings in at least five (5) places (approximately 6 in. apart) and use the highest reading as a guideline.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT AVERAGE RESULTS.

OPERATING HAY TESTER (MOISTURE TEST)

NOTE: When you turn the unit on, it will display the software version h1.4 or d1.
NOTE – Unit stays on and will shut off after 3 minutes of no use.
NOTE: If both temperature and moisture % switches are pressed simultaneously, the tester will not be harmed but a meaningless number will be displayed.

1. Insert probe tip (A) into hay so both brass pieces are in contact with hay. See Hay Testing Guidelines for probe information and hay preparation.
2. Press and release the “Moisture %” button (B).The tester will then display a moisture readings from 14.5% – 45%, with the most accurate readings between 15% and 30%.
   

IMPORTANT: Take readings in at least five (5) places in the windrow or bale and use the HIGHEST reading as a guideline. DO NOT AVERAGE.
High Moisture Readings (above 30%):
Readings over 30% should only be used as a qualitative indication of very high moisture.
NOTE: According to most local Agricultural extension agents, hay at more than 20% moisture should not be baled or stored without preservative. Hay at more than 25% moisture should not be baled or stored.
IMPORTANT: If one reading is over the recommended moisture content, do not bale.
Low Moisture Readings (under 14.5%): Hay tester will not test below 14.5%. If a hay bale being tested is 12% moisture, the tester will still read at <14.5% (+/–0.3%). If you suspect that the hay being tested is very low moisture, take a reading of the air before probing the bale. If the display does not change from the air reading (<14.5%), then the bale moisture is below the limits of the tester.
OPERATING HAY TESTER (TEMPERATURE TEST)
NOTE: If both temperature and moisture % switches are pressed simultaneously, the tester will not be harmed but a meaningless number will be displayed.
Temperatures can be measured from 33° – 200 °F.

1. Insert probe tip (A) into hay so both brass pieces are in contact with hay. See Hay Testing Guidelines for probe information and hay preparation.
2. Press and release the “Temperature” button (B). Because the metal tip of the probe must adjust to the temperature of the bale, it may take from 1 – 2 minutes until the correct temperature stabilizes. It is not necessary to keep the pressing the button for this period. Just leave the probe in the bale and periodically check the reading to allow the metal tip of the probe to adjust to the bale temperature.

NOTE: The temperature circuitry of each tester is individually calibrated to its probe. If a replacement probe is installed, the temperature readings may be impacted from the actual. It is recommended that you contact the manufacture for instruction on how to calibrate the new probe to your tester.
IMPORTANT: Temperature may vary widely in different parts of the bale. Take readings in at least five (5) places and use the HIGHEST reading as a guideline.

Troubleshooting

TROUBLESHOOTING HAY TESTER

If tester fails to operate, follow these steps:

1. If no display appears when switches are pressed, check battery connections.

2. If Battery symbol is displayed replace battery with a new 9-volt alkaline battery. (See Replacing 9-Volt Alkaline Battery.)
   If tester displays inaccurate readings, or if readings are lower than actual, follow these steps:

3.  Make certain cord connection (A) between tester and probe is dry and fastened correctly.

4. Clean tarnish from probe tip (B) and retest hay.

5. To check tester calibration, take a “Moisture %” reading at room temperature (72 °F) with nothing touching the end of the probe.
   • Test reading should be 14.5%.
   Short two brass parts of probe tip with a piece of aluminum foil and take a second “Moisture %” reading.
   • Test reading should be 45.0%

If tester fails to display the above readings please call the manufacture for repair instruction or contract your local dealer to get a replacement tester.
(See “Product Warranty and Repair Program”, Section 30.)

Service

REPLACING 9-VOLT ALKALINE BATTERY
NOTE: Battery symbol will display when a switch is pressed and battery needs replacement.

1. Remove battery door from back of tester.
2. Attach leads to 9V alkaline battery terminals.
3. Attach battery door to tester.

CARE, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
CAUTION: Never attempt to wear tester probe on your belt. Serious injury could occur from sharp tip of probe.

1. After each use, store tester in a clean, dry place.
2. Probeʼs metal tip should be wiped clean between each use for best results. Clean both parts of metal tip from time-totime with fine steel wool and/ or mineral spirits or alcohol. A dirty tip can cause lower test readings. Keep brass shiny for best results.
3. Never immerse probe in water.
4. Remove battery if tester will not be used for several months.

Specifications

HAY TESTER FEATURES

• 18 In. Probe with Gun-Type Grip (A).
• DIGITAL Readout (B) for % Moisture and Temperature (°F). (+/-1% accuracy throughout the normal test range of stored, baled hay.)
• Temperature Range (C): 33° – 200°F
• Moisture Range (D): 14% – 45%.
• Factory Calibrated: No field adjustments required.

Warranty & Service

PRODUCT WARRANTY AND REPAIR PROGRAM
Warranty is provided through John Deere dealers for customers who operate and maintain their equipment as described in this manual. See warranty tag for terms and conditions.
The warranty does not cover:
A — Products which have been altered or modified in ways not approved by John Deere.
B — Depreciation or damage caused be normal wear, accident, lack of reasonable and necessary maintenance as specified in this manual, improper maintenance, improper protection in storage, or improper use or abuse.
C — Transportation, mailing and service call charges for warranty service.
Should your product fail after the warranty period, it can be reconditioned for a nominal charge. See your John Deere dealer for further information.
RECORD SERIAL NUMBER
NOTE:
The tester serial number is located on the back of the unit.
Write your model number, serial number, and date of purchase in the space provided below. Your dealer needs this information when ordering parts and when filing warranty claims.
Model No.
Serial No.
Date of Purchase ___
(To be filled in by purchaser)

Accessories

TESTER PROBES
With 18 in. probe – SW16136
With 32 in. probe – SW16326
18 in. probe only – SW16220
32 in. probe only – SW16221

MANUFACTURER’S CONTACT INFORMATION

Toll-Free 1-800-821-9542
1-330-562-2222
FAX 1-330-562-7403
www.agratronix.com
10375 State Route 43
Streetsboro, OH 44241
USA

References

• Agriculture Moisture Meter & Agricultural Eqipment Provider | Agratronix

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