Operation
OPERATING THE TESTER
While the bale is being formed in the bale chamber, the BHT-2 reads and
averages several tests and displays these results every two seconds. Typi-
cally, moisture readings will vary several percentage points in a single bale.
Windrows are not the same moisture from top to bottom. Usually,
they will be wetter at the bottom than in the center due to ground mois-
ture. Windrows can be wetter on the top due to dew or drier on the top
because of sun and wind. Typically, low moisture hay varies less than
high moisture hay.
Continuous readings from the BHT-2 and other manufacturer’s meters
may be higher than readings from hand-held hay probe type testers. The
BHT-2 may read a couple of percentage points higher on average than
hay probe type testers.
The difference in moisture readings is due to differing densities. Some bal-
ers pack the hay more tightly than others do. When a bale is released from
the chamber it relaxes and is less dense then when it was initially being
formed in the chamber. Tightly packed and dense hay bales appear to be
higher in moisture than less tightly and less dense hay bales.
Do not be concerned that these differences exist. Rather, develop a feel for the
acceptable range of moisture for baling based upon your testers readings.
Hay moisture can vary considerably from one part of a field to another. If
the moisture range displayed by the tester increases above or decreases
below your set limits the alarm will sound (unless you have the sound
muted or limits are not set). Stop baling and determine the reason for the
change in hay moisture. You may want to discontinue bailing in this area
of the field.
NOTE: Hay with a moisture percentage above 20% should not be
baled or stored without the use of a preservative. Hay with a moisture
percentage above 25% should not be baled or stored. These recommen-
dations have been made to prevent excessive heating of the bale
and/or mold growth in the hay, and are recommendations of many
agricultural specialists of the agricultural extension offices.
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