Summary of Agtek-35 Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.67 MB)
Accuracy of the Agtek-35 moisture meter was good in wheat, and very good in barley, oats and rapeseed. Meter accuracy could be further improved by modification of the calibration charts in barley.
Meter repeatability was good in wheat and oats, poor in barley and excellent in rapeseed.
Meter readings varied from 1.2 to 0.6% high in wheat, from 1.0 to 0.9% low in barley, from accurate to 0.5% low in oats and from accurate to 0.6% high in rapeseed over a range of moisture contents from 12 to 20% for the cereal grains and 8 to 15% for rapeseed.
The supplied temperature correction chart could cause moisture content errors of up to 1%.
Meter readings were dependent upon grain variety, geographic location in which grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that a user annually check a few samples against the meter used by his local grain elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The meter was durable and easily transported in its carrying case for field use.
The instruction manual required clarification regarding sample loading techniques.
Summary of Qwik-Test Portable Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.63 MB)
Accuracy of the Qwik-Test portable moisture tester was fair in wheat, very good in barley and fair in oats. Meter accuracy could be improved by modification of the calibration charts for wheat. The accuracy of the meter was limited by the accuracy of the spring scale and the degree of grain packing.
Meter repeatability was good in wheat and oats and very good in barley.
Meter readings varied from 2.4 to 1.7% high in wheat, 0.3% high to 0.4% low in barley and 0.4% high to 2.3% low in oats, over a range of moisture contents from 12 to 20%.
No moisture charts were provided for rapeseed, but test results indicated that the Qwik-Test could be used for rapeseed.
The meter was simple to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in less than one minute if both sample and meter were at the same temperature. An additional two minutes were required if temperature compensation was need.
Meter readings were dependent upon grain variety, geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used by his local grain elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The meter was durable and easily transported for field use.
The instruction manual was clear and concise except for the method of meter separation for battery replacement.
Summary of Skuttle MT2 Electronic Grain Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.77 MB)
Accuracy of the Skuttle Model MT2 electronic grain moisture tester was good in wheat, poor in barley and unsatisfactory in oats and rapeseed.
Meter repeatability was excellent in wheat and barley and very good in oats and rapeseed.
Meter readings varied from 1.6 to 0.3% high in wheat, from 1.5% high to 2.7% low in barley over a range of moisture contents from 12 to 20%. The meter was unsatisfactory in determining the moisture content of oats since it was not capable of measuring below 15.2% where it read 2.6% low, and was 5% low at 20% moisture content. The meter was also unsatisfactory in rapeseed since it was not capable of measuring below 10.7% where it read 0.8% high, and was 2.0% low at 15%.
Meter readings were dependent upon grain variety, geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used by his local grain elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The meter was durable and easily transported for field use.
The instruction manual was clear and concise.
Summary of CAE Moisture Master (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.73 MB)
Accuracy of the CAE Moisture Master 101-A was very good in wheat, oats and rapeseed and good in barley.
Meter repeatability was very good in wheat and oats, good in barley and excellent in rapeseed.
Meter readings varied from 0.1 to 0.6% high in wheat, 0.5 to 0.9% low in barley, 0.6 to 0.4% low in oats and 0.4 to 0.1% low in rapeseed in the range of moisture contents from 12 to 20% for the cereals and 8 to 15% for rapeseed.
The meter was simple to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in about one minute if the meter and sample temperatures were the same. If the meter and sample temperatures were different, an additional two minutes were required for the meter to stabilize.
Meter readings were dependent upon grain variety, geographic location in which grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that a user annually check a few samples against the meter used by his local grain elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The meter was durable and easily transported in its carrying case for field use.
The instruction manual was clear and concise.
Summary of Dole 400 (PB-70-11) Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.72 MB)
Accuracy of the Dole 400 moisture tester was excellent in wheat, good in barley, and fair in oats and rapeseed. Meter accuracy could be greatly improved by modification of the calibration charts in rapeseed.
Meter repeatability was excellent in wheat, oats and rapeseed and very good in barley.
Meter readings varied from 0.1% low to accurate in wheat, from 0.2 to 1.1% low in barley, from 1.1% high to 1.7% low in oats and from 1.4 to 1.6% high in rapeseed, over the range of moisture contents from 12 to 20% for cereal grains and 8 to 15% for rapeseed.
Meter readings were dependent upon grain variety, geographic location in which a grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that a user annually check a few samples against the meter used by his local grain elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The meter was durable and easily transported in its carrying case for field use.
The instruction manual was clear and concise.
Summary of Delmhorst Model G-6B Grain Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.71 MB)
Accuracy of the Delmhorst Model G-6B moisture detector was good in wheat and oats and fair in barley.
Meter repeatability was good in wheat and poor in barley and oats.
Meter readings varied from 0.4 to 1.0% low in wheat, 0.7 to 1.9% low in barley, and 0.2% high to 1.2% low in oats over a range of moisture contents from 12 to 20%.
No moisture charts were provided for rapeseed, however, test results indicated that the Delmhorst could be used for rapeseed.
Meter readings were dependent upon grain variety, the geographic location in which a grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that a user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local grain elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The meter was durable and easily transported in its carrying case for field use.
The instruction manual was clear and concise.
Summary of RDS Grain-O-Meter Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.68 MB)
The RDS Grain-O-Meter moisture tester was withdrawn from the Western Canadian market between the time the evaluation commenced and was completed. The manufacturer recognized that the meter was unsatisfactory for Western Canadian conditions due to the compressed dial scale in the critical moisture content range between 12 and 16%. A meter with an expanded dial scale in this moisture content range, for use in Western Canadian conditions, was to be supplied by the manufacturer. A modified meter was not received.
Accuracy of the RDS Grain-O-Meter was fair in wheat and poor in barley and oats.
Meter repeatability was poor in wheat, fair in barley and unsatisfactory in oats. Meter readings varied from 0.7% high to 2.2% low in wheat, 0.1 to 3.6% low in barley, and 0.2% high to 3.1% low in oats over a range of moisture contents from 12 to 20%.
The RDS was not calibrated for rapeseed, however, a calibration curve was established during the test.
The meter was simple to operate and a moisture content could be determined in less than one minute.
Meter readings were dependent upon grain variety, geographic location in which the grain was grown and many offer variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local grain elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The meter was durable and easily transported for field use.
The instruction manual was poor.
Summary of Protimeter Grain Master TW73 Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.70 MB)
Accuracy of the Protimeter Grainmaster Model TW73 moisture meter was very good in wheat, fair in barley and oats and poor in rapeseed. Meter repeatability was excellent in wheat and rapeseed and very good in barley and oats.
The meter was capable of measuring moisture contents of whole grain as well as ground grain. More accurate moisture contents of cereal grains were obtained with ground samples. The moisture contents of rapeseed were obtained using whole grain.
Meter readings varied from 0.2 to 0.3% high in wheat, 0.7 to 1.8% low in barley, 0.4 to 2.1% low in oats and 0.5 to 5.2% low in rapeseed in the range of moisture contents from 12 to 20% for the cereals and 8 to 15% for rapeseed.
The meter was simple to operate. A sample could be ground and its moisture content obtained in about one minute.
Meter readings were dependent upon grain variety, geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used by his local grain elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The meter was durable and easily transported in its carrying case for field use.
The instruction manual was clear and concise.
Summary of Dickey-John Farm Grain Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.68 MB)
Accuracy of the Dickey-john farm grain moisture tester was very good in wheat and oats and fair in barley.
Meter repeatability was good in wheat and barley and very good in oats.
Meter readings varied from 0.8 to 0.1% high in wheat, 0.7 to 3.0% high in barley, 1.1% high to 0.2% low in oats over the range of moisture contents from 12 to 20%.
No moisture charts were provided for rapeseed, but test results indicated that the Dickey-john could be used for rapeseed.
The meter was simple to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in less than 30 seconds. Temperature compensation, if required, was done internally and was obtained by pushing the temperature compensation button.
Meter readings were dependent upon grain variety, geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that a user annually check a few samples against the meter used by his local grain elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The meter was durable and easily transported in its carrying case for field use.
The operating instructions and moisture charts for grains other than wheat were on loose leaf paper. An instruction manual with more detailed instructions and including moisture content charts for other grains should be provided.
Summary of Labtronics 919 Grain Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.73 MB)
Accuracy of the Labtronics 919 grain moisture meter was very good in wheat and barley, fair in oats and excellent in rapeseed.
Meter repeatability was excellent in all of the above grains.
Meter readings varied from 0.3 to 0.6% high in wheat, 0.4% high to 0.5% low in barley, 0.3% low to 1.7% high in oats and were accurate in rapeseed, in the range of moisture contents from 12 to 20% for the cereals and 8 to 15% for rapeseed.
The high degree of meter accuracy and repeatability are attributed to the use of accurate sample weight, uniform sample loading, packing and distribution and the use of accurate sample temperature measurement and compensation charts.
The only disadvantages with the Labtronics 919 were its relatively high cost and lack of portability.
The meter was simple to operate. A sample could be weighed and its moisture content obtained in about one minute.
Meter readings were dependent upon grain variety, geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables.
It is recommended that a user occasionally check a few samples against the meter used at his local grain elevator as a check on meter calibration.
The meter was durable but was not suited for field use. The instruction manual was clear and concise.
Summary of Cera-Tester Type 107-10 Grain Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.32 MB)
Overall performance of the Cera-Tester grain moisture meter was very good in wheat, barley and rapeseed. No dial scale was provided for oats. A PAMI calibration for oats, using the normal scale, is provided in the report. This compares to an overall performance of very good in wheat and barley and excellent in rapeseed for the PAMI reference meter, which is similar to meters commonly used in most prairie grain elevators.
Average meter error varied from 0.6 to 0.4% high in wheat, 0.3% high to accurate in barley, and from 0.3 to 0.4% low for rapeseed over a range of moisture contents from 12 to 20% for cereal grains and 8 to 15% for rapeseed. Meter uncertainty varied from excellent in wheat and good in barley to very good in rapeseed. Meter repeatability varied from very good in wheat and barley to excellent in rapeseed.
The range of moisture contents of greatest concern for cereal grains varies from 12 to 20% and for rapeseed from 8 to 15%. The Cera-Tester was capable of measuring moisture contents throughout these ranges.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in less than one minute. The meter was durable and easily transported for field use.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The instruction manual provided was clear and easy to understand.
Summary of On-Farm Model 900 Grain Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.35 MB)
Overall performance of the On-Farm grain moisture tester was good in wheat, barley and oats and very good in rapeseed. This compares to an overall performance of very good in wheat, barley and oats and excellent in rapeseed for the PAMI reference meter which is similar to meters commonly used in most prairie grain elevators.
Average meter error varied from 0.6% high to 0.5% low in wheat, 1.4 to 0.5% high in barley, 1.2 to 1.0% high in oats and from 0.4 to 0.6% high for rapeseed over a range of moisture contents from 12 to 20% for cereal grains and 8 to 15% for rapeseed. Meter uncertainty varied from very good in wheat and oats, to excellent in barley and rapeseed. Meter repeatability varied from very good in wheat, barley and oats to excellent in rapeseed.
The range of moisture contents of greatest concern for cereal grains varies from 12 to 20% and for rapeseed from 8 to 15%. The On-Farm was capable of measuring moisture contents throughout these ranges.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in less than one minute. The meter was durable and easily transported for field use.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The instruction manual provided was clear and easy to understand.
Summary of Protimeter Grainmini III Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.46 MB)
Overall performance of the Protimeter Grainmini III moisture meter using ground samples was fair in wheat and barley and good in oats. Using whole grain, the overall performance was poor in wheat and oats, fair in barley and good in rapeseed. This compares to an overall performance of very good in wheat, barley and oats and excellent in rapeseed for the PAMI reference moisture meter, which is similar to meters commonly used in most prairie grain elevators.
Using ground samples, average meter error varied from 1.7 to 0.9% high in wheat, 1.6 to 2.5% high in barley and 0.2% low to 0.5% high in oats over a range of moisture contents from 12 to 20%. With whole grain samples, average meter error varied from 2.1 to 0.5% high in wheat, 1.6 to 1.0% high in barley, 1.9 to 3.4% high in oats and 0.9 to 0.3% high in rapeseed over a range of moisture contents from 12 to 20% for cereal grains and 8 to 15% in rapeseed.
Meter uncertainty with ground samples varied from very good in wheat and barley to excellent in oats. With whole grain, meter uncertainty varied from fair in wheat, barley and rapeseed to good in oats.
Meter repeatability with ground samples varied from excellent in wheat to very good in barley and good in oats. With whole grain, meter repeatability was good in wheat and barley, very good in oats and excellent in rapeseed.
The upper limit for preparing ground samples in cereal grains, without experiencing grinder plugging, was about 18%. The range of moisture contents of greatest concern for cereal grains varies from 12 to 20% and for rapeseed from 8 to 15%. In whole grain, the Protimeter was capable of measuring moisture contents throughout these ranges.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in less than two minutes for ground samples and less than one minute for whole samples. The meter was durable and easily transported in its carrying case for field use.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The instruction booklet and moisture charts provided were clear and easy to understand.
Summary of Froment NJF 1210 Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.33 MB)
Overall performance of the Froment NJF 1210 moisture tester was fair in wheat and rapeseed and poor in barley and oats. This compares to an overall performance of very good in wheat, barley and oats and excellent in rapeseed for the PAMI reference moisture meter, which is similar to meters commonly used in most prairie grain elevators.
Average meter error varied from 0.8 to 1.2% low in wheat, 2.6 to 2.4% low in barley, 1.4 to 2.1% high in oats and from 2.1 to 0.7% low in rapeseed over a range of moisture contents ranging from 12 to 20% for cereal grains and from 8 to 15% for rapeseed. Meter uncertainty varied from good in wheat, fair in barley and oats to very good in rapeseed. Meter repeatability varied from poor in wheat and barley, unsatisfactory in oats to fair in rapeseed.
The range of moisture contents of greatest concern for cereal grains varies from 12 to 20% and for rapeseed from 8 to 15%. The NJF 1210 was capable of measuring moisture contents throughout these ranges.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in less than one minute. The meter was durable and easily transported for field use. It was not necessary to weigh the grain sample before a moisture measurement could be made.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
Instructions on both the meter body and in the instruction manual were clear and easy to understand.
Summary of RDS Grain Test 2 Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.43 MB)
Overall performance of the RDS Grain Test 2 moisture meter using ground samples was very good in wheat and good in barley and oats. Using whole grain, the overall performance was good in wheat, barley and oats, and fair in rapeseed. This compares to an overall performance of very good in wheat, barley and oats and excellent in rapeseed for the PAMI reference moisture meter, which is similar to meters commonly used in prairie grain elevators.
Using ground samples, average meter error was 0.1% high in wheat and varied from 0.1 to 1.0% high in barley and from 0.7 to 0.5% low in oats over the range of moisture contents tested. With whole grain samples, average meter error varied from 0.1% high to 1.3% low in wheat, 0.2 to 1.0% low in barley, 0.3 to 0.7% high in oats and 0.3% high to 3.1% low in rapeseed over a range of moisture contents from 12 to 20% for cereal grains and 8 to 15% for rapeseed.
Meter uncertainty with ground samples varied from very good in wheat and oats to excellent in barley. With whole grain, meter uncertainty varied from good in wheat, barley and oats to very good in rapeseed.
Meter repeatability with ground samples varied from excellent in wheat to very good in barley and oats. With whole grain, meter repeatability was very good in wheat and oats, good in barley and excellent in rapeseed.
The upper limit for preparing ground samples in cereal grains, without experiencing grinder plugging was about 18%. The range of moisture contents of greatest concern for cereal grains varies from 12 to 20% and for rapeseed from 8 to 15%. In whole grain, the RDS was capable of measuring moisture contents throughout these ranges. Moisture measurements with grain samples above 23% were very inaccurate.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in less than two minutes for ground samples and less than one minute for whole samples. The meter was durable and easily transported in its carrying case for field use.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The instructions provided with the meter were clear and easy to understand.
Summary of Motomco Model 919 Grain Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.32 MB)
Overall performance of the Motomco model 919 grain moisture meter was excellent in wheat and rapeseed and good in barley and oats. This compares to an overall performance of very good in wheat, barley and oats and excellent in rapeseed for the PAMI reference moisture meter. Both the Motomco and PAMI reference meters are similar to meters commonly used in most prairie grain elevators.
The meter was accurate in wheat. Average meter error varied from accurate to 1.1% low in barley, 0.2 to 0.7% low in oats and from 0.1 to 0.3% low in rapeseed over a range of moisture contents ranging from 12 to 20% for cereal grains and from 8 to 15% for rapeseed. Meter uncertainty varied from excellent in wheat and rapeseed to very good in barley and oats. Meter repeatability varied from excellent in wheat and rapeseed to very good in barley and oats.
The range of moisture contents of greatest concern for cereal grains varies from 12 to 20% and for rapeseed from 8 to 15%. The Motomco was capable of measuring moisture contents throughout these ranges.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in about one minute. The meter was durable but was not suitable for transporting for field use.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The instruction manual and moisture charts provided were clear and easy to understand.
Summary of Labtronics 919 Grain Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.32 MB)
Overall performance of the Labtronics 919 grain moisture meter was very good in wheat, barley and oats and excellent in rapeseed. Average meter error varied from 0.5% high in wheat, 0.4% high to 0.5% low in barley, accurate to 0.3% low in oats and 0.1% low for rapeseed over a range of moisture contents from 12 to 20% for cereal grains and 8 to 15% for rapeseed. Meter uncertainty varied from very good in wheat, barley and oats to excellent in rapeseed. Meter repeatability varied from excellent in wheat and rapeseed to very good in barley and oats.
The range of moisture contents of greatest concern for cereal grains varies from 12 to 20% and for rapeseed from 8 to 15%. The Labtronics was capable of measuring moisture contents throughout these ranges.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in about one minute. The meter was durable but was not suitable for transporting for field use.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The instruction manual and moisture charts provided were clear and easy to understand.
Summary of John Deere Model TY9304 Grain Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.32 MB)
Overall performance of the John Deere TY9304 moisture tester was good in wheat and oats, poor in barley and excellent in rapeseed. This compares to an overall performance of very good in wheat, barley and oats and excellent in rapeseed for the PAMI reference moisture meter, which is similar to meters commonly used in most prairie grain elevators.
Average meter error varied from 0.4% low in wheat, 0.3 to 2.5% high in barley, 0.3 low to 0.7% high in oats and 0.3% low in rapeseed over a range of moisture contents ranging from 12 to 20% for cereal grains and from 8 to 15% for rapeseed. Meter uncertainty varied from good in wheat, barley and oats to very good in rapeseed. Meter repeatability varied from fair in wheat, poor in barley, good in oats to excellent in rapeseed.
The range of moisture contents of greatest concern for cereal grains varies from 12 to 20 % and for rapeseed from 8 to 15%. The John Deere was capable of measuring moisture contents throughout these ranges.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in about 30 seconds. The meter was durable and easily transported for field use.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The instructions provided were clear and easy to understand.
Summary of Dickey-John Model 707 Multi-Grain Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.33 MB)
Overall performance of the Dickey-john grain moisture meter was good in wheat, fair in barley and poor in oats and rapeseed. This compares to an overall performance of very good in wheat, barley and oats and excellent in rapeseed for the PAMI reference moisture meter, which is similar to meters commonly used in most prairie grain elevators.
Average meter error varied from 0.3% low in wheat, 0.8 to 1.4% high in barley, 0.6% low to 4.5% high in oats and from 1.1 to 5.3% high for rapeseed over a range of moisture contents from 12 to 20% for cereal grains and 8 to 15% for rapeseed. Meter uncertainty varied from fair in wheat and barley, poor in oats to good in rapeseed. Meter repeatability varied from excellent in wheat and rapeseed to very good in barley and oats.
The range of moisture contents of greatest concern for cereal grains varies from 12 to 20% and for rapeseed from 8 to 15%. The Dickey-john was capable of measuring moisture contents throughout these ranges.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in about 30 seconds. The meter was durable but the unit tested was not suitable for transporting for field use since a 110 V AC power supply was required. However, the same unit is available equipped with a 12 V DC rechargeable battery, which would make it transportable for field use, providing a flat surface for accurate sample weighing and meter use was available.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The instruction manual and calibration chart provided were clear and easy to understand.
Summary of Froment NJF 1210 Forage Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.45 MB)
Functional performance of the Froment forage moisture tester was very good, however the accuracy of supplied moisture conversion tables was unsatisfactory for alfalfa and corn. The accuracy of a second corn moisture conversion table was fair.
Recalibrating was necessary for prairie forage crops, to correctly read moisture content. In chopped alfalfa, the moisture conversion tables indicated moisture contents which varied from 3% high (at 30% moisture content) to 8% low (at 70% moisture content), with accurate readings at 40% moisture content. In chopped corn, one moisture conversion table indicated moisture contents varying from 15% high (at 34% moisture content) to 6% high (at 76% moisture content). A second corn moisture conversion table indicated moisture contents varying from 6% low (at 34% moisture content) to 1% low (at 72% moisture content).
It was best to average measurements from several samples in each forage batch to reduce errors from moisture variation within the forage. The errors were reduced from an average of ±10% in chopped alfalfa and ±12.8% in chopped corn for single sample measurements to an average of ±1.4% and ± 2.4% respectively by averaging several measurements. Meter repeatability was very good in both alfalfa and corn.
Operating ease was excellent. The Froment 1210 was convenient to use in the field. Best results were obtained with uniformly chopped forage samples. Polyethylene bags were used to isolate the forage sample, preventing gumming of the sample chamber. Correct bag loading was critical. A single moisture determination took about four minutes.
Corrections for sample temperature and clamping pressure, provided by the manufacturer, were found to have little significance due to the large variations found among individual forage samples. As a result, considerably simplified measurement procedures are possible.
The battery lasted the duration of the test.
Summary of Koster Forage Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.27 MB)
Overall functional performance of the Koster moisture tester was excellent. It indicated moisture contents within an accuracy of 3% of oven-dry moisture tests for chopped alfalfa and corn.
It was best to average measurements from several samples in each batch to reduce errors from moisture variation within the forage. This inconsistency in the forage itself varied from about 6% in chopped alfalfa and 8% in chopped corn. Averaging several measurements reduced the overall average error to within 0.8% in alfalfa and 1.3% in corn. Repeatability was excellent in both alfalfa and corn.
Operating ease was good. The Koster was unsuitable for field use due to the need for 120 V power source. The weigh scale had to be levelled and zeroed before the sample container was filled. Both operations were convenient. A single moisture determination took about thirty minutes.
Summary of Delmhorst F-4 Forage Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.35 MB)
Functional performance of the Delmhorst forage moisture tester was very good in low moisture chopped alfalfa and fair in baled hay. It was not capable of moisture measurements above 50%.
Recalibrating, for prairie forage crops, was necessary to correctly read moisture content. In chopped alfalfa, the meter indicated moisture contents which varied from 3% high (at 20% moisture content) to 1% low (at 37% moisture content), with accurate readings at 32% moisture content. In baled alfalfa, the meter indicated moisture contents varying from 7% high (at 19% moisture content) to 10% low (at 30% moisture content) with accurate readings at 18%. Accuracy of the short pin prod was not evaluated in windrowed hay.
It was best to average measurements from several samples in each forage batch to reduce errors from moisture variation within the forage samples. The errors were reduced from an average of ±9.6% in chopped alfalfa and ±7.5% in baled alfalfa for single sample measurements to an average of ±2.4% and ±1.6% respectively by averaging several measurements. Meter repeatability was fair in chopped alfalfa and good in baled alfalfa.
Operating ease was excellent. The Deltahorst F-4 was convenient to use in the field. Best results with the bale probe were obtained by piercing the bale perpendicular to the stems. A single moisture determination took less than one minute.
Corrections for sample temperature, indicated by the manufacturer, were found to have little significance due to the large variations found among individual forage samples.
The batteries lasted the duration of the test.
Summary of Dickey-John Forage MoistureTester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.42 MB)
Functional performance of the Dickey-John forage moisture tester was very good, however the accuracy of supplied moisture conversion tables was unsatisfactory for alfalfa and fair for corn.
Recalibrating was necessary to correctly read moisture content for prairie forage crops. In chopped alfalfa, the moisture conversion tables indicated moisture contents which varied from accurate readings (at 20% moisture content) to 25% low (at 76% moisture content). In chopped corn, the conversion table indicated moisture contents varying from 5% low (at 40% moisture content) to 6% low (at 72% moisture content).
It was best to average measurements from several samples in each forage batch to reduce errors from moisture variation within the forage. The errors were reduced from an average of ± 13% in chopped alfalfa and ± 12.5% in chopped corn for single sample measurements to an average of ± 2.0% for both crops by averaging several measurements. Meter repeatability was good in both alfalfa and corn.
Operating ease was excellent. The Dickey-John was convenient to use in the field. Best results were obtained with uniformly chopped forage samples. A single moisture determination took about four minutes.
The original battery lasted the duration of the test.
Summary of Agrofarm APS Grain Moisture Meter/Temperature Indicator (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.29 MB)
The accuracy of the Agrofarm in wheat was very good between moisture contents of 10.5 to 18.5%. The overall performance was, however, reduced due to inaccuracy, uncertainty and poor repeatability at higher moisture contents. Accuracy in barley was very good over a range of moisture contents from 10.5 to 17.5%. Overall performance was, however, reduced due to inaccuracy, uncertainty and poor repeatability above 17.5%. The accuracy in canola (rapeseed) was very good up to a moisture content of 10%. At higher moisture contents, the meter was inaccurate and uncertain.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in less than a minute. The meter was light and durable and was readily transportable for field use.
The operating instructions were clear and complete, but written for a meter with different scales than the model tested.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his. local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
The temperature probe was accurate at 50°F but the error increased linearly to 20°F low at 210°F.
Summary of Dani MKII Grain Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.33 MB)
The accuracy of the Dani Mk II in wheat was very good between moisture contents of 9 to 16%. The overall performance was, however, reduced due to inaccuracy, uncertainty and reduced repeatability above 16%. Accuracy in barley was excellent over a narrow range of moisture contents from 11 to 15% but overall performance was reduced due to inaccuracy and the wide scatter (uncertainty) of results above 15% and reduced repeatability at higher moisture contents. Accuracy in canola (rapeseed) was good only at average moisture contents from 10 to 14%. At higher and lower moisture contents, the meter was inaccurate and uncertain.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in less than a minute. The meter was light and durable and was readily transportable for field use.
The operating instructions were clear and easy to understand. As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
Accuracy of the temperature probe was very good.
Summary of Halross Mini 919 Grain Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.35 MB)
The accuracy of the Halross Mini 919 in wheat was very good over the entire range of moisture contents measured. Uncertainty was good and repeatability was excellent. Accuracy in barley was very good over the entire range of moisture contents measured. Uncertainty was very good and repeatability was excellent. The accuracy in canola (rapeseed) was very good to excellent over the entire range of moisture contents measured. Uncertainty and repeatability were both excellent.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in less than two minutes. The meter and balance were not considered suitable for transporting for field use.
The instruction manual was for the model 919, not the Mini 919. The manual and the moisture and temperature conversion charts were clear and easy to understand.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
Summary of Tri-Met Model 393 Grain Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.32 MB)
The accuracy of the Tri-Met 393 in wheat was very good over the entire range of moisture contents measured. Uncertainty and repeatability were both excellent. Accuracy in barley was excellent over the entire range of moisture contents measured. Uncertainty was excellent and repeatability was very good. The accuracy in canola (rapeseed) was excellent over the entire range of moisture contents measured. Uncertainty and repeatability were both excellent.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in less than two minutes. The meter itself was light and durable and could be easily transported for field use. The triple beam balance for accurate sample weighing was not readily transportable.
The instruction manual and moisture charts provided were clear and easy to understand.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
Summary of Farmeter Grain Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.31 MB)
The accuracy of the Farmeter in wheat was good over a narrow range of moisture contents from about 10.5 to 15%. The overall performance was reduced due to less accurate readings from 15 to 20% and since readings above 20% were off the meter scale. In barley, meter accuracy was good over a range of moisture contents from 11.5 to 19%. At higher moisture contents, accuracy, uncertainty and repeatability deteriorated. The accuracy in canola was good over a range of moisture contents from 8 to 14.5%. Below and above this range, readings were off the meter scale.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in less a minute. The meter was light and portable and came equipped with a vinyl carrying case for convenient field use.
The operating instructions were easy to follow and were affixed to the back of the tester. Conversion charts for various grains were supplied on separate sheets.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
Summary of Preagro 35 Grain Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.33 MB)
The accuracy of the Preagro 35 in wheat was good to very good between moisture contents of 11 to 19%. The overall performance was slightly reduced due to unsatisfactory repeatability. Accuracy in barley was only fair and varied considerably depending on the moisture content. Overall performance was reduced due to the scatter of results (only fair uncertainty) and unsatisfactory repeatability. Accuracy in canola (rapeseed) was very good from 7.5 to 10.5%. Uncertainty was excellent and repeatability was fair.
The meter was easy to operate and a moisture measurement could be made in less a minute. The meter was light, durable and easily transported for field use in its handy carrying case.
The operator's manual was well written, clear and informative.
As with most moisture meters, results depended on grain variety, the geographic location in which the grain was grown and many other variables. It is recommended that the user annually check a few samples against the meter used at his local elevator to determine a suitable correction factor.
Summary of Agrofarm Analog Grain Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.68 MB)
The Agrofarm Analog meter performance in wheat was fair over the entire range of moisture contents measured. Accuracy was fair, uncertainty was good and repeatability was very good in wheat. Meter performance in barley was fair over the entire range of moisture contents measured. Accuracy was fair, uncertainty was good and repeatability was fair in barley. Meter performance in canola was fair over the entire range of moisture contents measured. Accuracy was fair, uncertainty was fair and repeatability was good in canola.
The external temperature probe readings averaged 7.5°C below actual temperature readings.
Ease of performing a moisture measurement was very good. A moisture measurement was completed in less than a minute. Scale divisions were to the nearest one percent, requiring estimation of intermediate values. The sample container eliminated the need to weigh out a sample.
Ease of performing a temperature measurement was very good.
Portability of the meter was very good. The unit was light, durable and self-contained in a plastic case.
The operating instructions were clear and easy to understand.
Summary of Agrofarm Digital Grain Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.68 MB)
The Agrofarm Digital meter performance in wheat was fair over the entire range of moisture contents measured. Accuracy and uncertainty were fair, while repeatability was good in wheat. Meter performance in barley was poor over the entire range of moisture contents measured. Accuracy was unsatisfactory, uncertainty was very good and repeatability was fair in barley. Meter performance in canola was very good over the entire range of moisture contents measured. Accuracy was very good, uncertainty was very good and repeatability was excellent in canola.
The external temperature probe readings varied from -5 to +11°C from actual temperature readings.
Ease of performing a moisture measurement was very good. A moisture measurement was completed in less than a minute. The digital display showed the moisture content of the grain to the nearest 0.1%. Sample weighing was not required.
Ease of performing a temperature measurement was very good.
Portability of the meter was very good. The unit was light, durable and self-contained in an alu-housing case.
The operating instructions were clear and easy to understand.
Summary of Delmhorst HTM-1 Forage Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.67 MB)
Portability of the Delmhorst HTM-1 was very good. It was light, compact and had a self-contained power supply. Ease of operating the meter was very good. Moisture and temperature readings were taken by simply pushing the probe into a bale and pressing the appropriate button. The control and display layout on the meter was excellent. Ease of changing the battery was very good, and ease of cleaning the meter was very good.
The range of measurement of the Delmhorst HTM-1 was fair. It would measure moisture contents from 10-40%, which was adequate for normal baled hay. Accuracy of the meter was fair at normal bale moisture content. Uncertainty of the HTM-1 was fair in baled hay. Repeatability of the meter was very good in baled hay.
The operator's manual was very good. It was generally easy to read and understand.
Summary of Delmhorst RDM-H Forage Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.67 MB)
Ease of installation of the Delmhorst RDM-H was good. A drilling template to mount the sensor in the bale chamber and all of the required wiring was provided. Ease of operating the RDM-H was very good. The control and display layout of the meter was very good, and ease of cleaning the meter was very good.
Range of measurement of the Delmhorst RDM-H was fair. Accuracy of the RDM-H was fair. Uncertainty of the meter was good.
The operator's manual was very good. It was generally easy to read and understand.
Summary of DANI Haytester Forage Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.67 MB)
Portability of the DANI Haytester was very good. It was light, compact and had a self-contained power supply. Ease of operating the meter was very good. The control and display panel layout on the DANI was excellent. It had a trigger switch for activating the display. Ease of changing the battery was fair, and ease of cleaning the meter was very good.
Range of measurement of the DANI was fair. Accuracy of the meter was very good. Uncertainty of the DANI was good and repeatability was very good in baled hay.
The operator's manual was very good. It was generally easy to read and understand.
Summary of Omni-Mark Preagro-25 Forage Moisture Tester (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.67 MB)
Portability of the Omni-Mark Preagro-25 was very good. It was light, compact and had a self-contained power source. Ease of operating the meter was good. The control and display panel layout on the Omni-Mark was excellent. Ease of changing the battery was fair and ease of cleaning the meter was very good.
Range of measurement of the Omni-Mark was very good. It would give readings in the range of 13 to 70% moisture content. Accuracy of the meter was good. Uncertainty of the Omni-Mark was very good and repeatability was very good in baled hay.
The operator's manual was very good. It was generally easy to read and understand.
Summary of Calc-U-Dri Combine Moisture Meter (Evaluation Report - PDF File - 0.45 MB)
The range of measurement of the Calc-U-Dri was excellent. The meter was capable of detecting moisture beyond the ranges of concern.
In barley, accuracy was fair, repeatability was very good and uncertainty was good. In canola, accuracy was fair while repeatability and uncertainty were very good. In wheat, accuracy was good while repeatability and uncertainty were very good. The Calc-U-Dri had a linear response to changes in crop moisture. However, the deviation from actual moisture increased as the moisture content departed from the calibration point. This deviation was greatest in canola.
Temperature compensation was good. This occurred automatically, but the reading varied somewhat with temperature changes.
Ease of installing the Calc-U-Dri was good. Installation took one person 8 hours and required modification to the grain tank loading auger. The controls and display were very good. The controls were easy to use and the display was easy to see in all conditions. Ease of performing adjustments was very good. The switches and dials were well spaced and sized to allow easy on-the-go adjustments. Field operation was good. The Calc-U-Dri responded quickly to changes in grain moisture and provided the operator with a continuous display of grain moisture and temperature of grain flowing into the grain tank. Calibration was very good. Calibration was easy to perform and took little time. However, accurate calibration required proper technique and a reputable moisture meter.
The were no apparent safety hazards associated with the CalcU-Dri. However, caution was required when retrieving samples from the grain tank for calibration.
The operator's manual was very good. Information was easy to find and understand. However, an update to the circuit board moved the offsets away from those suggested in the manual.
No mechanical problems occurred during the 41 hours of operation. |