[KurtS1]

I've searched and read a lot of old posts on this and since most are 2 to 12 year old posts, wonder if anthing has changed now that it is 2023. The pieces, parts and model numbers even appear the same. I knew that baler mounded moisture meters were available on newer balers, but didn't know about aftermarket bolt ons. The prices seem attractive to even cheap, to the "Better product, Cheap insurance, Piece of mind", portion of my brain. I only make dry hay, 4x5 rounds, (no preservative) have a handheld tester (that I do use and trust) and have had very few problems, that I know of.

But still keep wondering if I could be doing better and if a 4 to 600 dollar investment, along with a little install time, is a good worthwhile idea? My right brain says, "this is quick, cheap, simple insurance and piece of mind" and "Cheaper than a new barn or unhappy customer". My left brain says, "Everything has been fine so far, it's one more thing to watch/monitor/BREAK/FAIL and give me another thing to worry about and maybe even cost me some good hay".

Any input/experiences, would be appreciated!

 

[Hawkins2015]

https://www.shoupparts.com/BMT1-BHT-1-Hay-Moisture-Tester

Was just looking at these a couple days ago. Shoup has several different options.

I currently do not have a moisture tester at all. But will be getting either a baler mounted or handheld this summer. Most likely will end up with a handheld so I can test square bales too.

 

[JOR Farm]

Buy AgraTronix 07160, BHT-2 8% - 30% Baler-Mounted Hay Moisture Meter

AgraTronix BHT-2 8% - 30% Baler-Mounted Hay Moisture Meter 07160. ✅AgraTronix authorized distributor ✅. ☎ (800) 884-5767 Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET or order online 24/7

megadepot.com

Maybe this link works it's where I got mine 3 seasons so far no problems I have 2 handhelds all 3 constantly read very similar. I bought the extra pads and have them in one of my square balers it works great for both balers.

 

[Gearclash]

I’ve run a baler with a moisture meter on it for more than 15 years. But. The meter is part of an applicator system.

My philosophy on baler mounted moisture meters may run a bit contrary to what some might think. Why do you care what the moisture is unless you can do something about it? So if you are baling along and the moisture goes up a few points and get into that area where it is kinda too wet to be baled, what are you going to do? Quit? Or keep baling and hope the moisture fall again for whatever reason? I don’t think a stand alone baler mounted meter is totally worthless, but my though is if you are going to install a meter, put an applicator on as well so you can take advantage of the knowledge the meter is giving you. Otherwise you may about as well just wait until the hay is dry beyond any doubt (if you are in that situation) or say that the time is up, we bale now and what happens happens because tomorrow it rains and if we wait we will have junk hay anyway.

 

[Sterling6.7]

Been pondering this as well. The BHT-1 and -2 seem to be the majority of the aftermarket options available and have been for many years. Are they just that good that it isn’t worth trying to make something better? Are you finding anything different?

 

[Trillium Farm]

I’ve run a baler with a moisture meter on it for more than 15 years. But. The meter is part of an applicator system.
my though is if you are going to install a meter, put an applicator on as well so you can take advantage of the knowledge the meter is giving you.

ABSOLUTELY! Not only that, but also sync the applicator with the moisture meter so that it sprays automatically when when the moisture gets at a certain %.
If not used this way you miss 99% of the reason to get one.

 

[IH 1586]

ABSOLUTELY! Not only that, but also sync the applicator with the moisture meter so that it sprays automatically when when the moisture gets at a certain %.
If not used this way you miss 99% of the reason to get one.

That would be awesome if the budget would allow that. Lol

On our small squares having a meter is vital for our preserve program. We can pick out problem areas in field and use preserve as needed.
Agree meter with no preserve could drive you mad. Stick with your handheld until your ready to upgrade your whole system. Don’t fix what isn’t broken.

 

[danwi]

Like Gearclash said we have been doing custom l big square baling for 3 years previously I was hiring a friend to bale my hay. He had so much work he gave me a couple of his customers that are closer to me then to him. When I started baling I watched that meter jump all over, you get a little concerned. Our baler had an automatic preservative system on it. So we just start spraying. I have had a couple times where we waited a day and let the hay dry more. But with more hay on the schedule to bale the next day you don't always have that luxury.

 

[chevytaHOE5674]

I have a BHT-2 in the baler and have preservative as needed (prefer not to use it as it drives costs up). I like having onboard moisture readings just to see how the hay is trending not so much what the exact reading is at any given time (ie I try to watch it and average the numbers in my head as I go). Often times in our small cut up fields a treeline will stay damp a little longer or get dew early. So if I see a sudden prolonged spike in the reading in a certain area often times I will move to a different spot in the field and come back to the damp spot an hour later (I've seen 22% hay become 14% hay in an hours time UP here).

 

[KurtS1]

I have a BHT-2 in the baler and have preservative as needed (prefer not to use it as it drives costs up). I like having onboard moisture readings just to see how the hay is trending not so much what the exact reading is at any given time (ie I try to watch it and average the numbers in my head as I go). Often times in our small cut up fields a treeline will stay damp a little longer or get dew early. So if I see a sudden prolonged spike in the reading in a certain area often times I will move to a different spot in the field and come back to the damp spot an hour later (I've seen 22% hay become 14% hay in an hours time UP here).

That's why I was considering a mounted tester, for the questionable and outside rows by the tree-lines. And that is what I do as well, now. If it looks to be suspect, I move and save it for later. I'm thinking of staying with what has always worked for me in the past!
Thanks for the input,
Kurt