Automatic Hay Preservative Applicator

Automatic Hay Preservative Applicator HAY & FORAGE HARVESTING Accessories 21-2-26 "Our new baler-mounted preservative applicator senses hay moisture on-the-go, automatically adjusting the preservative application rate. It reduces the amount of preservative used and improves the consistency of high moisture baled hay," says Jeff Roberts, Harvest Tec, Hudson, Wis. The applicator uses a sensor mounted in the bale chamber to read hay moisture levels and an electronic pump controller in the tractor cab to deliver preservative from a baler-mounted tank. The controller starts the pump whenever the hay moisture reaches a pre-set level, allowing preservative to be delivered through nozzles at the bale chamber. When the moisture climbs to a second pre-set level a solenoid valve opens, allowing more preservative to be delivered through additional spray nozzles. When the moisture hits a third pre-set level, another valve opens to apply even more preservative. (An alarm sounds when the hay hits a fourth level, indicating the hay is too wet to bale). When the moisture level falls, the con-troller closes the valves to shut down the supply of preservative to the additional nozzles. "It increases the viability of hay preservative for the average farmer because it prevents over or under application. Also, it's easy to use - just set the application rates at the moisture levels you want and it does the rest," says Roberts. "We conducted successful field tests in New Mexico, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Ohio over the past two years. Farmers told us they were able to use less preservative than they had been using. "The problem is that hay moisture conditions can vary greatly throughout the field depending on the ter-rain and crop quality. Adjusting for various hay moisture conditions is valuable because you're always applying just the right rate. Our system doesn't take into account variations in hay yield nor can it compensate for higher moisture levels in hay growing in wheel tracks." Tanks are available in 25, 55, and 100-gal. sizes depending on baler type. A control system with computer, electronics and plumbing, without tank and frame, sells for $1,595. An entire system for a small square baler sells for about $2,100; for a big square baler about $2,400. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Harvest Tec, Box 63, Hudson, Wis. 54016 (ph 715 386-9100).

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