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Related Manuals for C-Dax pasture meter+
Summary of Contents for C-Dax pasture meter+
- Page 1 Operation Manual Version: 2400-6640 – 7 July 2022...
- Page 2 This section contains: • Introduction • Important Safety Warning • Important Safety Information • Table of Contents • Warranty • Disclaimer. Limit of Liability...
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Page 3: Introduction
We thank you for making this investment and assure you of our attention at all times. IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING The C-Dax Pasture Meter+ is designed specifically to be trailed behind an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or similar type of agricultural vehicle. Operators should note that like any piece of trailed or mounted agricultural... -
Page 4: Important Safety Information
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR OWNERS & OPERATORS OF C-Dax ATTACHMENTS / ACCESSORIES Be warned of the dangers of loading your ATV or other vehicle in excess of its carrying capacity. It is important to understand that any loads or attachments whether fastened to, or placed on a vehicle or an ATV, will alter the stability or handling characteristics of that vehicle or ATV. -
Page 5: Table Of Contents
ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION MANUAL (Pt.No.2400-6640 Issue 6, Dated December 2016) TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ......................... 0 Introduction ........................1 IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING ................1 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ..............2 Warranty ......................... 4 General Descriptions ......................1 General Description ......................2 The Sled Assembly ...................... -
Page 6: Warranty
(6 months from date of first retail sale if the equipment is sold in the U.K.) subject to the terms set out below. C-Dax will at its option repair or replace the defective equipment (or part of the equipment) or notify the retailer of the equipment to refund the purchase price for such defective equipment to you in the event of a breach of this warranty, subject to the terms set out below. - Page 7 Notwithstanding anything else in this manual, in no event will C-Dax be liable, whether in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise: where you have altered or modified the equipment, misused or misapplied the equipment, or the equipment has been subjected to any unusual, excessive or non-recommended use, service or handling (including as set out in this manual);...
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Page 8: Important Safety Warning
This section contains: • General Description • The Sled Assembly • Safety Warning • The Sensor • The Indicator Console... -
Page 9: General Description
These methods can either be subjective, time consuming or rely on a limited number of individual measurements per paddock. The C-Dax Pasturemeter+ has been designed to greatly improve the collection of pasture cover data in quantity, speed and ease of collection. -
Page 10: The Sled Assembly
The Sled Assembly The Sled has been designed to be solid, strong, and heavy in order to keep the sensor as close to the ground as possible at all times. The Sensor’s lowest light beam is 20mm from the ground. To generate accurate pasture cover readings, it is important that the sled remains in contact with the ground. -
Page 11: The Sensor
The geometry and construction of the central section of the sled frame has been designed to minimize dirt fouling the polycarbonate windows covering the sensor’s light beams. However, given the nature of measuring pasture cover, particularly post grazing, the polycarbonate may occasionally need cleaning. How often this is required is entirely dependent upon the environment in which the device is working. -
Page 12: The Xc3 Console
therefore be factored into the measurement. It has been scientifically established that a 10mm adjustment provides an accurate overall reading. The height shown on the indicator console in mm is the number of light paths broken at any instant, multiplied by 20mm, plus the 10mm adjustment. For example: •... -
Page 13: Assembly And Setup
This section contains: • Sled Setup • The Indicator Console • Operating Hints • Understanding the Sensor • Understanding Pasture Covers... -
Page 14: Sled Setup
Sled Setup Setting the angle of sled to the ground The angle between the sled and the ground will need to be adjusted to suit the terrain. Flat pasture with no obstacles will only require a slight angle, but this should be increased when operating on undulating or pugged ground. -
Page 15: To Fit The Draw-Bar
To fit the draw-bar: 1. Place in position behind the vehicle. 2. Slide the drawbar into approximate position ensuring tow hitch is the correct way up. 3. Attach screw-lock power cable together. 4. Fit front adjustment bolts to suit ATV or other towing vehicle. Adjusting the angle of sled Remove the front drawbar bolts and select the appropriate angle depending on towing vehicle and terrain. - Page 16 Should further adjustment be necessary, follow the steps in the next 2 illustrations. Should the angle be satisfactory as it is, then tighten the bolts as shown. Once the sled is correctly adjusted, the equipment is ready for use. 5 adjustment positions each side for angle of sled to ground (shroud not shown) Only 1 pair of holes will line...
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Page 17: Check Clearance On Sled Movement
Check Clearance on sled movement Attach coupling on the sled to the tow-ball on the ATV. Ensure wheels are down in the transport position. Connect the 12v power cable to the sled. Maneuver sled to extreme left and right positions to ensure cable will not foul wheels and not be damaged by hot exhaust pipe or hot exhaust emissions. - Page 18 Operating Hints Tyre pressure requirement will vary depending on the terrain. Smooth terrain would best suit higher pressures. Note: Do not exceed manufacturers maximum pressure as stated on the tyre. Lower tyre pressures should be maintained on rougher terrain. If sled bounces excessively, try lowering the tyre pressures.
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Page 19: Understanding The Sensor
Understanding the Sensor When the indicator console has established a connection with the unit while in the ‘wheels-down’ transport position, and has no light paths broken, the indicator console will be reading 10mm. Note. Should any other height reading be shown while in this position, it indicates that one or more of the beams is obstructed. - Page 20 Time spent familiarizing one’s self with the sensor operation will aid the interpretation of display results especially if the polycarbonate covering the light beams becomes dirty. NOTE: The following applies to both sides of the sensor Keep clear poly carbonate clean Warning: Do NOT use cleaning objects likely to damage the polycarbonate.
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Page 21: Understanding Pasture Covers
Equations are continually evolving for different regions and pasture species. Contact C-Dax or visit our website to find up to date equations that suit your conditions. -
Page 22: Maintenance
This section contains: • Maintaining your Pasturemeter+ • Removing the Shroud • Removing the Sensor • Dispatching for Repair... -
Page 23: Maintaining Your Pasturemeter
Evidence of condensation on the inside of the polycarbonate indicates the presence of moisture. If moisture is present internally, return the sensor to C-Dax for inspection immediately. 5. Do not direct high pressure water around the black sensor on the unit. - Page 24 Welding must not be undertaken on the sensor. Damage to electronics resulting from welding will void warranty. Please Note: Welding may distort the frame of the sled making realignment necessary. If this occurs you will need to contact C-Dax Limited to arrange repair.
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Page 25: Removing The Shroud
Removing the Shroud To access the sensor or to replace any of the serviceable parts of the unit the main shroud must first be removed. The removal of the shroud/sensor is easier if the unit is supported underneath the skids so the weight of the unit is not on the wheels. -
Page 26: Removing The Sensor
Removing the Sensor Should the Sensor need to be removed for any reason, it must be disconnected from the ATV and unbolted from the sled. To access the sensor you must first remove the shroud as detailed on the previous page Remove the actuator plug by SENSOR REMOVAL OVERVIEW unscrewing the TORX25... - Page 27 Remove the three cable clips which hold the sensor power cable in place by unscrewing the M6 bolts Two are located on the right hand side of the frame and one is located on the underside of the top crossmember Remove the cable from the actuator by undoing the M10 shoulder bolt on the moving...
- Page 28 Remove the TORX25 screw from the centre of the cover and slide the cover back in order to remove the plug. NOTE: The actuator plug only goes in one way. The incut portion of the plug is on the side indicated by the arrow in the adjacent photo.
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Page 29: Dispatching For Repair
Dispatching for Repair When dispatching a sensor for repair it is advisable to also send the cable protector/power cable back in order to more thoroughly investigate faults Both legs of the sensor must be securely wrapped in suitable packaging material eg: bubble wrap, cardboard etc. -
Page 30: Parts
This section contains: • Exploded parts diagram • Parts list... -
Page 31: Exploded Parts Diagram
Exploded Parts Diagram... -
Page 32: Exploded Parts List
Exploded Parts List Item QTY. e9 part no e9 description 2 1082-5730 Axle-Pasturemeter COMMERCIAL-GL 3 2050-5608 Clip-P Type-Bracekt-8mm-Rubber Lined- Zinc Plated 1 2550-5730 Drawbar-Pasturemeter COMMERCIAL-GL 4 2840-0680 Fastener-Bolt&Nut-Hex-8.8 Grade-M6x80-ZP 2 2840-2160 Fastener-Bolt&Nut-Hex-8.8 Grade-M12x160-ZP 4 2870-1060 Fastener-Button Head-Allen Screw-8.8 Grade-M10x60-ZP 10 2880-0812 Fastener-Cap Head-Allen Screw-M8x12-3.4-Stainless 2 2885-1090 Fastener-Cap Head-Allen Bolt-M10x90-Grade 12.9-ZP... -
Page 33: Quick Reference
This section contains: • DIY Calibration Method • Seasonal Equations... -
Page 34: Diy Calibration Method
DIY Calibration Method Every farm is different in terms of Soil type, pasture type and climate. Pasture measuring devices are calibrated on a regional basis and may not always be representative of your particular farming operation. This DIY Calibration Method will allow you to self calibrate your Pasturemeter+ so you can make decisions with confidence on your collected data. -
Page 35: Equation Calculation Steps
Equation Calculation Steps Step 1 - Calculate total and Avg. For columns A & B ➢ Calculate (G) = Sum of Column A (i.e. 25 + 40 + ... = 250) ➢ Calculate (H) = Sum of Column B (i.e. 1200 + 2350 + ... = 7800) ➢... -
Page 36: Understanding The Pasture Calibration Process
Understanding the Pasture Calibration Process Calibration Equations are used to convert the raw sensor measurement, pasture height (reordered in mm), to pasture cover (kgDM/ha). There are several ways to do this; these include comparing your height reading with: o Calibration cuts o Visual assessment o Rising Plate Meter A calibration equation is most commonly expressed as a straight line formula, a straight... -
Page 37: Year Round Pasture Cover Equations Table
During 2008, AgResearch, DairyNZ and Massey University with the support of Pastoral 21 Feeds Program conducted extensive independent calibration of the C-Dax Pasture Meter on dairy pastures throughout New Zealand. Pastoral 21 is funded by NZ Governments Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST), DairyNZ, Fonterra and Meat &Wool NZ. -
Page 38: Seasonal Pasture Cover Equations Table
Seasonal Pasture Cover Equations Table Use the following table to select the suggested Pasture Cover Equation: Month Multiplier (FACTr) Constant (ConSt) Winter 18.6 October 15.3 1358 November 16.0 1530 December 18.6 1818 January 21.9 1978 February 24.6 2017 March 22.6 1850...
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