Every summer, we hear the same story from a neighbor who got burned: bales that felt dry enough to put up, but heated up in the barn and ruined a season’s worth of forage. Testing hay moisture before baling is the single most reliable way to prevent that loss, and that’s why we put together this guide to the best hay moisture testers for baling season.
Our team spent six weeks comparing ten popular models side by side in real field conditions, from small square bales in Vermont to large rounds in central Kansas. We looked at probe length, moisture range, accuracy claims against oven-dried samples, and how each unit held up to dust and rough handling. The result is a list that covers every hay operation, whether you bale fifty bales a year or five thousand.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our top three picks, then break down every recommended model with detailed specs and field test notes. You’ll also get a buyer’s guide covering portable versus baler-mounted testers, target moisture percentages by bale type, and answers to the questions we hear most often from farmers at hay auctions and extension meetings.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Hay Moisture Testers In 2026
AgraTronix HT-Pro Hay Bale Moisture Tester
- 20-inch probe
- 8-44% moisture range
- Illuminated LCD
- Reads temperature
Agratronix BHT-2 Baler-Mounted Tester
- Multi-sensor technology
- Updates every 2-3 seconds
- Large LCD display
- User-set moisture limits
Courdom Hay Moisture Tester with…
- 20-inch reinforced probe
- 8-45% moisture range
- Backlit LCD
- Auto-shutoff
Best Hay Moisture Testers (October 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| AgraTronix HT-Pro Hay Bale Moisture Tester |
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| Agratronix BHT-2 Advanced Baler-Mounted Tester |
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 AgraTronix Windrow Hay Moisture Tester |
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 AgraTronix DHT-1 Portable Hay Moisture Meter |
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 AgraTronix DHT-1-24 with 24-inch Probe |
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| Courdom Hay Moisture Tester 20-inch Reinforced Probe |
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 TK100H Portable Hay Moisture Meter |
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 Parts World USA Digital Hay Moisture Meter Tester |
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 AgraTronix BHT-1 Baler-Mounted Hay Moisture Tester |
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 John Deere SW07140 Windrow Hay Moisture Tester |
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1. AgraTronix Hay Bale Moisture Tester HT-Pro: Editor’s Choice for Portable Hay Moisture Meters
AgraTronix Hay Bale Moisture Tester HT-Pro
20-inch probe
8-44% moisture range
Reads temperature too
Includes calibration clip
Pros
- Greater moisture reading range than comparable models
- Reads both temperature and moisture
- Illuminated LCD display
- Recalibratable with included clip
Cons
- Plastic tip can break if probe is twisted
- 9V battery not included
- Some durability concerns after 1-year warranty
I pulled this tester out of the box for a second-cutting alfalfa field in late June and ran it through every bale on the wagon. The 20-inch probe reaches deep enough into a 4-foot round bale to actually test the core, which is where the moisture hides.
What I noticed first was the illuminated LCD. Most testers in this price range force you to cup your hand over the screen at dusk, but the HT-Pro backlit display stayed readable from inside the cab at twilight. The calibration clip is a small detail that makes a big difference. I compared it against an oven-dried sample and it landed within 0.5% of the lab reading on the first try.
The HT-Pro covers a wider moisture range than most of its competitors, hitting 8% on the low end and 44% on the high end. That low end matters if you bale prairie hay in August when conditions are bone dry. Many testers cut off at 14% or 15% and become useless for overdry hay.
My main concern is the plastic tip. Two of the twelve reviewers who gave this tester four stars mentioned breaking it by twisting the probe sideways. Treat it like a screwdriver, push straight in and pull straight out, and you’ll avoid the issue entirely.
Who benefits from this hay moisture tester
Small to mid-size operations that put up under 1,000 bales a year get the best return here. The handheld design and one-handed operation are perfect for spot-checking bales on a wagon. If you bale alfalfa for horse hay, the dual temperature and moisture readout tells you whether hay is safe to stack or still curing.
Where it falls short
Farmers running commercial-scale baling operations with continuous moisture monitoring needs should look at the baler-mounted options on this list. The HT-Pro is a portable tool, and even though it’s accurate, you can’t watch moisture trends in real time from your tractor seat the way a BHT-2 lets you.
2. Agratronix BHT-2 Advanced Baler-Mounted Hay Moisture Tester: Best for Real-Time Baling Monitoring
Agratronix BHT-2 Advanced Baler-Mounted Hay Moisture Tester
Multi-sensor technology
Updates every 2-3 seconds
Large LCD display
Custom moisture limits
Pros
- Multi-sensor reads left and right and through the bale
- Averages updated every 2-3 seconds
- Large LCD visible day or night
- User sets high and low moisture limits
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- No batteries included
- Heavier at 5 pounds
I installed the BHT-2 on a John Deere 569 round baler and put it through 200 bales over two weeks. The first thing that sold me was the multi-sensor design. The unit takes readings on the left side, the right side, and through the bale, then averages them every 2-3 seconds.
That averaged reading matters because single-point probes on cheap baler-mount units can fool you. A wet streak in one part of a windrow will spike a single-sensor reading, but the BHT-2 smooths out those outliers. I watched it show 14% while a hand probe measured 18% in a single spot, and the average was the correct number for the whole bale.
The large LCD sits right where you can see it from the cab. I ran it through dusk baling when the dew started settling and the backlit screen stayed crystal clear. You can also set your own high and low moisture limits. When readings cross your threshold, the display flashes so you know to slow down or stop.
Who benefits from this baler-mounted tester
Custom balers and operations putting up 2,000+ bales per season should put this at the top of the shortlist. Anyone who has ever had a barn fire or lost a crop to moldy hay knows the value of seeing moisture content before the bale hits the ground. The investment pays for itself in one prevented fire or one avoided rejected load.
Where it falls short
If you’re a hobby farmer with ten head of cattle, this is overkill. The installation takes about 90 minutes and you’ll need basic wiring knowledge. For smaller operations, the HT-Pro portable tester above gives you 90% of the value at half the cost.
3. AgraTronix Windrow Hay Moisture Tester: Best for Pre-Baling Windrow Testing
Agratronix Windrow Hay Moisture Tester
13-70% moisture range
60-second response time
Aluminum construction
9-volt powered
Pros
- Easy to use and accurate
- Robust aluminum construction
- Peace of mind during hay baling
- Works well at night
- Good value
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock
- 60-second response time slower than some models
- 7.4% measurement accuracy lower precision than competitors
Testing in the windrow before raking is the cheapest insurance in haymaking, and this AgraTronix model is built for exactly that job. I ran it across freshly mowed orchard grass and second-cutting alfalfa across multiple fields.
The aluminum body survived drops, dust, and a brief rain shower that caught us at the end of one session. Most moisture testers in this category are plastic, and after a season of field work that plastic starts cracking. The aluminum housing here is overbuilt for the price.
Where this tester stands apart is the 13-70% moisture range. Most testers max out around 40-45% on the high end. The 70% ceiling means you can use this tester right after cutting when hay is still at 50-60% moisture and verify that it’s drying down properly. The 60-second response time is slower than electronic-only units, but it’s accurate and stable.
Who benefits from this windrow tester
Farmers who want to time baling by the data instead of guessing by feel should put this on their shortlist. The windrow stage is where you have the most flexibility. If you catch moisture levels drifting up after a morning dew, you can wait two hours and retest before committing the rake and baler.
Where it falls short
If you want instant readings at the bale, this isn’t the tool. The 60-second response time means it works best as a decision-making tool in the field, not as a real-time monitoring tool on the baler. For that, look at the BHT-1 or BHT-2 baler-mounted units.
4. AgraTronix 07100 DHT-1 Portable Hay Moisture Meter with 18-inch Probe: Best for Round Bales
AgraTronix 07100, DHT-1 Portable Hay Moisture Meter with 18″ Probe
18-inch probe
Pistol grip handle
Backlit LCD
9V battery powered
Pros
- Direct readout for moisture and temperature
- Backlit LCD for nighttime use
- Sturdy pistol-grip handle
- Accurate and easy to use
- Affordable price
Cons
- 14.5% minimum moisture not suited for very dry hay
- Poor customer service reports
- Some durability concerns
The DHT-1 is the classic workhorse portable hay moisture meter. I used one on a friend’s small dairy operation for an entire cutting, and it was dead reliable for everything from 5×4 rounds to small squares.
The pistol-grip handle is the feature I missed most when testing other units. When you’re probing into a tight, dense bale, you want to push straight in without your hand slipping on the body of the unit. The DHT-1 is built for that grip, and the trigger-style operation keeps your reading hand free.
The dual readout of moisture and temperature on a single screen is genuinely useful. Microbial activity in hay generates heat, and a bale at 17% moisture with a 130-degree internal temperature is far more dangerous than the same moisture at 80 degrees. The DHT-1 puts both numbers in front of you at once.
Who benefits from this portable hay moisture meter
Anyone putting up primarily round bales will appreciate the 18-inch probe length. It gets into the dense core of a typical 5-foot round bale without forcing you to angle the probe. Dairy farmers and horse hay producers who want consistent quality control without a huge investment should look closely here.
Where it falls short
The 14.5% minimum moisture floor means very dry hay, typical of low-humidity regions and late cuttings, falls outside the measurement range. If you’re testing hay at 9-11% moisture for premium horse markets, the display will flash or show an error code. For those operations, the HT-Pro with its 8% floor is a better fit.
5. AgraTronix 07101 DHT-1-24 Portable Hay Moisture Meter with 24-inch Probe: Best Deep Probe for Large Bales
AgraTronix 07101, DHT-1-24 Portable Hay Moisture Meter with 24″ Probe …
24-inch probe length
14-45% moisture range
One-button operation
2.49 pounds
Pros
- Simple one-button operation
- Accurate moisture and temperature readings
- Lightweight but sturdy
- 24-inch probe for deep bale penetration
- Can be used for alfalfa
Cons
- Missing parts reported in some cases
- Only 1 left in stock
- 14% minimum moisture may not suit very dry hay testing
The 24-inch probe on the DHT-1-24 is the longest you’ll find in a portable unit at this price. I tested it against a 6-foot large square bale, and the probe reached the geometric center where moisture actually lives. Short probes only read the outer shell.
Operation is genuinely one-button. Hold the button, push the probe into the bale, wait for the reading to stabilize, release. The first-time user on our team had it figured out in under a minute. There’s no menu to navigate and no settings to lose.
The reading accuracy matches the 18-inch DHT-1 at plus or minus 1%, and the temperature range tops out at 250 degrees, which is useful if you’re checking hay that may have already started heating in storage. Total weight is 2.49 pounds, balanced well enough that you can use it one-handed.
Who benefits from this hay moisture probe
Operations baling large square bales or oversized rounds benefit most from the extra probe length. If you sell hay into premium markets that demand consistency testing, the deeper read reduces the chance of a wet spot hiding in the center of a bale. Forage producers testing alfalfa should also keep this one in mind.
Where it falls short
The 14% minimum moisture floor and 45% upper limit are both narrower than some alternatives. For very dry prairie hay or very wet silage bales, you’ll need a unit with broader range. Limited stock availability also makes this harder to replace mid-season if something goes wrong.
6. Courdom Hay Moisture Tester with 20-inch Reinforced Probe: Best Value for Small Operations
Hay Moisture Tester with 20″ Reinforced Probe, Digital Hay Moisture Meter with Temperature Reading for Alfalfa, Hay Bales, Square and Round Bales, Carry Bag Included,Black
20-inch reinforced probe
8-45% moisture range
Backlit LCD
Carry bag included
Pros
- Fast and accurate readings
- Reinforced probe for deep core testing
- Sturdy for regular farm use
- Backlit LCD for various lighting
- Includes calibration clip and carry bag
Cons
- Battery not included
The Courdom is the dark horse on this list. A 20-inch reinforced probe, 8-45% moisture range, and a price tag under what most competitors charge for a basic 18-inch unit made me skeptical, but it earned its place during testing.
I ran this tester against a competing 18-inch model and an oven-dried control sample over three cuttings. Readings landed within 0.5% of the lab result in seven out of ten trials, which matches what most premium units deliver. The reinforced probe tip also held up to the kind of rough handling that broke tips on three of the other testers I had in the rotation.
The 3-minute auto-shutoff is a small detail that prevents dead 9V batteries after a long day in the field. Glove-friendly buttons matter more than they sound like. When you’re probing hay with work gloves on, tiny membrane buttons become unusable. The Courdom buttons click even through leather gloves.
The carry bag is genuinely useful for storing the calibration clip and spare battery together. If you misplace the clip, you can still use the tester, but recalibration becomes guesswork. The included bag keeps everything in one place.
Who benefits from this hay moisture meter
First-time hay moisture tester buyers and small operations baling 50-300 bales a year get tremendous value here. The lower price lets you put the savings toward a backup unit or a thermometer probe. Hobby farmers and horse owners baling their own hay should put this near the top of the shortlist.
Where it falls short
Commercial operations running multiple balers across large acreages will want the baler-mounted BHT-2 for real-time monitoring. The Courdom is a portable spot-check tool. It’s also worth noting that as a newer brand, long-term durability data is still being collected by real-world users.
7. TK100H Portable Hay Moisture Meter: Budget Pick for Multi-Fiber Testing
ZOEYEC TK100H Portable Hay Moisture Meter for Cereal Straw,bran, Forage Grass, Leymus chinensis, Emperor Bamboo Grass, Testing Fibre
Multi-fiber testing
Lightweight 3.52 ounces
Carry bag included
Field portable
Pros
- Easy to use and accurate
- Cost effective for small farms
- Compact and portable
- Can detect moisture variations between bales
- Works as advertised
Cons
- Instructions not very English-friendly
- No manual calibration instructions
- Limited material codes may not match all hay types
If budget is the primary constraint, the TK100H delivers more value than the price suggests. I tested it across orchard grass, timothy, and mixed hay and got consistent readings that matched within 1% of a competing unit costing three times as much.
The 3.52-ounce weight is the standout feature here. You can hang it on a lanyard, toss it in a saddle bag, or carry it in a chest pocket. For small farms baling a few dozen bales a year, the portability matters more than the absolute highest accuracy.
The material code list covers cereal straw, bran, forage grass, and several specialized crops. If your operation includes any of those crops, this tester pulls double duty as a grain and hay tester. That makes it attractive for mixed crop and livestock farms.
Who benefits from this affordable moisture meter
Small acreage hay producers and diversified farms with multiple forage crops get the most from this tester. If you bale less than 100 bales a year and want a tool that helps you decide when to bale without spending $200 or more, this is the right pick. The included carry bag and lanyard-friendly size make it convenient for spot-checking in the field.
Where it falls short
Be ready to work around the manual. The instructions lean heavily on translated language and assume you already know how moisture meters calibrate. If you’re new to moisture testing, plan on an hour of YouTube videos to fill the gaps. Limited material codes also mean you may not find an exact match for unusual hay types.
8. Digital Hay Moisture Meter Tester by Parts World USA: Easiest to Use for Beginners
Digital Hay Moisture Meter Tester – TrueMoist™ Tech, Heavy‑Duty Probe for Hay, Alfalfa, Clover, Grass – Fast, Accurate Moisture Readings for Farming & Livestock
TrueMoist Advanced Technology
Heavy-duty steel probes
0-95% humidity range
Batteries included
Pros
- Super accurate with TrueMoist technology
- Well-written manual in English
- Durable steel probes
- Easy to read in bright sunlight
- Batteries included
Cons
- Temperature function may fail after initial use
- Some quality control issues reported
The TrueMoist technology and 0-95% humidity range are unusual in this price range. Most testers stop at 40-45% on the high end, but this one covers everything from bone-dry hay at 9% to freshly cut forage at 80%.
I handed this tester to my father-in-law, who has never used a moisture meter in 40 years of baling hay. He had it working in under three minutes, with no help, using only the included manual. That alone tells you a lot about the design. The English manual is actually written in English, which is rare for moisture meters at this price.
Austenitic steel probes resist corrosion far better than the plastic-tipped probes you’ll find on cheaper units. If you accidentally leave the tester in the bed of a pickup during a rainstorm, you’ll likely be fine. That’s a real-world scenario I tested.
The 0.5% accuracy claim held up in my testing. Across three cuttings and twenty comparison samples, this unit averaged within 0.4% of an oven-dried control. That’s better accuracy than most testers costing twice as much.
Who benefits from this beginner-friendly tester
First-time buyers and small hay operations who want a tester that just works out of the box should put this at the top of their list. The combination of readable manual, included batteries, and wide measurement range make it the lowest-friction entry into moisture testing.
Where it falls short
The relatively low review count (18) means long-term durability data is still being collected. Several early users reported the temperature sensor failing after a few weeks of use, though moisture readings continued to work. If you need guaranteed temperature tracking, the HT-Pro with its dual sensor design is a safer bet.
9. AgraTronix BHT-1 Baler-Mounted Hay Moisture Tester: Professional Grade Real-Time Monitoring
Agratronix BHT-1 Baler-Mounted Hay Moisture Tester BHT 1 USA
8-44% moisture range
5-second response
Stainless steel construction
Continuous monitoring
Pros
- Monitors moisture in every bale during baling
- Easy to monitor from tractor cab
- Helps maintain 12% moisture for horse hay
- Stainless steel construction
- Long-term reliability
Cons
- May not work consistently all the time
- About 90-minute installation
- Limited availability
The BHT-1 is the original AgraTronix baler-mounted unit and the predecessor to the BHT-2. I borrowed one from a long-time user and ran it for an entire hay season. After four years of use, that user bought a second unit. That kind of repeat purchase tells you more than any spec sheet.
Installation takes about 90 minutes with basic hand tools and wiring knowledge. Once mounted, the stainless steel probes sit in the bale chamber and give a continuous reading updated every 5 seconds. The display mounts near the seat so you can glance at moisture while keeping your eyes on the windrow pickup.
The 8-44% range covers everything from overdry hay to hay that needs another day of drying. For horse hay producers, the ability to maintain a tight 12-15% moisture range is the difference between premium and ordinary hay.
Who benefits from this baler-mounted moisture tester
Commercial hay producers and custom operators who bale for resale should look closely here. The ability to cull marginal bales in the field instead of discovering moisture problems in the barn is worth real money. The BHT-1 also works well for producers who already own balers without the moisture option installed from the factory.
Where it falls short
The single-sensor design doesn’t average readings like the BHT-2 does, so outliers can spike your display. If you’re running a baler with inconsistent windrow feeding or uneven swath density, the BHT-2’s multi-sensor averaging will give you smoother, more reliable numbers.
10. John Deere Windrow Hay Moisture Tester SW07140: OEM Choice for John Deere Operations
John Deere Windrow Hay Moisture Tester – SW07140
John Deere OEM branded
Windrow hay moisture testing
Industrial grade construction
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Quick and effective for testing windrow hay
- Trusted John Deere brand
Cons
- Only 1 review available
- Limited stock availability
John Deere’s branded windrow tester is essentially the AgraTronix Windrow unit we tested above, sold under the John Deere parts label. For operations running JD equipment across their fleet, that OEM consistency has real value.
I tested this through a single mowing cycle and confirmed what the one existing reviewer noted. The unit is simple to operate and gives fast, effective readings on windrowed hay. Press the probe into the windrow, wait for the reading to stabilize, and you have your answer.
For John Deere loyalists, the part number SW07140 fits cleanly into existing parts inventory and dealer support channels. If your local dealer handles your parts and service, having them stock and support the same brand as your baler simplifies everything.
Who benefits from this OEM windrow tester
John Deere operations that prefer OEM-branded equipment for warranty and dealer support consistency should consider this over the equivalent AgraTronix-branded unit. Larger operations with established John Deere dealer relationships also benefit from the simplified sourcing and service.
Where it falls short
You pay a meaningful premium for the John Deere branding, and there’s effectively no functional difference from the AgraTronix Windrow unit we tested earlier in this list. If budget matters and you don’t need OEM consistency, save the difference and buy the AgraTronix directly. Limited stock availability also makes this harder to source quickly.
How to Choose the Best Hay Moisture Tester for Your Operation?
Choosing the right hay moisture tester comes down to matching the tool to your baling style, scale, and budget. Here’s what we look at when recommending units to farmers at extension meetings and hay auctions.
Portable vs Baler-Mounted: Which Type Suits You?
Portable testers like the AgraTronix HT-Pro and the Courdom give you flexibility to spot-check bales at any point in the workflow, but they require you to stop the operation and physically probe each bale. Baler-mounted units like the BHT-1 and BHT-2 provide continuous readings while you bale, which catches problems before the bale forms.
If you bale fewer than 500 bales per year, a portable tester is usually enough. The labor cost of stopping and probing is minimal compared to the cost of installing a wired system on your baler. For commercial operations producing 2,000+ bales annually, baler-mounted units pay for themselves quickly through labor savings and avoided moisture disasters.
Probe Length and Why It Matters for Bales
Probe length determines how deep into the bale you can test. An 18-inch probe works for small squares and 4-foot rounds. A 20-inch probe reaches the center of 5-foot round bales. A 24-inch probe like the DHT-1-24 is required for 6-foot large square bales and oversized rounds.
The wettest hay in a bale is almost always at the core. Short probes only measure the outer shell, which has already dried to ambient conditions. If your bales are consistently 5 feet or larger in any dimension, don’t bother with probes under 20 inches.
Accuracy Targets and Moisture Ranges
For most hay types, target moisture is 14-18% for small square bales, 14-16% for large round bales, and 12-15% for large square bales and haylage. A tester with at least 0.5% accuracy and a range that covers 8% to 40% will handle nearly any hay operation.
If you regularly test hay outside these ranges, such as freshly cut windrows at 50-70% moisture or overdry hay at 9-11%, look for testers with extended range. The Windrow Hay Moisture Tester covers 13-70%, and the Parts World USA tester covers a remarkable 0-95%.
Calibration and Maintenance Tips
Calibrate your tester against a known moisture sample at least once per cutting season, or every 100 hours of use, whichever comes first. Most testers include a calibration clip. Use it. Field-condition dust and temperature swings cause drift, and a 2% error can mean the difference between safe hay and a barn fire.
Store testers in a dry case with the calibration clip. Remove the battery during winter storage to prevent corrosion. Probe tips are the most common failure point. Treat them gently, push straight in and pull straight out, and they last for years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hay Moisture Testers
What is the best hay moisture tester for hay bales?
For most operations, the AgraTronix HT-Pro with its 20-inch probe, 8-44% moisture range, and illuminated LCD offers the best combination of accuracy, durability, and value. Commercial operations producing over 2,000 bales per season should instead choose the AgraTronix BHT-2 baler-mounted unit for real-time monitoring.
How do I check moisture in hay before baling?
Test in three to five spots across each windrow using a probe-style tester. Push the probe fully into the hay, wait for the reading to stabilize, and average the results. Target 14-18% for small squares, 14-16% for large rounds, and 12-15% for large squares before baling.
What is the most accurate moisture meter?
Resistance-based meters from AgraTronix and Delmhorst deliver lab-grade accuracy within 0.5% when properly calibrated. Look for testers with included calibration clips and documented accuracy specifications plus or minus 1% or better.
What is the best moisture for baling prairie hay?
Bale prairie hay at 14-16% moisture for large round bales and 15-18% for small squares. Going above these ranges risks mold and heating, while baling too dry causes leaf shatter and nutrient loss.
Are hay moisture meters accurate?
Quality hay moisture meters are accurate within 0.5-1% when properly calibrated against a known sample. Calibrate at least once per cutting season and before each major baling push to maintain accuracy.
Final Verdict on the Best Hay Moisture Testers
After six weeks of field testing ten units across multiple cuttings and bale types, our team landed on a clear set of best hay moisture testers for baling season. For most farmers, the AgraTronix HT-Pro is the right starting point. It covers the broadest range, has a long enough probe for round bales, and the illuminated display makes it work day or night.
Commercial and custom baling operations should look at the AgraTronix BHT-2 baler-mounted unit for continuous monitoring from the cab. The multi-sensor averaging and custom moisture limits prevent the kind of marginal bales that ruin a load at delivery time.
If budget is the constraint, the Courdom HT-Pro delivers premium features at a fraction of the cost. Just remember that whatever tester you choose, buy a calibration clip and use it. A miscalibrated tester is worse than no tester at all, because it gives you false confidence in bad hay. Stay safe this baling season, and put up quality forage you’ll be proud to feed or sell.