Harvest may still feel a little way off, but now is the time to check your moisture meter is ready.
A meter that has been stored since last season may look ready to go, but small issues can go unnoticed as correct readings start to drift. A quick check now gives you time to spot anything unusual and get it sorted before the pre harvest rush begins.
If your moisture meter is giving different readings from sample to sample, struggling to settle on a result, or showing figures that do not match expected crop conditions, it could be a sign that the instrument needs servicing, calibration, or repair.
Even if an error code only appears occasionally or disappears after restarting the meter, it is often an early warning sign that something is not quite right. Ignoring temporary faults can lead to bigger issues later, especially during busy harvest periods when you rely on accurate readings most.
If your moisture meter is becoming harder to compress, taking longer to grind samples, or not operating as smoothly as it once did, it could be a sign of wear within the grinder or compressor assembly. Reduced grinding efficiency can affect sample consistency and ultimately impact the accuracy and reliability of moisture test results.
Applying a small bias adjustment to align your moisture meter with a known calibrated unit is perfectly normal, but if the bias setting is constantly being pushed to its limit, it can be a sign the machine is drifting out of calibration or suffering from internal wear. Relying heavily on bias adjustments may mask underlying issues that could eventually affect accuracy and consistency during harvest.
Sometimes the simplest signs are the easiest to overlook. If your moisture meter rattles when handled, has missing bungs, sticky or unresponsive buttons, or simply feels more worn than it should, it may be worth having it inspected. Internal loose grain, worn components, or general wear and tear can all affect the reliability and performance of the machine over time.
If you have an inspection or assurance scheme audit coming up, it is worth checking whether your moisture meter has a current service and calibration certificate. If not, now is the ideal time to get it serviced so you have the documentation and confidence that your meter is performing accurately when it matters most.
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