An accurate weighing system for crimping and dry-rolling machines
The innovative Kelvin Cave on-board weighing system for crimping and dry-rolling machines takes the guesswork out of the tonnage being processed allowing accurate application of preservatives and a reliable measurement of crop yield.
Now farmers and contractors can have access to precise information on every batch of grain processed through their Korte Crimper or KC Bruiser.
The system comprises three integrated load cells; one each in a pair of independently levelling hydraulic rear jack legs and one on the drawbar. These are linked to a computer unit that can be located in the tractor cab and interfaced by a series of push buttons and an LCD screen. Set-up and operation is both quick and simple:
- Machine is hydraulically jacked and levelled.
- Tare weight of the unladen machine is recorded and the system zeroed.
- The hopper is filled and a micro-switch on the grain door triggers the computer as the first of the grain is delivered to the rollers. Loss in weight from the hopper is detected by the load cells and output from the elevator calculated in kilos per second.
The key strength of the system lies in the fact that it is not necessary to suspend operation while the hopper is replenished. As soon as any gain in weight as grain is tipped into the hopper is detected, the computer suspends real-time output monitoring and calculates the average output over the previous corresponding period. Once it detects that no further weight is being added to the hopper it adds the weight to the last recorded figure and the system reverts to real-time calculations once again.
This means an entire batch of grain can be processed without interruption.
Exhaustive trialling across a range of cereals has shown consistent accuracy to within ±1% of actual weighbridge checks. Batch data can be stored in the computer and recalled at any time or downloaded for permanent logging.
The weighing system has been developed jointly between Kelvin Cave Ltd and weighing equipment specialist Griffiths Elder and employs proven technology throughout.
It is available for retrofit on certain machines and as an affordable option on all new models.
