C-Dax pasture meter+ User manual

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Operation Manual
Version: 2400-6640 –7 July 2022

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This section contains:
•Introduction
•Important Safety Warning
•Important Safety Information
•Table of Contents
•Warranty
•Disclaimer. Limit of Liability
SECTION 1
Introduction

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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a C-Dax Pasturemeter+. It represents
World’s Best Technology, which has been carefully designed to provide key
decision making tools to pastoral farmers. We anticipate these tools will deliver
economic benefits to our customers - please be assured that this is our objective.
We are confident that your Pasturemeter+ will perform for many years as long as
sensible equipment husbandry practices are followed. Extensive trials have been
conducted during the development phase to ensure that this product is able to
function reliably in the punishing agricultural environment. We have endeavoured
to make the Pasturemeter+ as robust and functional as possible, but please
remember that like any piece of precision electronic equipment, its performance
parameters need to be respected.
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
equipment, THE PASTUREMETER+ WILL EFFECT THE STABILITY AND
HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TOWING VEHICLE. FAILURE TO TAKE
ACCOUNT OF THIS AND EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING THE PASTURE
METER+ MAY RESULT IN INJURY, OR IN EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES, DEATH TO
THE OPERATOR OR BYSTANDERS. OPERATORS ARE REMINDED THAT
GROUND CONDITIONS COULD BE SLIPPERY AND THAT UNDULATIONS IN
TERRAIN MAY BE CONCEALED BY GRASS OR OTHER VEGETATION.
OPERATORS ARE FURTHER REMINDED NEVER TO EXCEED THE
MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDED LOADING LIMITS FOR THE TOWING
VEHICLE. C-Dax accepts no liability whatsoever for damage or injuries sustained
while using The Pasture Meter+.

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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.
Spray tanks or other equipment must be filled only to a level where the gross weight is within the
load limit of the ATV or other vehicle.
Safety is a primary concern in the design, manufacture, sale, and use of spray tanks and other
equipment. As manufacturers of spray tanks and other equipment we want to confirm to you, our
customers, our concern for safety. We take this opportunity to remind you about the simple,
basic and common sense rules of safety when using spray tanks and other equipment. Failure to
follow these rules can result in severe injury or death to operators and bystanders.
It is essential that everyone involved in the assembly, operation, transport, maintenance and
storage of this equipment be aware, concerned, prudent and properly trained in safety.
This also applies to equipment that is loaned or rented to someone who has not read the owner’s
manual and is not familiar with the operation of the equipment.
•NEVER EXCEED THE LOAD LIMIT CAPACITY OF THE ATV OR OTHER VEHICLE.
•ALL ATV AND TRAILED EQUIPMENT TYRES SHOULD BE INFLATED TO
MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDED OPERATING PRESSURES.
•PLEASE NOTE THAT FILLING THE SPRAY TANK OR OTHER EQUIPMENT
COMPLETELY AND OR THE ATTACHMENT OF ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT TO THE ATV
MAY EXCEED THE ATV’S MAXIMUM LOAD/S CAPACITY AND IT IS NOT
RECOMMENDED TO EXCEED MANUFACTURERS GUIDELINES
•LOAD/S SHOULD BE PROPERLY DISTRIBUTED AND SECURELY ATTACHED.
•REDUCE SPEED WHEN CARRYING LOAD/S OR PULLING A TRAILER OR TRAILED
APPLICATION EQUIPMENT AND ALLOW GREATER DISTANCE FOR BRAKING.
•NEVER ALLOW ANYONE TO RIDE ON YOUR SPRAYER OR OTHER EQUIPMENT.
•ALWAYS FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE OWNER’S VEHICLE MANUAL FOR
CARRYING LOADS OR PULLING A TRAILER.
•PROPER MAINTENANCE IN LINE WITH MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES IS ESSENTIAL.
•BEFORE APPLYING CHEMICALS, READ THE LABEL OF THE CHEMICAL
MANUFACTURER OR SUPPLIER FOR THEIR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
INSTRUCTIONS AND OPERATE AS RECOMMENDED.
•THE SAFETY OF ALL CHEMICALS USED IN AGRICULTURE IS UNDER THE
JURISDICTION OF A GOVERNMENT AGENCY, EG. N.Z. MINISTRY FOR THE
ENVIRONMENT; USA ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ETC. FURTHER
LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR STATE LAWS MAY APPLY.

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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 ......................................................................................................... 3
The Sensor ...................................................................................................................... 4
The XC3 Console............................................................................................................ 5
Assembly and Setup............................................................................................................ 6
Sled Setup ....................................................................................................................... 7
Setting the angle of sled to the ground........................................................................ 7
To fit the draw-bar: ..................................................................................................... 8
Adjusting the angle of sled ......................................................................................... 8
Check Clearance on sled movement ......................................................................... 10
Understanding the Sensor ............................................................................................. 12
Understanding Pasture Covers...................................................................................... 14
Pasture cover equation adjustment............................................................................ 14
Maintenance...................................................................................................................... 15
Maintaining Your Pasturemeter+.................................................................................. 16
Removing the Shroud ................................................................................................... 18
Removing the Sensor .................................................................................................... 19
Dispatching for Repair.................................................................................................. 22
Parts................................................................................................................................... 23
Exploded Parts Diagram ............................................................................................... 24
Exploded Parts List ....................................................................................................... 25
Quick Reference................................................................................................................ 26
DIY Calibration Method ............................................................................................... 27
Equation Calculation Steps ....................................................................................... 28
Understanding the Pasture Calibration Process ........................................................ 29
What do the Values Mean? ....................................................................................... 29
Year Round Pasture Cover Equations Table ............................................................ 30
Seasonal Pasture Cover Equations Table.................................................................. 31

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Warranty
1. WARRANTY and LIABILITY
Use of the equipment
1.1 You must satisfy yourself as to the suitability of the equipment for your intended
use(s) of the equipment.
Your relationship with the retailer
1.2 Where you consider you have a warranty claim (or any other claim) in relation to
the equipment, you must contact the retailer who sold you the equipment, not C-
Dax directly. The retailer is responsible for liaising with C-Dax in respect of your
claim.
Warranty
1.3 C-Dax warrants to the original purchaser that the equipment is sold free from
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 12 months from date of first
retail sale (6 months from date of first retail sale if the equipment is sold in the
U.K.) subject to the terms set out below.
1.4 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.
Liability
1.5 Except for the warranty set out in clause 1.2 above, all warranties and
representations (including those expressed or implied by law) in respect of the
equipment or advice relating to the equipment provided to you by C-Dax are
excluded to the extent permitted by law.
1.6 Notwithstanding anything else in this manual, C-Dax’s maximum liability to you (in
the event that such liability exists) in respect of any breach of warranty, any
matter set out in this manual, or for defective equipment or advice relating to the
equipment provided is limited at C-Dax’s option to:
(a) repairing or replacing the equipment (or part of the equipment); or
(b) notifying the retailer of the equipment to refund the price for the equipment
paid by you.

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1.7 Notwithstanding anything else in this manual, in no event will C-Dax be liable,
whether in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise:
(a) 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);
(b) where the equipment is not transported, stored, handled or used in
accordance with any directions given by C-Dax (or the retailer) to you
(including as set out in this manual);
(c) where the equipment:
(i) has been subject to neglect, accident or hireage, or the damage arises
from fair wear and tear, battery damage or chemical attack;
(ii) has been built to a customer’s specifications; or
(iii) has been dismantled, repaired or serviced other than by an authorised
service agent of C-Dax;
(d) for loss or damage caused by any factors beyond C-Dax’s control; or
(e) for any loss of profit or revenue, or for any special, indirect, incidental or
consequential damage, loss or injury of any kind suffered by you.
1.8 Where C-Dax elects to repair or replace the equipment it will use reasonable
endeavours to do so as soon as practicable but will not be liable for any delay in
doing so.
1.9 You agree that the transactions entered into between you and the retailer (and C-
Dax) are for the purposes of trade and that, having regard to all relevant
circumstances of the transactions, it is fair and reasonable that the provisions of
the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (NZ) do not apply to those transactions to the
fullest extent permitted by law.

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This section contains:
•General Description
•The Sled Assembly
•Safety Warning
•The Sensor
•The Indicator Console
SECTION 2
General Descriptions

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General Description
To date, pasture cover measurement is normally performed by one of the
following 3 methods.
•Visual assessment
•Rising Plate Meter
•Pasture Probe
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.
It is an electronic device that is trailed behind an ATV, and operated at speeds of
up to 20 kph. It has wheels which are lowered to allow travel on roads, farm
races / tracks, and which can be raised to allow the sled to run directly on the
ground in the measurement position. The wheels then act as outriggers for
stability.
The Pasturemeter+ has been designed to measure the height of pasture grass
and average the readings. Internal software then converts the averaged readings
to kgDM/ha by using a calibration equation that can be changed for different
times of the year.
The sensor takes 200 height readings per second. At a ground speed of 20kph,
this represents a reading every 27mm of ground traveled.
The measuring sensor is mounted on a purpose built sled which is trailed behind
an ATV or farm vehicle at speeds of up to 20 kph depending on terrain. The
sensor has 18 light beams for measurement purposes between the left and right
vertical arms.

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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. To ensure that this
is maintained as much as possible, the frame on which the sensor is mounted
has been constructed from heavy gauge steel. This provides both structural
strength and the weight necessary to keep the sled on the ground. Special
“blade” like fixtures have been built into the “feet” of the frame to stabilise tracking
during operation.
The wheels are only used for transport purposes to and from work sites
and when travelling along farm tracks / races. When in the measurement
position, the wheels are locked up clear of the ground and the sled sits
down firmly on the ground. In this position, the wheels act as stabilising
outriggers minimising the effects of sideways rocking.
Please Note. The wheels should be placed in the transport position
whenever the Pasturemeter+ is not being operated on grass, however brief
the period is.

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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.
Operator experience and regular inspection of the polycarbonate windows will
ensure reliability of results.
The Sensor
The sensor consists of 18 light beam emitters at 20 mm spacings on one side of
the sensor frame and 18 light beam detectors at 20 mm spacings on the other
side of the sensor frame. In operation, 18 light beams exist between one side of
the sensor and the other. Whenever any light paths between the two sides are
broken, the result is recorded as a relative height measurement.
The sensor measures the height of grass at 20mm increments and then converts
this into kgDM/ha. Some grass obviously falls between the light beams and must

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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:
•7 light paths broken records as = 140mm (7 x 20mm)
•PLUS the 10mm adjustment
•= 150mm
The XC3 Console
For operating instructions please refer to the XC3 operations manual.

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This section contains:
•Sled Setup
•The Indicator Console
•Operating Hints
•Understanding the Sensor
•Understanding Pasture Covers
SECTION 3
Assembly and Setup

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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.
It is most important that the sled be slightly raised at front to allow easy passage
over terrain. If angled downwards, the front of the sled is likely to dig into the
ground. Particular care should be taken in conditions where stones are present to
ensure the angle of the Pasturemeter+ is set to ride over stones that might be
protruding slightly through the soil.
Please note: that the Pasturemeter+ is not
intended to be operated in conditions where it is
likely to be subject to repeated contact with
whole, large stones.

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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. Experience will determine the best angle for the
terrain being traversed.
The operator should exercise care and common
sense when determining the speed to be traveled.
The equipment is designed to travel at up to
20kph on ideal terrain. This maximum speed
applies regardless of whether the unit is
measuring or in transit. If the surface is rough, or
if obstacles are present, then a much slower
speed should be used.

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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
up at any time

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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.
CAUTION
Exercise caution around the moving parts of the Pasturemeter+. The sled
will automatically return to its wheels down state whenever power is
initially connected. Keep hands away from all moving parts of the sled and
feet clear of the underside of the sled.
WARNING
Ensure that the power cable is disconnected when uncoupling the sled
draw-bar. Moving the towing vehicle away from the sled with the cables
attached could result in damage to the cable and/or connectors.

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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. A starting point would be 135
kPa (20 Psi).
DANGER
Do not attempt to reverse the towing vehicle with wheels locked in
measuring position. It is not designed to go backwards and any attempt to
do so is could result in severe mechanical damage and perhaps personal
injury.

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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. If this occurs,
inspect the polycarbonate windows and the side protective tapered edge
shields and wipe off the obstructing material with a soft damp cloth. Should
this not rectify the situation, please refer to the trouble shooting tips at the
end of this manual.
Placing an object or hand between the sensor side arms will result in height
readings being displayed on the indicator console. The sensor takes 200
readings a second which are then averaged to update the indicator console
display once per second.
•When stationary in the pasture measurement position (wheels up),
the indicator console readings can vary if individual blades of grass
are blown across the light beams intermittently.
•The clear polycarbonate windows should be inspected at the
beginning and end of any period of operation.

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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. Metal objects are
likely chip or scratch which may
lead to moisture contacting
electronic components. This is
likely to lead to equipment failure