Redexim Penetrometer User manual

ATTENTION:
IT IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO READ THIS USER MANUAL
CAREFULLY PRIOR TO USING THE PENETROMETER IN ORDER TO USE THE
MACHINE SAFELY AND TO OBTAIN THE BEST RESULTS.
0932 English 991.120.200
User Manual and Parts
Book
Penetrometer

2
Operating Instructions
Congratulations on purchasing your Redexim Penetrometer!
You now have in your possession the perfect scientific instrument for measuring
compaction levels in your soil at all depths down to 600mm (24in).
Description
The Penetrometer consists of a removable tapered cone tip, a measuring rod with depth
marks at 75mm (3in) intervals, a machined precision-bore pressure chamber, and a 0-104
bar (0-1500 psi) pressure gauge.
We have used stainless steel and high-grade anodized aluminium alloy to construct this
instrument for maximum durability and corrosion resistance.
By pushing the Penetrometer pointed tip into the soil, pressure is applied via the measuring
rod to the hydraulic piston within the pressure chamber. This gives you accurate pressure
readings on the guage in Bar and psi.
ASSEMBLING THE PENETROMETER
Please assemble your new Penetrometer as follows.
(See diagram)
1. Pick up the Pressure gauge and chamber assembly (Item 4 on diagram).
2. Slide the handle bar (Item 3) through the drilled orifice above the pressure gauge on
the pressure chamber.
3. Tighten the handle by screwing the hexagon socket set screw (Item1) into the top of
the pressure chamber with the wrench supplied until the handbar is tight and cannot
move sideways (do not over tighten Item 1).
4. Slide the handle bar grips onto either side of the handlebar.
5. Screw the measuring rod (Item 5) into the pressure chamber by hand until tight.
6. Screw the pointed tip into the measuring rod by hand until tight.
Your Penetrometer is now assembled and ready for immediate use.

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CARE AND HANDLING
The Penetrometer should be handled with respect and care. If looked after properly,
it will operate for many years without problem.
CAUTION
Never push the Penetrometer guage needle over the 104 bar (1500psi)
reading on the gauge, as it will result in damage to the instrument!
SAFETY
The tapered tip is very sharp and should be removed when not in use.
CHECKING THE GAUGE FOR ACCURACY
Should you doubt the accuracy of the gauge at any time, you can check the reading on your
bathroom scales.
1. Place a small wooden block between the Penetrometer tip and the platform of the
bathroom scales.
2. Push the compaction meter downwards until the scale reads 20kgs (93 pounds).
3. The Penetrometer gauge should now read 20 bar (600 psi).
WHAT IS COMPACTION?
Soil is comprised of mineral or organic soil particles with spaces in between called “pore
space”. This space contains varying amounts of air and water depending on soil type and
conditions. The ratio of particle to pore space would ideally be 50:50 in natural un-
compacted friable soils.
However in soils which are supporting sports turf the reality is very different! The modern
demands of continuous play and the regular use of machinery, often in wet and highly
unfavourable conditions, is very destructive to soil structure and results in the condition
described as “compaction”.
Compaction starts at the surface and builds progressively throughout the soil profile often to
considerable depths preventing water penetration and the movement and up-take of all
essential elements. As the soil particles pack closer and closer together pore space is
eliminated and the soil is devoid of air and water, thus denying grass plants the “essentials of
life”.
USA research has demonstrated that soils compacted to levels measuring over
300 psi can seriously inhibit root development. However, it is not unusual to find compaction
levels of 600-800 PSI in sports turf including golf greens.
USING THE PENETROMETER
To use the Penetrometer, the operator should stand with his/her feet at approximately
shoulder width apart and with his/her hands placed on the handle bar grips.
By pushing down on the bar slowly and evenly, the operator can observe soil compaction
rates at all levels by reading the measurement scale on the pressure gauge in either Bar or
psi.

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For quick reference and ease of use the gauge is marked with coloured bands in green,
yellow and red.
1. The green zone 0 – 200 psi (14 Bar) indicates acceptable un-compacted levels.
2. The yellow zone 200 – 300 psi (21 Bar) indicates suspect levels of compaction for most
healthy plant growth.
3. The red zone 300 psi plus (21 Bar plus) indicates unacceptable compaction levels for
good root growth and development.
When testing grass turf surfaces for compaction it is important to take as many readings as
possible paying particular attention to high or dry spots and areas of hard wear such as walk
on or walk off areas on golf greens or goal mouths etc.
TECHNIQUE
E.g. 1 On a football or rugby pitches begin at a corner and work your way across the pitch in
a “W” shape testing at regular intervals as you go and noting the readings and depth
on a pad and their location on a drawing as below.
You should also pay particular attention to the goal mouths and centre area.
E.g. 2 On golf greens (500m²) work around the green in a circular direction testing at regular
intervals and gradually moving in towards the centre of the green. Pay particular
attention to high spots and areas of heavy wear.

Redexim-Charterhouse Penetrometer Pag 1 Code 0932
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Redexim-Charterhouse Penetrometer Pag 1 Code 0932
QUAREMARKSDESCRIPTIONPART #
1 Manometer 0 -100 Bar536.310.6801
1
Rubber ring
766.050.0302
1Rubber ring766.080.0203
1
Cupper ring
874.130.1324
2Rubber sleeve446.021.020
5
1Middle bar472.104.8606
1Lower bar472.120.980
7
1Top bar472.121.4208
1Handgrip472.162.5009
1Base element472.301.81010
1Bolt DIN 912 - M3 x 6814.030.06011
1Bolt DIN 912 - M6 x 10814.060.10012
1 Hex. Socket Set Screw DIN 916 - M6 x 16818.060.16013
1Hex. Socket Set Screw DIN 916 - M6 x 35818.080.35014