Cheap yield meter

[manttys]

Hi, I have purchased viariable rate fert spreader, will be doing soil analysis after the harvest and do other things that can save me some money/ improve yields. In my opinion, all this is pretty useless without a combine that can track and record yields in the field and in its' problematic/good pats. I don't have funds for newer combine and likely will not have in near future, so I suppose I could install a yield meter in order to get what I want. I know trimble has got one, but it is pretty dear. Any suggestions for cheaper alternatives?

 

[Gadget]

RDS Ceres 8000i, I don't know the price though.

Claydon used to make one but it is not showing on their website.

Years ago I had a cheap balance type bushel weight weigher. I put two full combine tanks into a trailer and took the bushel weight, once the trailer had been weighed I worked out the volume of the combine tank it was possible to, fairly accurately, decide how much weight was in each tank. It's a bit of guesswork with part tanks but will give you a fair idea.
The kg/hl weigher is for sale on Agricultural supply services website for £60

 

[DanniAgro]

There's no "cheap" way to fit an electrical yield meter to your combine - in the past I've used a method similar to Gadgets, to get a rough idea of yields.

 

[Barleycorn]

Should have got a Weylode, hydraulic pressure gauge on your trailer, but sadly that train has long gone. I used to be totally anal and weigh every load and compensate for moisture content, but to be honest just ask the combine driver what it looks like, by the time you harvest it it's too late to do anything anyway.

 

[Phil P]

RDS Ceres 8000i, I don't know the price though.

Claydon used to make one but it is not showing on their website.

Years ago I had a cheap balance type bushel weight weigher. I put two full combine tanks into a trailer and took the bushel weight, once the trailer had been weighed I worked out the volume of the combine tank it was possible to, fairly accurately, decide how much weight was in each tank. It's a bit of guesswork with part tanks but will give you a fair idea.
The kg/hl weigher is for sale on Agricultural supply services website for £60

There's no "cheap" way to fit an electrical yield meter to your combine - in the past I've used a method similar to Gadgets, to get a rough idea of yields.

Should have got a Weylode, hydraulic pressure gauge on your trailer, but sadly that train has long gone. I used to be totally anal and weigh every load and compensate for moisture content, but to be honest just ask the combine driver what it looks like, by the time you harvest it it's too late to do anything anyway.

I Pretty sure that what @manttys wants to do is actually “yield map“ the field rather than just know the total average.

What combine are you running @manttys ? Dose does it have any sort of yield metering at all?

Have a google of “combine yield monitor kit” there’s a few companies with offerings but non giving prices! I would think you’ll be in the region of 6k for an aftermarket kit though.

 

[manttys]

I Pretty sure that what @manttys wants to do is actually “yield map“ the field rather than just know the total average.

What combine are you running @manttys ? Dose does it have any sort of yield metering at all?

Have a google of “combine yield monitor kit” there’s a few companies with offerings but non giving prices! I would think you’ll be in the region of 6k for an aftermarket kit though.

You are correct. There was a used rds ceres kit on Farmers guide last winter and I am pretty mad at myself I did not take the opportunity

I think trimble kit is around 4 k without the screen, need to find how much is RDS ceres. My combine is old class dominator. But even if I upgrade to tucano in the future, it will still miss the yield meter (most likely), so i could transfer it from one combine to another.

 

[Northern farmer]

6k sounds high, we have Ceres 8000i on one distributor at 4800 € (VAT 0%), including installation and the GPS receiver. I'd expect the UK price being a bit lower.

I have no experience but they should provide pretty good installation instructions to different combine models. DIY installation and if you happen to have the GPS receiver already, the price should be pretty reasonable?

 

[Steevo]

6k sounds high, we have Ceres 8000i on one distributor at 4800 € (VAT 0%), including installation and the GPS receiver. I'd expect the UK price being a bit lower.

I have no experience but they should provide pretty good installation instructions to different combine models. DIY installation and if you happen to have the GPS receiver already, the price should be pretty reasonable?

GPS receiver only adds £50 or so to the price.

 

[gorgous]

Assuming nothing has changed with the rds setup thyre pretty easy to fit. Just have to attach a plate to each grain tank elavator paddle. Then drill two holes opposite each other in elevator trunking. The rest just bolts on. Calibrate and go. I fitted one to my tx68 years ago. I did have Chap from rds come and calibrate it as was only way he would sell me parts plus he was nice fella and very helpfull. But if no rds reps in your country wouldnt worry about buying one is easy and simple to fit.

 

[puma power]

I have a used ag leader setup for a New Holland CR be cheap!

 

[manttys]

Could you recomend a trustworthy rds rep in UK? I am pretty handy with tools and software, so should be fine with online support

 

[Northdowns Martin]

John Evans was the man but sadly retired @Bob lincs may know who is on his level at RDS

 

[Phil P]

Think LH Agro are now part of rds, perhaps @Robt would know who to speak to?

 

[Steevo]

Think LH Agro are now part of rds, perhaps @Robt would know who to speak to?

Good thinking that.

Topcon now own RDS.

 

[Steevo]

I have a Ceres 8000i - works pretty well and worth having.

I've heard the NH system is better.

Don't discount that you may like/want software to help view the maps too. I have the basic PLM viewer, but it can't really create all singing all dancing maps.

 

[Simon Robbins]

Hi, I have purchased viariable rate fert spreader, will be doing soil analysis after the harvest and do other things that can save me some money/ improve yields. In my opinion, all this is pretty useless without a combine that can track and record yields in the field and in its' problematic/good pats. I don't have funds for newer combine and likely will not have in near future, so I suppose I could install a yield meter in order to get what I want. I know trimble has got one, but it is pretty dear. Any suggestions for cheaper alternatives?

Hi if you message me i can get you a price for RDS Ceres8000i monitor, it works very well and easy retro fit system.

 

[Robt]

Think LH Agro are now part of rds, perhaps @Robt would know who to speak to?

Hi, LH Agro are the UK authorised dealer for Topcon prodcucts. Topcon bought RDS in about 2014 ish. They (LH Agro) can supply RDS products i think. Call Rebecca in the office, 01480 496367.
Top quality work

 

[Northern farmer]

GPS receiver only adds £50 or so to the price.

An EGNOS capable GPS receiver at £50? Ardusimple F9P on RTK at about 150 Euros but commercial EGNOS receivers used to be almost 1000 Euros.

 

[Bob lincs]

John Evans was the man but sadly retired @Bob lincs may know who is on his level at RDS

I have spoken to John Newcome and Tom Rowe at RDS both very knowledgeable and helpful .

 

[Steevo]

An EGNOS capable GPS receiver at £50? Ardusimple F9P on RTK at about 150 Euros but commercial EGNOS receivers used to be almost 1000 Euros.

It's only a case of buying an antenna to plug into the box, the standard Ceres box itself can receive/decode the EGNOS.