Evaluation Report No.

E0175E
Printed: February, 1977
Tested at: Lethbridge
ISSN 0383-3445

Evaluation Report 5

Dole 400 (PB-70-11) Moisture Tester

A Co-operative Program Between
ALBERTA
FARM
MACHINERY
RESEARCH
CENTRE
PAMI
PRAIRIE AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY INSTITUTE
Dole 400 (PB-70-11) Moisture Tester
The Manufacturer States That:
Manufacturer: 1. The scale accuracy is within 0.1% when floating between stops.
Eaton Control Products A balance mark on the hopper front would make weighing
191 East North Avenue extremely difficult when testing large kernel size grain, such as
Carol Stream, Illinois 60187 corn, where the addition of a single kernel would take the scale
U.S.A. past an arbitrary balance point.
2. Identical increments on the thermometer/temperature correction
Distributors: indicator will be considered. The temperature correction scale,
Allied Farm Equipment like the grain curves, is an average, therefore, errors caused
Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg by the coarse increments is minimal.
3. Calibration charts for specific grain commodities may be
Frank Flaman Wholesale Ltd. obtained by submitting samples to Eaton Corporation along
Southey, Saskatchewan with a letter requesting a curve check. The repeatability of this
instrument allows a full field correction factor to be used by
Retail Price: comparing readings on several samples to the local elevator
$230.00 (January 1977, fio.b. Lethbridge) tester. An average of the differences may then be used as a
field correction factor. By adding or subtracting the average
field correction factor, the user will maintain a close relationship
with his local elevator.
4. The use of S.I. units will be included in the near future to comply
with the U.S. metrification program.

General Description
The Dole 400 moisture tester determines grain moisture
content using the capacitance principle. Moisture content for wheat,
oats, barley, rye, corn, sorghum and soybeans can be read directly
from the main dial. Moisture charts for 36 additional grains are
supplied in the instruction manual.
A grain sample of 141.8 g (5 oz) is weighed on an externally
mounted grain cup and balance. The meter must be placed on a
reasonably level surface for sample weighing.
A thermometer, graduated both in °F and in percent moisture
Figure 1. Detailed View of Dole 400 Grain Moisture Tester. to be added or subtracted, is supplied with the meter to correct for
sample temperature.
The meter operates on a 9 volt transistor battery or may be
Summary and Conclusions equipped with an optional AC-DC converter for use with 110 volt
Accuracy of the Dole 400 moisture tester was excellent in power.
wheat, good in barley, and fair in oats and rapeseed. Meter A sturdy plastic carrying case is supplied with the meter.
accuracy could be greatly improved by modification of the Complete specifications are found in Appendix I.
calibration charts in rapeseed.
Meter repeatability was excellent in wheat, oats and rapeseed Scope of Test
and very good in barley. The Dole 400 was used to determine moisture contents in
Meter readings varied from 0.1% low to accurate in wheat, wheat, oats, barley and rapeseed. Meter readings were compared to
from 0.2 to 1.1% low in barley, from 1.1% high to 1.7% low in moisture contents obtained using the Canadian Grain Commission
oats and from 1.4 to 1.6% high in rapeseed, over the range of
Research Laboratory oven method. All moisture contents were
moisture contents from 12 to 20% for cereal grains and 8 to 15%
expressed on a percent wet weight basis.
for rapeseed.
For each grain, samples of several different varieties, grown
Meter readings were dependent upon grain variety, geographic
in several locations, were used to determine meter characteristics.
location in which a grain was grown and many other variables. It is
The meter was used with artificially tempered grain (dry grain
recommended that a user annually check a few samples against
which was moistened in the laboratory and allowed to stabilize
the meter used by his local grain elevator to determine a suitable
before moisture measurement) and with naturally tempered grain
correction factor.
(originally dry windrows which had been rained upon and were
The meter was durable and easily transported in its carrying
being dried naturally). It was also used with field samples of several
case for field use. The instruction manual was clear and concise.
grain varieties at various stages of maturity, which had not been
subjected to rain after windrowing.
The moisture content of each grain sample was measured five
Recommendations times with the meter. In total, over 500 measurements were made
It is recommended that the manufacturer consider: with the Dole 400.
1. Improving sample weighing accuracy by placing a mark on The meter was evaluated for ease of operation, accuracy,
the hopper front to indicate balanced position of the weighing repeatability, durability and portability.
system.
2. Making the moisture correction scale on the thermometer
easier to use by graduating it in the same increments as used Results and Discussion
on the main dial. EASE OF OPERATION
3. Modifying the calibration chart for rapeseed to improve meter The Dole 400 was easy to operate. The meter was instant on,
accuracy. requiring no warm-up. Less than one minute was needed to weigh
4. Modifying the instruction manual and meter main dial by a sample and make a moisture measurement. The meter had to be
inclusion of S.I. units and supplying a metric thermometer, to mounted on a reasonably level surface for sample weighing.
be consistent with the Canadian metric conversion program. The thermometer for temperature correction was graduated in
Chief Engineer -- E.O. Nyborg 0.25% moisture divisions to be added or subtracted from the main
Senior Engineer -- E.H. Wiens dial reading. The thermometer scale would have been easier to
Project Engineer -- D.R. Stafford use if it were graduated in 0.2% divisions to correspond with the
graduations on the main dial. The thermometer was also graduated
Page 2
in °F for use with the charts in the instruction manual for more content. Meter readings corresponded with true moisture content
accurate moisture determinations. at 15%. The statistical significance of the best-fit line is given in
The meter was electronically zeroed using the balance knob. Appendix II.
This was quickly done and had to be repeated only periodically to
ensure accurate readings.
Moisture content was easily read to the nearest 0.1% on the
main dial. The error due to reading the meter from an angle (parallax)
was insignificant.
The power switch was spring loaded and had to be held
during readings. This prevented accidental battery failure as it was
impossible to leave the meter turned on. The same battery was
used throughout the test for over 500 moisture measurements. The
battery was easily replaced and readily obtainable.

ACCURACY
Sample Weight: The balance for measuring sample weight Figure 3. Deviations of Meter Readings for Dole 400 in Barley.

gave differences of 2 g from lift-off to overbalance. Sample weight

differences of 2 g resulted in a difference in moisture content of only
0.2%. If grain were poured into the balance at a steady rate, an
overfill of over 10 g was possible due to scale reaction time and
operator error. Each 10 g overfill would cause moisture content
readings to be in error by 1%. It is suggested that to overcome this
possibility, a mark should be placed on the hopper to indicate the
point of balance. Operating instructions should stress that accurate
weighing is necessary.
Moisture Content: Charts and main dial graduations supplied
with the Dole 400 indicated that it was capable of measuring moisture
contents varying from 6.0 to 26.0% in wheat, 6.0 to 25.0% in barley,
Figure 4. Deviations of Meter Readings for Dole 400 in Oats.
8.4 to 23.4% in oats and 6.6 to 16.3% in rapeseed. The Dole 400
was evaluated with samples ranging in moisture content from 9.5
The best-fit line for the Dole 400 in rapeseed is given in
to 25.9% in wheat, 10.0 to 30.5% in barley, 11.1 to 27.8% in oats
Figure 5. The line shows the average results for samples of several
and 6.5 to 15.5% in rapeseed. The range of moisture contents of
varieties from 10 fields, which had received no rain after windrowing.
greatest concern for cereal grains varies from about 12 to 20%, and
The meter readings ranged from 1.4 to 1.6% high over the range of
for rapeseed from 8 to 15%. These ranges include dry, tough and
moisture contents from 8 to 15%. Statistical data are presented in
damp grains.
Appendix II. Results could be significantly improved by preparation
Figure 2 presents results for the Dole 400 in wheat. It shows the
of a new moisture chart for rapeseed. For example, subtracting
deviation of meter readings from true moisture content over a range
1.5% from the meter reading would make the meter accurate at 12%
of moisture contents. The best-fit line gives the average results for
and in error by less than 0.2% at other moisture contents. Because
25 samples of certified Neepawa wheat which had been artificially
heating of moist rapeseed is a problem, accurate readings are
tempered (moisture added and samples stabilized in the laboratory)
desirable in the region around 10%, which represents the borderline
together with 20 samples of naturally tempered Neepawa wheat
between dry and tough rapeseed.
from a field at Humboldt, Saskatchewan (originally dry windrows
which had been rained upon) and 12 samples of several varieties of
spring wheat from fields at Lethbridge, Alberta which were maturing
in the windrow and had received no rain. The difference between
meter readings and true moisture content were insignificant since
meter readings varied from 0.1% low at 12% moisture content to
accurate at 20%. Data showing statistical significance of the best-fit
line are presented in Appendix II.

Figure 5. Deviations of Meter Readings for Dole 400 in Rapeseed.

Sources of Error: The Following precautions must be taken to

ensure accurate moisture content readings:
1. Making sure that the sample is poured into the hopper at a
constant rate and as quickly as possible. The rate at which the
grain is poured changes the packing density and could result in
moisture content error up to 0.5%.
Figure 2. Deviations of Meter Readings for Dole 400 in Wheat.
2. Correctly setting the balance meter to its mechanical zero
(null position). The mechanical zero or null position does not
Figure 3 presents the best-fit line for the Dole 400 in barley. It
necessarily coincide with the center of the circle on the balance
gives the average results for 13 samples of tempered Betzes barley
meter scale. Failure to use the null position as the mechanical
and 10 samples from four barley fields at Lethbridge, which were
zero could result in errors in the moisture content readings.
maturing in the windrow and had received no rain. Meter readings
varied from 0.2% low at 12% moisture content to 1.1% low at 20%
Effect of Variables: The dielectric properties of grain with
moisture content. Data showing statistical significance of the best-fit
respect to moisture content can vary due to grain variety, kernel size,
line are given in Appendix II.
geographic location, maturity, weathering, artificial or natural drying,
The best-fit line for the Dole 400 in oats is given in Figure 4.
tempering (whether or not a dry windrow was rewetted with rain)
This figure gives the average results for six samples of tempered
and other factors depending on the year the grain was harvested.
Sioux oats and eight samples of oats from three fields at Lethbridge,
The manufacturer’s charts and tables are an attempt to represent
which were maturing in the windrow and received no rain. Meter
the average properties accurately for one sample of one variety. It
readings varied from 1.1% high at 12% to 1.7% low at 20% moisture
is difficult to try to accurately predict the dielectric properties of all
Page 3
varieties of spring wheat grown in North America and to prepare an required for accurate sample weighing and moisture measurements.
appropriate calibration chart. A strong plastic case was provided to protect the meter during
To illustrate this point, Figure 2 shows good results for the transport.
Dole 400 in wheat. Figure 2 is the average best-fit line for three
different types of spring wheat. Figure 6 presents best-fit lines for INSTRUCTION MANUAL
each of these wheat types. The upper line is for samples from a The instruction manual was easy to read and understand.
field of Neepawa wheat at Humboldt, Saskatchewan in 1976. The In addition to specifications, parts identification, operating and
windrows received rain during combining (naturally tempered) and maintenance instructions, it contained moisture and temperature
samples were taken as the wheat dried in the field, very similar to correction charts for 36 grains. Most charts and tables used English
what a farmer would do under the same situation. Meter readings units of measurement, not consistent with the Canadian metric
varied from 0.5 to 0.8% high over the range of moisture contents conversion program.
tested. One of the lower lines is for Neepawa wheat, which was
harvested a year earlier at Lethbridge, Alberta and which was ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
artificially tempered in the laboratory. Meter readings for this wheat The assistance of the Canadian Grain Commission Research
varied from 0.4 to 0.9% low. The third best-fit line is for samples of Laboratory, Winnipeg, in developing test procedures and laboratory
several varieties of spring wheat from Lethbridge, Alberta in 1976. techniques is gratefully acknowledged.
These samples were maturing in the windrow and had received no Appreciation and thanks is also extended to Lethbridge area
rain. In this case, meter results varied from 0.1% high to 0.9% low farmers and the Agriculture Canada Research Station, Lethbridge
over the range. Data showing statistical significance of these best-fit for assistance in collecting grain samples.
lines are presented in Appendix II.

Figure 6. Deviation of Meter Readings for Dole 400 in Three Different Types of Spring
Wheat.

It is nearly impossible for a manufacturer to prepare a

calibration chart with suitable correction factors to suit all the
possible combinations for one type of grain. The measurements
involved would be difficult and time consuming and would really
defeat the purpose of a portable grain moisture meter. It is, therefore,
recommended that the owner annually check the results of his
moisture meter against the moisture meter used by his local grain
elevator agent. Comparing only a few samples should give enough
information to determine how much to add to or subtract from the
meter reading.
Only one Dole 400 tester was evaluated. This does not
guarantee that results from all Dole 400 meters will be the same as
presented in this report.

REPEATABILITY
Repeatability is a measure of how closely a meter gives the
same reading when the same sample of grain is tested several
times. If a meter is designed so that chances of human error or
instrument error are high, then the repeatability would be poor.
Conversely, if chances of human error or instrument error are low,
repeatability would be good. The coefficient of variation (defined in
Appendix II) is a measure of meter repeatability. A low coefficient of
variation indicates good meter repeatability while a high coefficient
of variation indicates poor repeatability.
Table 1 gives the coefficients of variation for the Dole 400
in wheat, barley, oats and rapeseed. These results show that the
repeatability of the Dole 400 was excellent in wheat, oats and
rapeseed and very good in barley. The greater variation in barley
was due to barley beards resulting in slightly different cell loading
for each sample.

Table 1. Coefficients of Variation for the Dole 400

Wheat Barley Oats Rapeseed

0.42% 0.99% 0.30% 0.23%

DURABILITY AND PORTABILITY

The Dole 400 was well constructed and could be used for
moisture measurement in the field. A reasonably level surface was
Page 4
 APPENDIX I
SPECIFICATIONS

Model Number: Dole 400 (PB-70-11)

Serial Number: 104021
Electrical Power Requirements: 9 V transistor battery (NEDA Type 1604)
Overall Height: 291 mm (11.5 in)
Overall Depth: 159 mm (6.3 in)
Overall Width: 244 mm (9.6 in)
Total Weight (in carrying case): 6.26 kg (13.8 lb)
Principle of Operation: capacitance
Weight of Grain Sample: (low moisture content) 141.8 g (5 oz)
(high moisture content) 851. g (3 oz)
Optional Equipment: AC-DC converter
(105 - 125 V, 50 Hz, 0.75 W)

APPENDIX II
STATISTICAL INFORMATION

(a) Statistical Significance of Moisture Meter Results

The following data are presented to illustrate the statistical significance of the
moisture meter results shown in Figures 2 to 6. This information is intended for use
by those who may wish to check results in greater detail. Sufficient information is
presented to permit calculation of confidence belts.
In the following table, M = the reading of the Dole 400 in percent moisture, wet
basis, while T = the moisture content of the sample in percent moisture, wet basis, as
determined by the Canadian Grain Commission Research Laboratory oven method.
Sample size refers to the number of grain samples used. Each meter sample represents
the mean of five replicates (five meter readings) on that sample.

Simple Standard Residual

Fig. Regression Correlation Error of Mean Sample Sample
Grain Type No. Equation Coefficient Estimate Square Size Mean

Wheat 2 M=1.01T-0.19 0.98 0.78 0.53 57 15.71

Barley 3 M=0.89T+1.08 0.97 1.23 1.78 23 15.84
Oats 4 M=0.65T+5.30 0.88 1.63 4.82 14 15.71
Rapeseed 5 M=1.03T+1.15 0.99 0.48 0.21 10 12.58
Wheat
Humboldt 6 M=0.98T+1.01 0.99 0.44 0.20 20 17.93
Wheat
Lethbridge 6 M=0.91T+0.99 0.98 0.37 0.32 12 13.32
Wheat
Tempered 6 M=0.98T-0.22 0.99 0.51 0.26 25 15.17

(b) Meter Repeatability

Moisture meter repeatability (Table 1) was determined using the coefficient
of variation. The coefficient of variation was determined by expressing the standard
deviation as a percent of the mean for each of the five replicates taken on each
sample.
The values presented in Table 1 are the average coefficients of variation for all
samples.

APPENDIX III
MACHINE RATINGS

The following rating scale is used in PAMI Evaluation Reports:

(a) excellent (d) fair
(b) very good (e) poor
(c) good (f) unsatisfactory

Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute

Head Office: P.O. Box 1900, Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada S0K 2A0
Telephone: (306) 682-2555

3000 College Drive South Test Stations:

Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 1L6 P.O. Box 1060 P.O. Box 1150
Telephone: (403) 329-1212 Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Canada R1N 3C5 Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada S0K 2A0
FAX: (403) 329-5562 Telephone: (204) 239-5445 Telephone: (306) 682-5033
http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/navigation/engineering/ Fax: (204) 239-7124 Fax: (306) 682-5080
afmrc/index.html
This report is published under the authority of the minister of Agriculture for the Provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior
approval of the Alberta Farm Machinery Research Centre or The Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute.