1. Grain Scan Monitors, Farm Value? By Kyle Schroder

2. What I did… ► I installed and operated a grain scan monitor. ► It was produced by Case IH and installed on a 1660 combine. ► Its purpose was to reduce grain loss to maximize yields.

3. What is a grain scan monitor? ► It’s a monitor that indicates the amount of grain loss during harvesting. ► There are 4 sensors, 2 behind the rotor cage and 2 behind the Chaffer Sieve. ► It provides information to help operate the combine at the most efficient speed with susceptible grain loss.

4. Its worth… ► The monitor costs around $1,000 ► It includes the 4 sensors and all wiring required ► The monitor was an option on the 1640, 1660, and 1680 combines

5. How does it work? ► There are 3 dial knobs, 1 indicator panel, and 1 meter. ► The first knob is used to select grain size. ► The second knob is used to select the meter position. ► The third is used to select which sensors will be used. ► The indicator panel lights up to indicate when its working. ► The meter is used to indicate grain loss.

6. What we liked… ► The monitor would help me determine when I was traveling to fast. ► It also helped me determine when grain was to wet.

7. What we disliked… ► Difficult to install the sensors. ► We had to remove shields to install sensors. ► The monitor wasn’t specific enough ► It told us when we were loosing grain, but not whether to adjust the fan speed, concave height, or the rotor speed.

8. Local farmers opinions… ► Several said they had never even tried to use it. ► One said he tried, but could never figure it out. ► One said he gave up b/c it took to long to set.

9. Dealers opinion… ► 90% of the monitors that were in the combines they sold were never used ► Said to many people didn’t like them ► Weren't practical enough for the time

10. Closing thoughts… ► Not bad if you take the time to set it. ► Would I buy one? Probably not! ► It comes down to personal preference ► I question its accuracy?