Forage Harvester Calibration
A guide to calibrating a forage harvester so chop length, moisture and output match the crop being cut. Work through the steps in order, and keep notes on what you decide for future reference.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideForages, Pasture & GrazingFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Read the operator's manual
- Check knives and shear bar
- Set theoretical chop length
- Check kernel processor if equipped
- Run a test load
- Measure chop length
- Adjust and re-check
- Record final settings
How to use this guide
Follow the steps in order and write down any changes you make. Where your equipment or product has instructions, those come first.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with OSHA and eXtension.
For more in this area, see the Ranch Beef Cattle. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Dairy One Forage Lab Rates Hay “Adequate”; Farmer Rates Its Price “Catastrophic”, and farming farm stories.