The advent of round module picking, has created the opportunity to conduct 'large plot' replicated experiments at a field scale. However, accurate assessment of plot yield requires the ability to weigh the odd-sized round modules that are produced. Drive-on load cells offered a way of weighing these round modules as they are carried by three point linkage grab devices used on most farms. The tractor can simply drive over the scales carrying the module to accurately define its weight. Drive-on load cells would also be useful for weighing grain chaser bins and conventional basket pickers or boll buggies.

This capital item purchase will enable the weighing of cotton and grain yields from various cotton research projects conducted by Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and their collaborators.A set of four load cells complete with remote digital readout were purchased for the purpose of weighing a wide range of agricultural equipment (tractors, basket pickers, grain bins) on-farm on a range of ground surfaces. These load cells enable the quick and efficient assessment of crop yield whether it be in the form of round modules carried by tractors, basket pickers or boll buggies for conventional equipment and grain chaser bins.

Accurate yield assessment is essential for large scale on-farm research experiments, and these scales have the capacity to weigh equipment up to 40T with accuracy of +/- 40 kg. They also have a remotely­ located d igital readout, which avoids the need for cables that could easily be damaged during usage or transpoti, and the load cells are portable with inbuilt ramps, a carry handle and a weight of 27 kg each.