ARS | Publication request: A swinging stage to continuously level a platform balance for field use.

Submitted to: Agronomy Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: December 18, 2007
Publication Date: May 1, 2008
Repository URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10113/18490
Citation: Springer, T.L. 2008. A swinging stage to continuously level a platform balance for field use. Agronomy Journal. 100(3):783-784.

Interpretive Summary: When harvesting forage plots, a given area is often harvested and weighed in bulk. A sub-sample of the forage is collected, weighted, oven dried, and weighed again to determine moisture content. The sample bulk weight is usually determined using a mechanical hanging scale suspended from an overhead bar attached to pickup truck or forage harvester or from a tripod. The sub-sample wet weight is usually taken with a portable platform balance often times situated on the tailgate of a pickup truck. Each time the vehicle is moved, the platform balance has to be leveled, and depending on the terrain, the balance may have to be shimmed. Additionally, leveling a balance can be time consuming as well as frustrating. The “Swinging Stage” is a research tool designed to continuously level a portable platform balance in all terrains. The Swinging Stage eliminates the time and frustration of leveling a platform balance.

Technical Abstract: The "Swinging Stage" is a research tool designed to continuously level a portable platform balance situated in the bed of a pickup truck. Each time the vehicle is moved a platform balance must be leveled. This is time consuming and frustrating especially when the vehicle is on a variable terrain. The Swinging Stage eliminates the time and frustration of leveling a platform balance. Once the balance is initially leveled, the Swinging Stage will continuously level the balance in all terrains.