AgraTronix Soil Compaction Tester 24-inch Stainless Rod — Liquid-Filled Gauge, 300+ psi range

The AgraTronix 08180 Soil Compaction Tester is a handheld, liquid-filled gauge with a 24" stainless steel rod and interchangeable tips that measures soil penetration resistance up to 300+ psi to help you assess field compaction quickly and reliably.

Understand how tightly soil is packed beneath the surface so you can make informed choices about tillage, irrigation, and crop management. This USA-made SCT (Soil Compaction Tester) combines a rugged molded housing, rubber grips, and an easy-to-read color-coded dial to deliver field-ready readings. The instrument is designed for growers, agronomists, landscapers and turf managers who need repeatable, on-site data without complex electronics or calibration routines.

How does this tester show whether soil is compacted?

The gauge measures resistance to penetration and displays results on a liquid-filled stainless steel dial with color bands for quick interpretation. Green indicates favorable conditions, yellow signals moderate compaction, and red warns of poor conditions that can impede roots and water movement.

• Color-coded ranges: green (0–200 psi), yellow (200–300 psi), red (300+ psi)
• Liquid-filled dial reduces needle bounce for steadier readings
• Readings in psi for direct comparison across sites and times

What features make it durable and easy to use in the field?

Built with a 24" stainless steel rod and a molded housing that includes rubber grip handles, the tester resists corrosion and stands up to regular use. It has an adjustable shock collar to protect the gauge during transport and storage and a hanger hole with a nail for convenient shop or wall storage.

• 24" stainless steel rod resists bending and corrosion
• Adjustable shock collar prevents impact damage to the dial
• Rubber grips and molded housing for comfortable, stable handling

Which probe tips are included and when should each be used?

The SCT ships with two replaceable tips so you can test a range of soil textures. Use the 1/2" tip for firmer soils where a narrower point is needed to penetrate compacted layers, and the 3/4" tip for softer or looser soils to avoid over-penetration and get representative readings.

• 1/2" tip: recommended for compact, firm soil
• 3/4" tip: recommended for soft, loose soil
• Convenient storage inside the tester housing keeps tips secure on the job

How deep and how precise are the measurements?

The rod penetrates up to 24 inches with marked increments every 3 inches to help you document depth-specific compaction zones. That range covers root zones for many crops and turf, letting you correlate penetration resistance with plant performance or tillage depth.

• Maximum penetration depth: up to 24 inches
• Depth markings in 3-inch increments for consistent sampling
• Useful for profiling compaction across multiple depths

Who is this tool for: growers, extension agents, turf managers, landscapers and field technicians who need a straightforward, mechanical method to assess soil compaction in the field. If you want a portable, low-maintenance instrument that delivers immediate, visual feedback to guide tillage, irrigation and soil management decisions, the AgraTronix 08180 SCT offers a durable, made-in-USA solution ready in 5–7 business days.