I have a Zero turn mower and the grass bags which are in the back of the mower fill up quickly.
I put a proximity sensor in the top of the bag and a light lit up when it was time to empty the bag. Here is the problem, if the grass was very dry and fluffy the proximity sensor would not detect the grass even if it was covered in grass.
How would I be able to better detect the grass ? I have thought of spinning a stepper motor and seeing if it stops. How would I detect it stopping ?
A proxiimity sensor????? The ones I know react on metal. Iron, yes, aluminum for some of them.
What do I miss?
You need a CAPACITIVE sensor. What have you got?
See page 12 here
https://cdn.sick.com/media/docs/4/44/944/Product_overview_PROXIMITY_SENSORS_PRODUCTS_AT_A_GLANCE_en_IM0067944.PDF
Or
https://www.ifm.com/us/en/category/010/010_020/010_020_010#!/S/BD/DM/1/D/0/F/0/T/50
Get a mulching blade. You will never have to bag grass cuttings again.
@ aarg
Ehh... Having small children tumbling around on the lawn You'll want a vacuum cleaner to run there.....
But yes, You are on a good track.
Light beam sensor? grass isn't transparent even when dry and fluffy!
what I used was a: Taiss 1pcs LJC18A3-H-Z/BY 1-10mm Distance Measuring Capacitance Proximity Sensor Switch PNP NO（Normally Open） DC 6-36V 300mA M18 3-Wire
MarkT:
I understand about light but have you seen the inside of a bag while it is being filled ? I would have to clean the sensor every time. I was leaning more towards clamping some grass against the side of the bag.
I think that is the least of the dirt that small children will get into. 
Wait until You have seen it!
Weight ?
Not a stepper. A regular DC motor. The stall current is much higher than the run current.
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