Oh, My Aching Neck, or Tractor Mirrors

[have_blue]

How about rubbing that for me... just about there!

Seriously, I really do have a bad neck. Instead of giving up my tractoring, I'm thinking of adding a large mirror or mirrors to the ROPS bar and/or rear fender. I need to see behind, up close, to keep an eye on the 3 point and implements. I also need to see behind farther back to watch my plowing and mowing as it progresses.

Do you think a big side view mirror would be OK for the far view? Would it need to fold out of the way while mowing close to trees?

I guess the tricky part would be the close mirror for watching my 3pt and implements. That may even require a 3rd mirror so it can look downward and backward. It sounds like it would be very awkward. Any thoughts or experience on how practical and helpful that would be?

How about a backup camera? Are they bright and clear enough to be practical without breaking the bank?

Many thanks,,,

 

[Negligence]

Good ideas. I've never seen it done, but I have heard people talking about it. Just keep in mind mirrors would have to mounted with rubber boots or something that will absorb all the bumps and jolts, otherwise you won't be seeing a thing.

I'm turned around so much I might as well just get a mirror so I can see what's in front of the tractor

 

[RobJ]

You might try and fight the urge to turn around. I probably turn around more than I need to. While mowing a bunch this weekend, I hardly look back. I can see the progress when I make another lap. Bushhogging in the woods I don't want to look back and catch something in the face. BBing and plowing you do need to watch a little more. Raking I only look back when I drop the load.

Even will all the mirrors I think you'll still want to look back, nothing better than a full view!

Keep us posted.

Good Luck,
Rob

 

[lhfarm]

Check out this post http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...r-view-camera.html?highlight=rear+view+camera I've got neck issues too and I'm thinking it might be worth trying one of these low-end jobs.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

School bus mirror.... If you have a canopy, mount it under the front edge of the canopy. They have a "fish eye" effect that gives a good broad view of what's out back. Got 'em on 4 different tractors. It's nice to be able to see what's going on out back and still have eyes focused front and center.

 

[Baby Grand]

I have been wanting a good set of mirrors, too. Mjncad did a really impressive job with some Jeep mirrors and some clever metal work.

Picasa Web Albums - Matt - John Deere 42...

 

[have_blue]

I have been wanting a good set of mirrors, too. Mjncad did a really impressive job with some Jeep mirrors and some clever metal work.

Picasa Web Albums - Matt - John Deere 42...

Hey, those are sweet. Thanks for posting them. It's apparently very easy to crank them inward to avoid bushes and vines. Never thought of using the loader arm uprights. They look just the right distance from the operator.

Now, if I could get some ideas that good on mounting a mirror(s) for watching the 3ph, my neck may cease to be a problem.

 

[wwalkersd]

School bus mirror.... If you have a canopy, mount it under the front edge of the canopy. They have a "fish eye" effect that gives a good broad view of what's out back. Got 'em on 4 different tractors. It's nice to be able to see what's going on out back and still have eyes focused front and center.

What kind of school bus mirror do you mean? I searched on "school bus mirror" and found so many different kinds it made my head spin.

 

[Rara Avis]

8" Convex Clamp-On Mirrors - RV Parts, RV Supplies & RV Accessories for 5th Wheels, ToyHaulers, Campers

 

[ccap74]

I too have been thinking about a school bus mirror. I just don't where to get one. I guess I could go to a school bus maintenance place.
For those who don't know, they are maybe 24"-30" long and are hanging above the drivers head so they can keep an eye out for the students

 

[Trucker1]

Try Napa, or a heavy truck dealer.

 

[mjncad]

Thanks for the kind words guys on my mirror setups. I've moved the mirrors to my canopy's new front posts so I still have mirrors should I have the loader off.

The backup cameras I have work only so-so. The biggest problem I have is glare on the monitor, which will require me to make a glare shield to mount to the back of the ROPS. When the cameras work, they are great; but they are not the best thing since sliced bread that I had hoped for.

I like the convex school bus mirror idea, and may have to look into that.

The mirrors won't eliminate turning around in your seat to look behind you; but they help me significantly and I have back problems. I wouldn't be without them.

 

[sandman2234]

I don't think the convex schoolbus mirror is what FarmwithJunk was think of, or CCAP74, but probably that large flat mirror just above the drivers head that he used to "watch us" kids with. Probably about 30" long, and six inches high (rough estimate from about 35 years ago experience)
If I were looking for one, I would follow the yellow brick road. Chase down where the local school buses go once they have graduated from being school buses and head for the big bus parking lot in the sky...
Used parts have to be available somewhere!
David from jax

 

[KevPH1]

Guys, just stop by the nearest truck stop. Most truck stops or even a truck fuel stop will carry mirrors. I picked up a pair of 8" dia. stainless steel mirrors with Stainless Steel mounting hardware. I mounted the mirrors off my loader upright supports.
Be safe!

 

[sandman2234]

I have several of those convex mirrors in different sizes lying around from my 28 years of trucking, but I would think I would want a flat one for viewing behind the tractor. The flat ones would be fine, just not as large as the ones on a bus.
David from jax

 

[Saxman]

When I mowed for years for a state dept of transportation all our tractors had rear view mirrors mounted under the canopy. It was just a standard old "west coast" truck mirror, they came in handy to keep an eye on cars coming up behind us.