Portable Tractor Camera System

[bdhsfz6]

I have a fairly cheap wireless camera system I use on one of my tractors. I occasionally need to use a camera on other equipment as well. Rather than buy multiple cameras, I converted the one I have into a portable rig. Although the camera video is wireless, both camera and display require power. I used cordless tool batteries with adapters (in my case DeWalt), a few strong magnets and some 3" aluminum channel to make camera and display mounts that are truly portable and can be attached to any metal surface. These inexpensive battery adapters are available for most cordless tool battery brands. Even small 2 AH batteries will power the camera & display for several hours.



With the cameras hard wired to the tractor cab, general viewing is fine but I often can't see enough detail for some types of work. Lining up pallet forks or FEL SSQA implements can be difficult. Without any wiring, these cameras can be mounted almost anywhere. To increase flexibility, I added a ball / clamp combination from RAM products along with another magnetic base. I store the cameras & display in a case which I carry on the tractor. It can be set up in seconds anywhere it's needed.



Although quite sturdy, these magnetic mounts aren't meant for permanent use. For general purposes, I rely on the cab mounted cameras and use these for temporary work operations.

Yes, there are portable camera systems available but they are expensive and most aren't meant for heavy duty farm equipment use. They also have proprietary batteries which must be kept charged. This rig costs less than $50 (excluding battery) and uses the camera I already have. I always have a supply of cordless tool batteries charged and ready to go.

 

[TractorGuy]

Nice setup if it works for your needs.

I find camera views pretty much useless for a reliable view of what I'm working on. I have a cheap backup camera and a cheap dash cam hard wired on my tractor but I rarely look at either.

 

[buck12]

Nice setup if it works for your needs.

I find camera views pretty much useless for a reliable view of what I'm working on. I have a cheap backup camera and a cheap dash cam hard wired on my tractor but I rarely look at either.

Please elaborate on your experience. I really need a camera to see the center of anything mounted on my FEL.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I'm not sure if you are asking me or Tractorguy but here is my experience:

I use this fairy inexpensive wireless camera made in China by Yakry: Amazon.com: Yakry Y28 FHD 1P Digital Wireless 2 Backup Camera for RVs,Trailers,Trucks,Motorhomes,5th Wheels 7'' Touch Key Monitor with Recording DVR Highway Monitoring System Super Night Vision: Car Electronics

I attached the cameras to the magnetic self powered mounts as described in post#1. to better see what I'm doing with the FEL, I position a camera on the FEL cross member, the lip of the bucket or if I'm using the forks, on the top of the back plate.

I particularly like to use a camera on the pallet fork back plate when working with the FEL at full height. It makes it easy to line up the fork tips.



I sometimes use a camera on the upper lip of the bucket when grading. It makes it easy to see how the cutting edge is contacting the surface and how much material is in the bucket.



It's a snap to line up the SSQA on a implement with a camera on the FEL cross member.



Although the magnet mounts are strong, care must be used not to dislodge them when working material with these implements. They are not meant for permanent installation, just for specific purposes.

 

[oosik]

I prefer to just stand up and look over the top of the grapple. No mount or batteries required.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I prefer to just stand up and look over the top of the grapple. No mount or batteries required.

I do too on my open station MX5800. Tough to do on the L6060 cab model though.

 

[TractorGuy]

My backup camera on my tractor is cheaper and of lesser quality than the OP's. May be why it isn't that useful to me. I do use the backup camera on my truck to aid in hooking up my trailers.

 

[buck12]

My backup camera on my tractor is cheaper and of lesser quality than the OP's. May be why it isn't that useful to me. I do use the backup camera on my truck to aid in hooking up my trailers.

Thank you for helping me better understand your earlier comment. I hate to go to the trouble of adding a camera and not use it. I have tried but I just cannot see through my orange hood.

 

[buck12]

I'm not sure if you are asking me or Tractorguy but here is my experience:

I use this fairy inexpensive wireless camera made in China by Yakry: Amazon.com: Yakry Y28 FHD 18P Digital Wireless 2 Backup Camera for RVs,Trailers,Trucks,Motorhomes,5th Wheels 7'' Touch Key Monitor with Recording DVR Highway Monitoring System Super Night Vision: Car Electronics

I attached the cameras to the magnetic self powered mounts as described in post#1. to better see what I'm doing with the FEL, I position a camera on the FEL cross member, the lip of the bucket or if I'm using the forks, on the top of the back plate.

I particularly like to use a camera on the pallet fork back plate when working with the FEL at full height. It makes it easy to line up the fork tips.

View attachment 685287

I sometimes use a camera on the upper lip of the bucket when grading. It makes it easy to see how the cutting edge is contacting the surface and how much material is in the bucket.

View attachment 685288

It's a snap to line up the SSQA on a implement with a camera on the FEL cross member.

View attachment 685289

Although the magnet mounts are strong, care must be used not to dislodge them when working material with these implements. They are not meant for permanent installation, just for specific purposes.

Thanks for the information.

 

[bearthebruce]

Clever setup @bdhsfz6. I have trouble seeing and have been thinking about adding a camera system. I like this ability to set the cameras where I would want them. Doing front loader work and need two angles - put both cameras out front.

- Or - need to see details at the back? put both at the back.

- Or - need to see front and back? Like when I am doing trail work using the bucket with a ratchet rake and a back blade? Problem solved.

Since the setup can handle 4 cameras, one could go crazy with this idea. I really like your solution.

Care to give the source of your magnets?

Thanks for the note about care being required to not dislodge the cameras. I was thinking that would be a problem which could damage one easily.