Tractor Tunes or JD Mini Radio???

claykin22 · Jan 31, 2008

I recently ordered a new 3720, and while I really wanted a cab, I just couldn't justify it. I am planning on cleaning up my 20 acre wooded lot, and thought a cab would just get in the way.

Anyhow, I still want a radio to help pass the time while mowing ditches and pasture. Anyone have experience with the new JD mini? It looks alright, not much to it other than a very small radio and two weatherproof speakers.

The other option is the TractorTunes. The problem I see with tractor tunes is that I will most likely have the ROPS folded down the majority of the time, and all the soundwaves would be going backwards! That, or I could mount it backwards and have the sound angling down towards the rear PTO?!

Any info would be helpful. It looks like they are both around $400.

teg · Jan 31, 2008

I use these... not the greatest for comfort but it works.

QuieTunes™ AM/FM Radio Earmuffs, Safety - GEMPLER'S

B8FISH · Jan 31, 2008

I use these as well as having a set that connects to my iPod--and have different playlists for different tasks (mowing music, bushogging music, plowing etc.) all have different speeds to correspond to the tasks at hand.

beefeater · Jan 31, 2008

I think the sound reducing headphones are your best bet. They kill two birds with one stone. I use two different brands. One is yellow and made by Peltor. The other is orange and made for Stihl. They both are AM/FM stereo only, but there are other models with MP3 inputs for IPOD and the like. These headphones limit the volume to something less than 85 DB and go a long way toward protecting your hearing. The Stihl branded ones are the more comfortable of the two. Both tend to get warm in hot weather though.

There are in ear headphones out now that you can use with your MP3 player or walkman that also reduce the outside noise by about 20-23DB that might be more comfortable in warm weather. Of course, you would have to keep the volume limited yourself.

Cab less tractors and most other outdoor equipment is very loud and not good for your hearing.

claykin22 · Jan 31, 2008

I guess I could just wear my Ipod, but I like the idea of a mounted stereo with speakers so I can listen when I'm in the woods splitting wood, piling small brush, or spraying fence.

On the other hand, I don't know exactly how loud these models would be, but there is nothing worse than driving down the road (in between fields) and having someone whiz passed you...causing involuntary bowel movements!! I suppose any type of headset would limit your ability to hear traffic coming.

teg · Jan 31, 2008

...Or crushing a step ladder

oops, never mind. There are down sides to the ear muff radio's... hearing loss is not one of them. HST tractors that have to run at higher rpm's need them more so. I'm not sure how well you'll hear a radio with ANY tractor running.

allenr · Jan 31, 2008

I have a Peltor, it's good but tuning is fiddly and time consuming.

Also have a Sony Headphone radio with digital tuning, station presets, etc but no earmuff capability.

What I'd like to find is a Radio that combines digital tuning and earmuffs.

beefeater · Feb 1, 2008

Allenr,

I agree with you on the fiddly nature of the Peltor. My orange Stihl unit is similar in fiddlyness. A digital unit with large preset buttons would be the way to go.

Actually, a digital unit with large preset buttons plus Sirius/XM satellite radio capability would be the cats meow.

Now that we are free thinking, how about all that and an optional PTT mic with GMRS walkie talkie capability that cuts out the music when you get a call in! Why the heck not? I smell a business opportunity.

Claykin,

You can still do the work you want, off the tractor, with these headphones on. The beauty of them is that there is no wire running from the player to the headphones to get snagged while you work.

teg · Feb 1, 2008

Better hurry up with that business plan...

QuieTunes™ AM/FM Rechargeable Earmuffs, Safety - GEMPLER'S

"...Philips tuner, the tuning and reception are outstanding. An input jack gives you the freedom to listen to your MP3 player or other audio input devices..." ...a day late and a dollar short... pricey at $100 but less then the $400 you were looking at.

claykin22 · Feb 1, 2008

QuieTunes™ AM/FM Rechargeable Earmuffs, Safety - GEMPLER'S

"...Philips tuner, the tuning and reception are outstanding. An input jack gives you the freedom to listen to your MP3 player or other audio input devices..." ...a day late and a dollar short... pricey at $100 but less then the $400 you were looking at.[/QUOTE]

I like the looks of these, but don't they get hot in the summertime? I would probably prefer them in the Winter, but I can just see them getting your ears all sweaty & full of grass clippings! We have a similar set of earmuffs for working inside of grain bins, and I know they are HOT in the summer.