Speedometer Addition to Hydrostat?

[npalen]

Just wondering if anyone has come up with an aftermarket speedometer for hydrostat tractors. Seems like it would be very handy at times like when spraying for example.
I know that groundspeed radar is used on ag tractors but wondering if there is a gps app that would be accurate enough to use to measure groundspeed.

 

[4570Man]

I have one, and besides satisfying my curiosity it's not of much use. I have a rpm gauge on my PTO and it's in the same boat.

 

[npalen]

I see now that there are quite a few smartphone apps that read out in MPH. That should get me in the ballpark for spraying roundup. Even saw one that can be used as a HUD (Heads Up Display) in a motor vehicle. It outputs a mirror image in MPH that reflects off the windshield when the smartphone is laid on top of the dash. Even sounds a warning when exceeding one of several preset speeds.

For those that don't understand the issue of no readout of MPH on a hydrostat, it's difficult to achieve and maintain a needed MPH with the hydrostat pedal. I agree that it's probably useless most of the time otherwise.

 

[kthompson]

I have used my hydro with sprayer a good bit and the way I handle that is with pedal full forward set my rpms to get the ground speed I want.
Had a friend who's suggestion was a bicycle speedometer. Now I know almost nothing on those options and sadly he has passed.

 

[coldsteelva]

GC1700s have 'cruise control' so you can find the sweet spot and lock it in. I thought most HSTs would have this so they could move like a geared tractor (gear+RPM=FPS). Having to push the pedal for ALL movement seems like it would get tiring.

 

[teg]

....Having to push the pedal for ALL movement seems like it would get tiring.

I don't even think about it and it's effortless unlike trying to push a clutch in, which takes a whole lot more pressure to push in.

 

[PILOON]

My GPS has a speedometer function and with it I confirmed my ground speed was topped at 6MPH.\

Not sure if all GPS's have that function that Garmin includes but low prices for hand helds make it a definite option and for that matter older outdated units could fill the ticket.

 

[countrybumpkin]

Either the phone app or a gps unit would be your best option for what your doing. I have a free app that I used to compare the speeds of my kubota with my kioti when I bought it.

 

[KB9UDE]

My John Deere has a speedometer built right in the display

 

[npalen]

I have used my hydro with sprayer a good bit and the way I handle that is with pedal full forward set my rpms to get the ground speed I want.
Had a friend who's suggestion was a bicycle speedometer. Now I know almost nothing on those options and sadly he has passed.

The pedal full forward with set RPM's seems a viable solution in conjunction with smartphone app to get the initial MPH set. Thanks for the feedback.