1500 series cab owners

DMF · Jan 6, 2009

Have any of you added a radio to your cab set-up? Mine came pre-wored with speakers but a blank plate where the radio would go. There is a harness behind the plate....I'm wondering if it would be to some DIN-standard such that an off-the-shelf radio would plug in or do I need to get an adapter?

Also, what brand radio did you use and where did you get it?

I'm hoping to listen to some tunes while doing some chores this year. Thanks!

Rich

ArTrvlr · Jan 8, 2009

My dealer installed an AM/FM/CD in mine before delivery. It was a nice surprise, since the only thing said during negotiations for the tractor was "It comes with speakers, but doesn't come with a radio".

It is an REI brand (Radio Engineering Industries). I know, I never heard of it either

. But it seems to play fine and, after scanning through the stations, reception seems to be as good as the factory radio in my pick-up. He also installed a short (compared to most auto antennas) antenna on top of the cab. The little speakers sounded better than I thought. Note that I just got my tractor today, and I only listened a short while without the engine running. What little time I was actually using the tractor I turned off the radio, not wanting any distraction while getting used to an unfamiliar piece of equipment. But with the speakers right on each side of your head, it shouldn't be hard to hear it with the engine running.

I have not tried the CD player.

As far as the connections go, if no one answers your question about needing an adapter or not I can pull mine out and see how it hooked up. It should slide right out, the faceplate has the two holes on each side for the release forks, and they left them in the bag with the instruction book.

The instruction manual that came with it shows a diagram of the rear connections and what each wires function is, but I haven't messed with car audio in so long, I am not sure what is standard. The picture shows an A and B section on the socket, one above the other, each with 8 connectors. They are labeled for 4 speakers. A smaller 4 conductor socket is for the power wires. Does that sound like the plug in your tractor? Is there two separate plugs, or just one?

Also, in my toolbox, behind the seat, was a short harness with stripped wires on one end and a molded connector on the other. Not sure what it is for, I don't remember the configuration of the connector. Any ideas what it is for?

Gilford · Jan 8, 2009

ArTrvlr said:
Also, in my toolbox, behind the seat, was a short harness with stripped wires on one end and a molded connector on the other. Not sure what it is for, I don't remember the configuration of the connector. Any ideas what it is for?

The connector in the tool box is for a trailer wiring harness. You will find the mating connector at the back of the tractor. The owner's manual should tell you what all the wires correspond to.

DMF · Jan 8, 2009

ArTrvlr - Thanks for the help! I'll take some photos of what I have over the weekend and maybe someone will know without having you to pull yours out. If not, then maybe we can go that route if it's not too much hassle for you?

I'd like to see a pic of your antenna as well at some point; I was wondering what to do about that as well...

Gilford answered your pigtail harness question; that one I actually knew the answer to! My dealer pointed it out to me when he delivered it. He also told me that Massachusetts my soon require trailer lights on hay wagons, implements, etc. so I may actually put mine to use at some point... Only in Mass....

dqdave1 · Jan 8, 2009

The radio may require an adaptor but many rdio companies supply adaptors. You will need to see what the pigtail in the tractor looks like and then match it up. Should not be a big deal.
What does the 1533 cab model compare with in other brands? tc34, 3320, etc.

DMF · Jan 8, 2009

dqdave1 said:
What does the 1533 cab model compare with in other brands? tc34, 3320, etc.

That, I do not know...?

ArTrvlr · Jan 8, 2009

Quote:
Originally Posted by dqdave1:
What does the 1533 cab model compare with in other brands? tc34, 3320, etc.

DMF's answer:
That, I do not know...?
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It is a 33 HP (26PTO HP W/gear trans, 24.5PTO HP W/Hydro) compact. Massey calls it a size class III, if that means anything to you. I am not familiar with "size class".

Can you make a comparison with that info?

ArTrvlr · Jan 11, 2009

DMF said:
ArTrvlr -

I'd like to see a pic of your antenna as well at some point; I was wondering what to do about that as well...

Here is my antenna setup... as requested.

As you can see, it is a very flexible antenna. Which could be good for running under limbs, etc. As long as they are not too close to the cab, what looks like a spring between the base and the flex part is not a spring.

I suppose for reception, this is the best place to mount it. For better protection from damage you might could mount it on a bracket below the cab top and let only the flex part extend above the cab. Or... just stay out of the woods

WilliamBos · Jan 11, 2009

ArTrvlr said:
Here is my antenna setup... as requested.

As you can see, it is a very flexible antenna. Which could be good for running under limbs, etc. As long as they are not too close to the cab, what looks like a spring between the base and the flex part is not a spring.

I suppose for reception, this is the best place to mount it. For better protection from damage you might could mount it on a bracket below the cab top and let only the flex part extend above the cab. Or... just stay out of the woods

or if you have Sirius put that in it.

ArTrvlr · Jan 13, 2009

DMF said:
ArTrvlr - Thanks for the help! I'll take some photos of what I have over the weekend and maybe someone will know without having you to pull yours out. If not, then maybe we can go that route if it's not too much hassle for you?

I'd like to see a pic of your antenna as well at some point; I was wondering what to do about that as well...

DMF, I couldn't stand it, my curious nature forced me to look at the radio hook up. One thing I was wondering about was support for the back of the radio. I know in cars you need to support the rear of the radio to keep it from bouncing and breaking the dash. The dealer left me the plastic bag with the radio manual, removal forks and the strap that was to be used to support the rear, so I knew it wasn't supported that way. I knew that bouncing in a tractor would be worse than most cars/trucks and I didn't want to wait till the plastic headliner was cracked to do something about it, although it looks like it would be impossible to access the rear of the radio after it is in place, and just as impossible to fasten a support before you slide it in... catch 22.

Anyway, I unlatched and pulled it out and my fears were unfounded. The radio is supported in a metal tray, not just the plastic headliner. You can see the metal extending behind the radio opening if you remove your cover plate. So, the radio is held in place by the metal mount that clips to the opening in the headliner, but the weight of it is supported by the metal "shelf" above the headliner.

As far as the wiring, the pictures below show a small, square, white connector on the factory wiring. They added an adapter between the connector that plugs into the back of the radio and that factory connector. Note that the yellow wire is on a separate connector. That is the power wire that goes to the orange wire in the tractor. I haven't installed an aftermarket radio in years so I am not familiar with what is available, but I know they have some at Wal-Mart for various cars. If this one is not standard you might have to go to an auto electronics store that does installs to find a fit.

Hope this helps, jp