Backup camera for operating rear snowblower?

[hayden]

For those of you who have rear snow blowers, you know it can get uncomfortable twisting around to face backwards while you are clearing snow. I've got a 1/2 mile road to maintain, and it's not easy.

The other day is occured to me that I could mount a small video camera facing out back and a small monitor in the front (all this is in cab tractor) and probably do all my backing up while facing forward watching the TV?

Has anyone tried this? I suspect it will take a little getting used to, but I think it will work. I already have an unused security camera, and I was looking in Fry's

Any opinions?

 

[Dmace]

Sounds like a good idea but I am sure the lens of the camera would quickly get frosted over or just wet from the blowing snow obscuring the image. Although, if I mounted it inside the cab right where the wipers clean the glass...

I saw a license plate mount unit for less than $150. I might have to try this, if it doesn't work I could always use one for the dump truck.

 

[Tig]

Interesting idea. My first reaction was negative but then again I've never used a backup cam. My father backs up his 40' motor home with no problems so they must be reasonable to use. You would need a large enough field of vision to be safe. Snowblowers are nasty machines.

 

[scott_vt]

Mornin Hayden,
I was kind of thinkin like the other guys when I first read the thread, you gotta be kiddin ! But the more I think of it Im thinkin maybe it has some merit ! As Derek mentions, its only going to work inside a cab with a rear wiper because of blowing snow/ sleet and whatever else but actually might work good once the operator has a chance to practice operating the tractor in reverse ! We have them on all our large pumpers in our volunteer FD and they work great when no one is available to help you back the apparatus up ! If you could find something reliable for the right price you may be onto something !!!

 

[gemini5362]

walmart sells a wireless backup camera kit with a monitor for 100.00 I am not sure if this would do what you wanted but you might check it out.
VR3 Wireless Backup Camera w/Monitor - Wal-Mart

 

[MessickFarmEqu]

This is actually made for tractors, its weather proof, etc.

A-CC7M1C Observation System

 

[Solo]

Check out this thread in the Hew Holland forums. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/nh-owning-operating/109059-camera-system.html

Solo

 

[dieselfuelonly]

You can get these little cameras on ebay for next to nothing. Just hook them up to one of those little portable TVs. Make sure you get one with the "fisheye" lens so that you have a wide(r) viewing angle. Just go to ebay and search "mini wireless camera", but they also have wired versions too if you prefer those. Actually, I would recommend a wired version. Here is a waterproof one:

Mini Wired Waterproof Audio/Video Color/BW IR Camera - (eBay item 220159843353 end time Oct-19-07 10:54:08 PDT)

 

[Builder]

I wish someone sold a 7" monitor like the guy in the New Holland forums had. Maybe one that suction cups to the glass or has a little stand for the dash. I need these for my trucks. I can't see jack behind me when backing up.

 

[6sunset6]

There are a number of systems out there
Backup Camera Systems for Any Car - Truck or SUV! Cameras, Monitors, Backup Sensors, Backup Systems
Swift Hitch: Wireless-Portable Rear Camera System $295.00

I thought about one to see what the front of my bucket is doing when I am trying to pick up big stones etc.