Construction/equipment intercom recommendations?

[Dadnatron]

I find myself needing to coordinate with either ground workers or other equipment operators more and more. Phone isn’t an option.

What are your recommendations for a good reasonable quality two-way radio setup that can be expanded upon. I’d like it to be used with a headset and hands free would be optimal. Something comfortable, behind the neck rather than over head (or at least that option) and audible while in a tractor, excavator, skid steer as well as out on the ground.

Not looking to break the bank, but absolutely looking for reliability and ease of use. I’d rather pay a little more and cuss a little less.

Right now, just need for 2 people, but I’d like to be able to add, as I know I’ll need at least 4 within a year or so.

Also, “must haves” and “avoids” as far as options and qualities would be appreciated.

 

[Alan W.]

I find myself needing to coordinate with either ground workers or other equipment operators more and more. Phone isn’t an option.

What are your recommendations for a good reasonable quality two-way radio setup that can be expanded upon. I’d like it to be used with a headset and hands free would be optimal. Something comfortable, behind the neck rather than over head (or at least that option) and audible while in a tractor, excavator, skid steer as well as out on the ground.

Not looking to break the bank, but absolutely looking for reliability and ease of use. I’d rather pay a little more and cuss a little less.

Right now, just need for 2 people, but I’d like to be able to add, as I know I’ll need at least 4 within a year or so.

Also, “must haves” and “avoids” as far as options and qualities would be appreciated.

Sadly its no more but years ago most of my contractors had Nextel push to talk phones. Worked great for us.

 

[kennyd]

This thread is extremely informative and will answer your questions:

CB radios

We live in area with spotty cell service at times,considering CB home base. :unsure: What are pros cons also good unit. Thanks.

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[oldnslo]

Midland is a popular brand of two way radios used by farmers for communication between vehicles and have some decent range depending on model and features

Not what costs are though

 

[bigtiller]

If the ground-man is the guy with the shovel, I don't think he will be receptive to anything he has to wear on his head. There is a constant war with headgear and sweat. Something with a belt clip and high volume would best.

Cheap walkie-talkies would be worth a try. If one gets lost or broken, they're cheap, buy another.

 

[RayIN]

Feeding off bigtillers reply; what about radios like LEO's wear, radio on belt, with wired mic and speaker combo that clips on shirt lapel?

 

[Dadnatron]

I'm certainly not opposed to something other than a headset. I was thinking more 'hands free' being the point, and I don't want to have issues. However, it might be that interaction doesn't require it. I know when I'm in an excavator, skid steer, or tractor, I'm not hearing much and can say even less, unless I power down. My goal was to limit the 'slow down' to say 'this or that'.

Most of it would be machine to machine. But machine to ground is a definite.

 

[ericm979]

I used to be a motorcycle referee for bicycle road races. Moto refs use FRS radios and headsets inside the helmet. Most used Baofeng UV-5s. A motorcycle helmet at speed is a fairly noisy environment due to engine and wind noise but it seemed to work ok most of the time. Sometimes in hilly areas the range was limited to a mile or so.

Maybe instead of a headset in a helmet you could use an over the ear type ear speaker with a mic. I don't know how those do with noise.

 

[ruffdog]

Maybe try communication devices for arborist workers.