Need some info on JD Cab Radio ideas....

nmu98 · Jul 20, 2008

I put in the order for my cab tractor over a week ago and I have 2 weeks to go til I can pick it up. I am looking at radios to put in the cab. Wanted a pioneer but I don't know what I will decide with. I want a USB connection... And suggestions welcome.

The Question: Do I need to buy an antenna kit or does one come with the JD radio mount kit? Best Buy had a nice T antenna that you could stick on a window or plastic for 16.99.

Also, should I buy upgraded speakers or ar the ones that come with the radio mount kit OK. Most other 4x6 speakers are about 30-40 dollars. I also saw a small set of tweaters that would be easy to mount.. Worth it?

Thanks for the help.

Spudland_Dave · Jul 20, 2008

When you get the Radio Mount Kit, it comes with the antenna and everything you need (speaker, etc)...Personaly I think my stereo sounds great...I wanted an Alpine at first but I ended up getting a Kenwood on Clearance for 99.00 (AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA/iPod Ready)....really nice unit... went back a week later to get one for my dads 'bota and I got him a Kenwood with USB input for 69.00 on clearance...
For my use the Kenwood Headunit and Factory Mount Kit are more then enough...

Nuru · Jul 21, 2008

For some reason, I am looking to install my portable SAT RADIO in mine. I guess i want the challenge. I have trees but only the house willl block the signal completely

tjkadar · Jul 21, 2008

nmu98 said:
I put in the order for my cab tractor over a week ago and I have 2 weeks to go til I can pick it up. I am looking at radios to put in the cab. Wanted a pioneer but I don't know what I will decide with. I want a USB connection... And suggestions welcome.

The Question: Do I need to buy an antenna kit or does one come with the JD radio mount kit? Best Buy had a nice T antenna that you could stick on a window or plastic for 16.99.

Also, should I buy upgraded speakers or ar the ones that come with the radio mount kit OK. Most other 4x6 speakers are about 30-40 dollars. I also saw a small set of tweaters that would be easy to mount.. Worth it?

Thanks for the help.

I put a Kenwood KDC-MP438U in my 5425. It has a USB plug and an auxilary input on the front. The tractor came with the antenna, wiring harness, and speakers. In my opinion, the factory speakers have very, very poor sound quality. However, when running at full PTO rpm, it doesn't really matter.

The only issue I've had with my install is finding a constant 12 volt power source. Everytime I turn off the tractor, I lose any programming in my radio. Hasn't bothered me enough to break out the multitmeter though.

nmu98 · Jul 21, 2008

Wow, 2 kenwoods... i was expecting more people to use Poineer... no clue why....

I am stuck between the kenwood and pioneer. both have the multi push volume know that also controls menues. Not what I think is best for a tractor... but...

Since speakers are resonable. i guess i should change them out right away... Saves tearing the roof off over 40 bucks......

tjkadar · Jul 21, 2008

I went with with Kenwood because it was the cheapest radio with a USB and aux input.

Came with a remote too!

Spudland_Dave · Jul 21, 2008

tjkadar said:
The only issue I've had with my install is finding a constant 12 volt power source. Everytime I turn off the tractor, I lose any programming in my radio. Hasn't bothered me enough to break out the multitmeter though.

Did you get the factory harness? If so, that doesnt sound right...Mine plugged right in with no splicing of the factory harness at all (used the Adaptor Plug to adapt from Deere Harness to Kenwood) and everything works fine..its got power all the time, etc..

nmu98 · Jul 21, 2008

Spudland_Dave said:
Did you get the factory harness? If so, that doesnt sound right...Mine plugged right in with no splicing of the factory harness at all (used the Adaptor Plug to adapt from Deere Harness to Kenwood) and everything works fine..its got power all the time, etc..

It has power all the time (you have to shut it off all the time) or it has power to save the memory (radio shuts off with the tractor key)?

tjkadar · Jul 21, 2008

I used the VW wiring harness. Everything worked great, 'cept a constant 12 V source.

Spudland_Dave · Jul 22, 2008

nmu98 said:
It has power all the time (you have to shut it off all the time) or it has power to save the memory (radio shuts off with the tractor key)?

It has a constant feed with power all the time and a remote wire which turns the head unit on/off with the ignition key. Turn my ken ON and the unit fires up, shut the tractor down and she turns off...just like your car or truck...
See Page 16 of this PDF:
http://inform3.kenwoodusa.com/manuals/kdcmp238.pdf

In my case (Kenwood)... Red Wire is to the Ignition (Switched Power), Yellow goes to BATT (Constant Power) those 2 wires are what control what your describing...often times to save time or wiring hassle, people will & can put yellow & red together...which makes the head unit operate as you describe...