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that function that Garmin includes but low prices for hand helds make it a definite option and for that matter older outdated units could fill the ticket.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.

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

Innovative Solutions | Precision Farming | Turf & Highway Maintenance This has been a popular brand for many years, the calc-an-acre was really popular for older utility vehicles to keep track of acreage and mph. They used to just use a basic magnet and sensor system but I believe now they have radar and gps connectivity. There is also outfits like outback that offer some pretty good systems, but like others have said if looking for real low cost cell phone app is the way to go imao.

 

[npalen]

Any idea of cost on the Calc-an-Acre?

 

[TractorGuy]

My little JD has a crude but usable cruise control. I use it all the time when mowing. Can't alter the rpms much while mowing so being able to set speed is nice. I just leave the back and forth areas till last.

 

[npalen]

My B9200 does have a mechanical factory cruise control but the fiber discs have deteriorated and it is no longer function. I guess that would be a good winter rebuild project.

 

[muddstopper]

Just and ideal to throw out there. My gps, (old Garmin), will show speed, total distance traveled and even show a map of my route. Works even if your off road. My Hummingbird fish finder will do the same, allows me to set waypoints so if you ran out of spray, you could just save the point and start back spraying where you left off. Since my fish finder can be unplugged from its docking port on the boat, I would guess you could just buy another docking port and and wire it up on the tractor. Need to spray, hook up the gps, need to fish, just move it back to the boat. You could probably put the transponder on the spray rig to make sure you are setting the boom at the same height everytime. Not sure if the sonar will work out of water. Anyways, more than one way to skin a cat.

 

[coldsteelva]

But can you fish from the tractor?

 

[npalen]

But can you fish from the tractor?

Only if the tractor is equipped with a winch.

 

[Mendonsy]

Only if the tractor is equipped with a winch.

WOW!! Must be some BIG fish in your pond!!

 

[Rdr202]

You could use your smart phone get a Speedmeter App it will give you your speed.

 

[mikester]

Tell the wife you have to upgrade to a new tractor.

My M59 comes with a speedo but no cruise control :-(