Thermometer For Tractor

[jimainiac]

I'm often curious about what the actual air temperature is when I'm on the tractor. I tried putting a regular outdoor thermometer by the dash, but the sun always messed up the reading. I wonder if there is an automotive style thermometer that could be used, and where you would put it's sending unit for an accurate reading.

 

[RayIN]

Check out an old style bi-metal strip thermometer.
If you really want accuracy, buy a wet-bulb thermometer, it takes into account humidity level.
I know, working a tractor on a 95° day with the sun beating on you isn't fun. The added heat of the engine can be brutal.
I always wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeves when doing tractor work now. I'd be amazed if I knew how much my insurance company has paid my dermatologist for removing skin cancer through the years when I wore a baseball cap and T-shirt.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

I wonder if there is an automotive style thermometer that could be used, and where you would put it's sending unit for an accurate reading.

VDO has/had 2" gauges. I'd put the sensor up front and in a spot the sun can't hit. As in low.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I use this one from Accurite:

Amazon.com

I glued a magnet to the back of the display and stick it on a metal surface inside the cab. No wires to run and it shows both inside & outside temps.

I zip tied the transmitter under the cab roof overhang out of the direct sun.

 

[jimainiac]

Seems like a good trick to find a place for an air-temperature sending unit that's always in the shade, and away from the heat from the engine. Even in the seat area it's affected by the engine's heat. Although, our car and truck have thermometers, and I think the senders are under the hood somewhere.

 

[jimainiac]

bdhsfz6- That's a good idea. I'm going to go that route. We have that same set-up in our house. I like the no wires aspect, and I can experiment with where to put the sender. Why didn't I think of that?
Thanks, Jim

 

[5030]

The in cab radio-CD player in my M9 cab unit has a built in ambient temp reading. Not sure where the sensor is at but I believe it's in the front, under the grill somewhere.

 

[dieselscout80]

With an open station tractor I’m not sure I want to know how hot it is really.

 

[jimainiac]

Whoops - I just remembered that those Accurite sending units have a really long reach. When I bought a second Accurite thermometer for a room on the other side of the house, I found that the original sender also reached the second display unit. As much as I like the Accurite units, I think I should look for a different brand for the tractor to avoid cross-contamination confusion...

 

[bdhsfz6]

Whoops - I just remembered that those Accurite sending units have a really long reach. When I bought a second Accurite thermometer for a room on the other side of the house, I found that the original sender also reached the second display unit. As much as I like the Accurite units, I think I should look for a different brand for the tractor to avoid cross-contamination confusion...

Yes, they all use the same 433 MHz frequency. Unfortunately many other brands do as well. Best check before you buy.