How to Choose the Right Backup Camera for Your Farm Equipment

Each year, farming equipment seems to grow in terms of size and power. As machine size increases, so too do blind spots and hazards. When you’re running heavy equipment, a backup camera can help ensure each job is completed safely and efficiently.  

Backup cameras help save time and reduce risk. The ability to see and even hear exactly what is going on behind your machine means you don’t have to leave the cab to check blind spots. Backup cameras also make it easy for you to check grain or seed levels in your tank or truck without having to climb up and down ladders.  

With so many options to choose from, we thought it would be helpful to offer a few considerations to assist you choosing the right backup camera for your agriculture equipment. 
 

How important is vibration resistance?

How will the vibration of the machine affect the camera setup? There is nothing worse than spending the time to get a camera and monitor in place only to start operating your machine and find out vibration makes it difficult to see what’s going on.  Ensure you select a camera specific to your farming equipment and that can be securely fastened. 

Test your backup camera mounting hardware before installation. If you can bend any of the metal with your hands, it probably isn’t going to hold up well. Check that the bolts are long enough and if needed, take longer ones from your shop or add a couple of washers.  Once you have mounted the camera and driven around, double check that the bolts are still tight and adjust as needed. 
 

Is moisture and weather proof necessary?

Inherently, farmers have a tenuous relationship with weather. We need rain for crops to grow but we need drier conditions for harvest. Now add in electronic equipment to the mix and it becomes more complex.  Without the right camera, you may end up with water damage, corrosion or foggy lenses, which eliminate the effectiveness of the backup camera.
 

Wired or wireless? 

Choosing between a hard-wired or wireless solution is an important decision. Among other factors, a backup camera connection can be affected by vibration, weather and availability of cellular networks.  To ensure the strongest connection, a wired solution is recommended for farming systems, but wireless is still an option if you prefer. 

Wireless backup cameras are easier to install as no cable setup is required. However, interference from other devices such as Bluetooth and cellphones can reduce the wireless system display quality. With wired systems, ensure the cables are sturdy and will not be pulled or move too much when driving. A well-mounted system will receive the highest quality camera and video feed. 
 

Which brand should I choose? 

Sure, sometimes buying a brand name can add a few dollars to the price but more often than not, with that brand name comes trust, reliability and support. When it comes to technology, using a trusted brand may come with more dollars but will save you the headache and challenges that may come with a lower quality device. Purchasing from a manufacturer or authorized dealer offers peace of mind, knowing you have a warranty to protect your investment and if you encounter problems, a knowledgeable person you can turn to for support. Purchasing a backup camera from a third-party site may save money, but if the device is damaged or problematic, it’s unlikely you’ll have a long warranty or precision ag specialist to assist you.  

Backup cameras improve farm efficiency and safety while replacing manual aspects of machine operation. To reap the full benefits of a backup camera, choose a wired device designed to fit your specific machine with durable mounting hardware, and purchase your hardware from a trusted manufacturer or authorized dealer. Following these recommendations, you’ll eliminate blind spots when operating your machinery and keep your family, workers and equipment safe.

Want to learn more about how technology can optimize your farming operation? Meet our precision agriculture experts and see the latest precision agriculture products.