Not everybody needs a massive tractor. Especially those, like us, that run moderate sized properties. My wife and I have never considered our property a farm enterprise, and we have never sought tax concessions as a result.
Our farm has always been a home for upscaled pets and the lifestyle that space affords. But as you’d expect, with commercial sized things come the need for commercial sized maintenance.
Perhaps like us you own and operate a circa 30-90HP tractor and I’m assuming that because you’re reading this blog, you desire gathering some data while you’re doing it. As you may be aware, a great many of the high-end tractor offerings have built in digital systems that monitor and manage your operations. But for the likes of us, we need to get creative.
We have a Kubota M series tractor. Far from a basic tractor in general operational function, it was devoid of digital goodies. Fortunately however, adding basic GPS function to any machine is a simple as adding a tablet with a GPS chip. All you really need is solid mounting hardware, a tablet or phone and some tractor GPS software. …and some more good news, there are plenty of free and low-cost options.
My setup
I’m currently using FieldBee software on an Lenovo M11 tablet. If you wish to do the same, you will need a model tablet with an internal GPS chip, typically these are the models with GSM/SIM/eSIMs. You can use a phone, but I would suggest that even with the largest screen models it will be next to useless. I am a huge fan of RAM device mounting hardware. It seems expensive until you’ve used their equipment in anger. They are extremely well made and I have some RAM hardware that must be over 20 years old now. It lasts forever and they are good with warranty in experience. There is also the option to fit additional wireless sensors to your machine. A simple Bluetooth temperature sensor with an alarm could save an implement gearbox or prevent a grassfire.