Modern agriculture requires modern tools. Just as modern farmers no longer use a horse to plow the fields, they need other ways to communicate aside from stopping their equipment and running across hundreds of acres. When you’re working with a team, communication is essential. And two-way radios have been part of the process to help increase productivity and improve safety.
Now that there are more technologies available, it’s important to consider what features are best when agriculture companies are looking for new radio systems. Here are some important options to be on the lookout for.
Getting the Right Range for Agricultural Two Way Radios
Finding the right two way radios for agriculture starts with finding a good range. Farms need communication tools they can use no matter where they are, including when they are in the back forty. This also includes needing to cover various terrains including hills, buildings, and forest foliage if needed. You don’t want the quality of the call breaking up just because your tractor is behind a tree. It’s important to find radios that can be used in any of these conditions. You may even look at models that have repeaters so that the signal can travel even farther.
Weather Resistant and Durable
Farmers are outside in all kinds of weather conditions. This means that they need two way radios for agriculture that can withstand scorching heat and rainy days. Look for options that have a good rating for being waterproof and even dustproof. That’s one thing that many new farmers don’t consider is that their equipment will be exposed to a lot of dust. So, getting a solution that can handle the dirt is vital. Radios are also prone to being dropped, so a rugged option is also important.
All Day Battery Life
It’s common to be out all day in the fields plowing, planting seeds, or harvesting. This is why having two-way radios for agriculture with a long battery life is essential. Sometimes there isn’t any time in the day to go get a new radio or to plug in the one you have and get everything done. The best two radios for agriculture have long battery life. Even better are the ones with rechargeable batteries and power-saving modes that can last more than one shift on a single charge. This means that everyone on the team can use their radios without needing to stop to recharge or go back to a home base and grab a radio off the charger.
Extra Useful Features
While simplicity is important when you just need a radio to help you get things done, there are additional features that can make the work easier. Apps that offer location coverage of all the radios you have, nationwide coverage, and even Wi-Fi pairing can be extremely helpful features to have as well. You may even want things like headsets or earpieces so you can be hands-free with your communication.
Conclusion
Finding the right two way radios for agriculture starts with looking at your operational needs first. Getting the right range and durability are essential. You don’t want to drop communications because you go too far out on the property. Combined with additional features and you’ll have a great communication solution for your farm operation.
