Skid steers are compact and quick, but the view behind the machine is limited by the cage, the engine housing and whatever is on the arms. The Visionworks 5" Skid Steer Special Heavy Duty Monitor Kit is a portable skid steer backup camera system built for tough work applications. It pairs a compact 5" monitor in a heavy duty U-bracket with a magnetic 700 TVL camera, so you can watch your blind spots from the seat.
What the heavy duty 5" monitor kit is
This is Visionworks' heavy duty version of their 5" kit (Part # VWIC503). The monitor sits in a heavy duty U-bracket that gives it more protection than a standard mount, which matters in a cab that takes a beating. The system has three camera inputs, so you can start with the included camera and add more views later. Like the standard 5" kit, it uses Visionworks' standard 700 TVL camera, but it ships with a 15 ft. cable sized for compact machines.
What's included
- 5" heavy duty LCD monitor and bracket (VW5M-3)
- Standard wired camera with 65 lb. magnet (VWCAM4)
- 15 ft. cable (VW15PV4)
- 3-port harness (VWHR5M)
- Cigarette lighter adapter (VW12VCA)
- Remote
- RCA female adapter (VW4PRCA)
- 3-year camera warranty
Key specs for a skid steer camera system
- Monitor: 5", 16:9 aspect ratio, 350 cd/m2 brightness, adjustable brightness, color and contrast
- Inputs: 3 video inputs and 3 audio inputs (no built-in speaker)
- Power supply: 12-24V, through the cigarette lighter adapter or hard-wired
- Camera: 700 TVL resolution, 3.6 mm lens, 90 degree viewing angle, night vision
- Camera durability rating: IP68, with a lowest operating temperature of -20 C (-4 F)
- Connection: 4-pin input; NTSC/PAL TV system
A few things this monitor does not do, according to the spec sheet: it is not HD, it is not weatherproof, it does not record, and it has no touch screen, dual view or quad view. It is a straightforward live-view system.
Who it's for
The kit is aimed at skid steer owners, but the same setup works on other compact equipment where a short cable run is enough: compact track loaders, small tractors, or utility vehicles. Because the camera holds on with a 65 lb. magnet and the monitor can run off a cigarette lighter adapter, you can move the kit between machines if you don't want to hard-wire it. Contractors, farmers and landowners who run one machine for a lot of different jobs tend to like that flexibility. Full part numbers and specs are listed on the 5" heavy duty monitor kit page. If you want a bigger screen and a longer cable for a tractor or truck, compare it with the Visionworks 7" Standard Monitor Kit, which has a 30 ft. cable.
How to set up your skid steer backup camera
- Pick the camera spot. Find a clean, flat steel surface on the rear of the machine where the magnet can grab and the lens can see the area you back into.
- Route the 15 ft. cable. Run it along the frame into the cab, away from pinch points, pivots and hot surfaces, and tie it down so it can't snag.
- Mount the monitor. Place the U-bracket where you can glance at it without blocking your forward view. Since the monitor is not weatherproof, keep it inside the cab and out of rain and washdowns.
- Power it. Plug into a 12V outlet with the included adapter, or hard-wire into the machine's 12-24V system for a cleaner install.
- Adjust the picture. Set brightness, color and contrast for daylight, and check the night vision view before working after dark.
Add-on and alternative camera options
If you'd rather view on a phone or tablet, the ReadyVision Heavy-Duty WiFi Camera broadcasts to an iOS or Android device through the ReadyVision app. You can browse every system we carry in our backup cameras collection or see the full Visionworks camera lineup.
Frequently asked questions
How many cameras can I run on the 5" heavy duty monitor?
The monitor has three camera inputs, and the kit includes a 3-port harness. One standard 700 TVL camera comes in the box.
Can I use this skid steer backup camera at night?
Yes. The included camera has night vision, a 90 degree viewing angle and an IP68 durability rating, and it is rated down to -4 F.
Do I have to hard-wire the monitor?
No. You can power it with the included cigarette lighter adapter, or hard-wire it into a 12-24V system if you prefer.
If blind spots on your skid steer slow you down, the Visionworks 5" heavy duty monitor kit gives you a protected monitor, a magnetic camera and room to add two more cameras later. You can find more articles on our blog. Questions? Contact us.