How to Wire a CB on a Tractor

Keep in touch with other farmhands with a tractor-mounted CB radio.

A citizens band, or "CB" radio can be a valuable asset to any farmer or tractor operator. A CB radio has the ability to operate in areas where typical cellphones will not function. Because of their compact size, modern CB radios can be mounted in a variety of places on a farm tractor. Tractors that incorporate an enclosed cab often have an overhead panel which has been designed to hold a CB as well as standard stereo radios. CB radios are excellent for emergency use, because channel 9 and channel 19 are both monitored by local police agencies, around the clock.

Things You'll Need

• Electrical connectors
• In-line fuse holder
• 2- to 3-amp fuse
• 10 to 12 feet of red electrical wire

Instructions

1. Locate the two wires that exit the back of the CB radio. One will be black and the other will be red.

2. Attach the in-line fuse holder to the red wire with the electrical connectors. Install the fuse into the holder.

3. Attach the new red wire to the fuse holder with an electrical connector and attach the other end to the positive battery terminal, with an electrical connector.

4. Attach the black wire to a solid ground, either within the tractor cab, or on its frame.

5. Mount the antenna on your tractor. Locate the antenna connector on the back of the CB radio. Install the antenna cable connector to the antenna connector by turning it clockwise until tight.

Tips & Warnings

• Mount the CB antenna as high as possible on your tractor. This gives the most signal range.

• Never turn the CB radio on without an antenna attached to it. Doing so will damage its electrical circuitry.

• Because the CB radio is wired directly to the battery, it will operate without the ignition key. To avoid a dead battery, be certain to turn the CB off when not operating the tractor.

References

• CB World: Install CB Radio
• 4x4CB.com: Farm CB Radio