The fact that manufacturers continue to pack more mechanics (engines, pumps, radiators, etc.) under hoods and in engine cavities is reason enough to consider investing in a mechanic’s inspection camera, also called a borescope.
An equally good reason is that this instrument’s price makes it an easy buy.
Due to the affordability of LED screens and lights, not to mention increasing competition in the marketplace (DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, and General Tools have come into the borescope market in recent years), the price of an inspection camera has dropped into a range that makes it affordable for any farmer.
Models in the $225 to $350 price range lie in the farm-buy sweet spot. Less expensive inspection cameras are available, but their usefulness is limited by the quality of the images they produce. More expensive borescopes are also sold, although their extra cost may not be justified unless you’re tackling extensive repairs on multiple engines or transmissions.
“Whether it is an entry-level borescope or a top-of-the-line model, the biggest stumbling block is opening your mind to all the possibilities the tool holds,” says Successful Farming Engine Man Ray Bohacz. “A borescope allows you to have the ability to look not only inside cylinders via the spark plug or injector hole, but also inside a turbo, differential, or an induction system, at the engine’s valves, under a dashboard, and more,” says Bohacz.
“Do not stop there,” he continues. “Look inside your planter’s seed meter, combine header passages, radiator, hydraulic pump, sprayer pump. The possibilities are endless for non-invasive machine/engine inspection with this tool.”
The usefulness of a mechanic’s inspection camera quickly became obvious to James Fred (pictured above).
“Knowing what I know now about its usefulness, I would buy one,” the Rochester, Indiana, farmer says. “I was surprised at how sharp the video image was from the camera I evaluated.”
The following are key features to consider when shopping for an inspection camera:
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Any average, well drained soil. Position Full sun. Frost tolerant Oats are a cool-weather crop that can tolerate light frosts but is usually killed by temperatures below 5F (-15C). Feeding None generally needed, especially when oats are grown with nitrogen-fixing cover crops such as winter peas, winter beans or hairy vetch. Companions Winter Peas and Winter Field Beans. Spacing Single Plants: 3" (10cm)
Crop Rotation Group Umbelliferae (Carrot and root family) ● Soil Any average, well drained soil enriched with compost. Position Full sun. Frost tolerant Hardy only to about 10 degrees F, though winter mulches or cloches can enhance cold tolerance. Where winters are mild, parsley can be sown in fall and grown through winter. Feeding Drench plants with a water soluble organic plant food monthly. Companions Asparagus, Corn and Tomato. Spacing Single
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Any sunny site with good drainage. Position Full sun to partial afternoon shade. Frost tolerant Phacelia seedlings can tolerate light frost, but the plants are easily damaged by hard freezes. Feeding When growing phacelia to improve very poor soil, mixing a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil before planting will give better results. Companions Cucumber, Tomato, Kale, Broccoli and Cabbage. Mixes well w
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Fertile, well drained soil. Position A sunny spot near the back or edge of a garden bed, because tarragon is a lanky plant. Frost tolerant A cold-hardy perennial, tarragon can survive temperatures to -20F (-30C). Feeding Not usually required. Companions Eggplant. Often planted with thyme and other low, mound-forming herbs. Spacing Single Plants: 1 3" (40cm) each way (minimum) Rows: 1 3" (40cm) wit