For anyone managing farm operations today, communication isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Between coordinating grain cart drivers, managing combine movement, and handling equipment transfers across miles of fields, staying in touch is the difference between an efficient day and a chaotic one. After years of dealing with the range and clarity limitations of CB radios, we put a GMRS-based solution from Midland Radio in place.
The system we went with? Midland recommended and sent us the MXT115 MicroMobile two-way radio, bundled with accessories and upgrades for agricultural use.
After partnering with Roadrunner Tractors to install and use these radios in our LS Tractors and other farm equipment across an entire season, we were able to give the MXT115 MicroMobile package a real-world review and get a clear picture of how well they perform.
Spoiler: We’re not going back to CB.
Why we ditched CB radios for GMRS
CB radios have been around for decades. They’re familiar, cheap, and easy to set up — but for some of the farm needs in our area, they consistently fell short. The range was restrictive, clarity was hit-or-miss, and trying to coordinate multiple pieces of equipment spread over acres just wasn’t working. We needed more power, clearer audio, and better coverage. That’s where GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) came in.
GMRS operates on UHF frequencies, which tend to perform better in and around buildings, trees, and rolling terrain. Generally speaking, that means more range and more versatility. This type of radio is also supported by U.S. regulations to ensure dependable communication in rural and other isolated areas.
Midland’s MXT115, with 15 watts of output power and compatibility with GMRS handheld, offered a promising solution that bridged the gap between low-power CBs and more complex ham radio systems.
What’s in the setup?
We installed the following items from Midland:
- MXT115 MicroMobile GMRS Radio (15W)
- Noise-canceling IP66 mic
- Slide-in mounting bracket
- Stock 2.1 dB magnetic mount antenna
- Mic holder (MXTA36)
- 12V DC power cord (MXTA33)
- 20 ft low-profile NMO cable (MXTA24)
- Roll bar/mirror antenna mount (MXTA23)
Installation experience: Compact and straightforward
One of the most obvious advantages of the MXT115 system is its compact size. In the LS Tractor, space in the cab is at a premium. This radio mounted easily thanks to the slide-in bracket, and the power connection to the 12V socket was simple and fast.
The antenna options provided flexibility for different vehicles. The Ghost antenna, while sleek and low-profile, had the option of being swapped out for the larger MXTA26 whip antenna to boost clarity. Mounting the NMO antenna with the roll bar bracket was straightforward, and the 20-foot cable allowed plenty of room to route the wiring cleanly.
If you’ve ever tried to squeeze a CB radio into tight equipment cabs or wrestle with bulky antenna wires, the design of this system will feel like a relief.
Range, clarity, and real-world use
Midland advertises a more than 5-mile range under typical conditions — and we can confirm that. In fact, we tested the setup across 16 miles with roughly 100 feet of elevation difference, scattered tree lines, and even a small town in between. Communication was impressively clear.
On flat land with good line-of-sight, getting 6 to 8 miles consistently was easy. This was a major step up from the unreliable CBs we’d used before. That said, your results may vary depending on antenna placement, vehicle type, and local interference.
Question for consideration: Have you ever found yourself losing contact just when you need to line up for a grain transfer or road escort? With this system, those moments are far less frequent.
Here’s where things get nuanced. The integrated speaker on the MXT115 works fine in a quiet environment — but let’s be frank: Tractors and combines aren’t quiet environments. Between the engine, A/C blower, and road noise, the built-in speaker struggled to keep up.
That’s where the SPK100 external speaker could be a handy addition. It mounts easily, delivers up to 20 watts of output, and is rugged enough for dusty, bumpy cabs. Once we plugged this in, volume was never an issue again.
As for the mic, the stock unit is serviceable, but for heavy daily use, the MXTA37 noise-canceling mic is an improvement you could make. It’s IP66 rated, dustproof, and reduces background noise from fans or diesel rumble. If you want consistent transmission clarity, this upgrade is well worth the investment.
Features that mattered
Midland’s MXT115 includes a number of practical features, many of which are surprisingly useful in day-to-day farm work:
- NOAA Weather Alerts: When storm fronts move in fast, the ability to get instant weather updates in the cab is crucial.
- Channel Scan & Monitor Mode: This helps quickly identify active frequencies, especially when training new drivers or onboarding seasonal help.
- Repeater Capability: We haven’t needed this yet, but the radio supports eight split-tone repeater channels — ideal if you decide to set up a farm-wide repeater down the road.
- USB-C Charging: A minor detail, but convenient for charging devices in-cab.
That said, some features — like the 142 privacy codes — are less relevant for direct farm communication. Unless you’re linking into a shared repeater network or trying to avoid interference from neighboring farms, they can largely be ignored.
GMRS radios require a license from the FCC. There’s no test, and it covers your entire household for 10 years for around $30. While enforcement is minimal, we opted to stay compliant — and recommend others do the same if you’re investing in a full system like this.
One major lesson learned: Antennas matter. While the Ghost antenna is great for keeping a low profile, several operators noted that switching to the MXTA26 whip antenna delivers significantly improved clarity and range. It’s taller and more exposed, but the trade-off in performance is worth it if you’re working in challenging terrain.
Similarly, mounting location matters. We had better results when the antenna was mounted high on the cab, away from metal surfaces or interference sources like mirrors or hydraulic lines.
Bottom line: Worth it?
If you’re managing a farm with multiple vehicles and crews, the MXT115 system is a smart investment. It’s not the cheapest option, but it hits the sweet spot between cost, performance, and ease of use.
Pros:
- Reliable communication up to 16 miles in mixed terrain
- Compact and rugged design perfect for farm equipment
- Quick installation with flexible mounting options
- Excellent clarity with external speaker and mic upgrades
- NOAA weather alerts and repeater-ready
Cons:
- Internal speaker can be overwhelmed by noisy equipment
- Stock mic is adequate but lacks noise suppression
- Range varies based on antenna setup and mounting position
Midland’s MXT115 isn’t just a good radio — it’s the kind of tool that makes your operation run smoother. Whether you’re training new workers, coordinating long hauls, or just trying to get the combine and cart aligned without yelling across a dusty field, this radio system does the job.
Could the MXT400 with its 40 watts be better? Possibly. But for most farms, the MXT115’s 15 watts is more than enough when paired with the right antenna and accessories.
This setup has earned its place in every cab on our farm — and it’s likely to stay there for years to come.
This review was supported by and published on behalf of Midland Radio.
Heidi Crnkovic, is the Associate Editor for AGDAILY. She is a New Mexico native with deep-seated roots in the Southwest and a passion for all things agriculture.
