AG Mini cable installation for heavy equipment

Updated January 13, 2026 14:23

This article provides step-by-step instructions to install a 3-wired and 8-wired Asset Gateway Mini cable on heavy equipment.

Overview

Fleets can install a cable-powered Asset Gateway Mini with a 3-wire CABLE-AG-31.2-3WR (3-wire cable) or 8-wire CABLE-AG-31.2-8WR (8-wire cable) cable on heavy equipment.

Ideal for heavy equipment: Skid steers, excavators, mowers, chippers, and agricultural equipment.

Tracking Capability: Real-time minute-by-minute tracking when the device is receiving constant power from the asset. Falls back to battery-powered scheduled and on-demand pings when not receiving constant power from the asset.
Power Source: Your choice of the asset’s battery (power when the asset’s ignition is ON or OFF) or the asset’s ignition line (power only when the asset’s ignition is ON).

Cable Components

Blue connector end: Plugs into Asset Gateway Mini
- White arrow alignment marking
Voltage regulator: Located ~1 foot from the blue end
Wire end options:
- 3-wire version:
  - 🔴 Red wire: Power
  - ⚫ Black wire: Ground
  - 🟢 Green wire: AUX Line 1
- 8-wire version:
  - 🔴 Red wire: Power
  - ⚫ Black wire: Ground
  - 🟢 Green wire: AUX Line 1
  - 🟠 Orange wire: AUX Line 2
  - 🟤 Brown wire: AUX Line 3
  - Not currently intended for use: 🟣 Purple, 🟡 Yellow, 🔵 Blue wires

Installation requirements: cable-powered heavy-equipment installation

What comes in the box?

Asset Gateway Mini device
Self-tapping screws
Wood screws
Pinhole reset tool
CABLE-AG-31.2-3WR or CABLE-AG-31.2-8WR (sold separately - required for this installation)

Tools

Power drill
Drill bits
Pinhole reset tool (included)

Screwdriver set (including a Torx-10 screwdriver)
Wire strippers
Wire cutters
Wire crimpers
Butt splices
Ring terminals
Self-tapping screw

Installing a 3 or 8-wired asset gateway mini in heavy equipment

Assigning a device to an asset

Locate your device serial number on the label on the front of the device or the craft box.
Use either Fleet App or Fleet Dashboard to assign your device to your asset.

Using Fleet App

Go to More > Devices.
Tap Install Asset Gateway.
Proceed with the steps to assign your asset gateway to your asset.

Using Fleet Dashboard

Create an asset profile and assign an Asset Gateway on the Fleet Dashboard.

Selecting a location

Find a flat mounting location.
Follow this guidance on positioning your device:

Ensure a clear sky view for optimal performance.
Vertical positions are often used, but horizontal or vertical are acceptable.
If placing in a vertical position, ensure the Motive logo will face upward when mounted for best LTE and GPS performance.

Verifying GPS and LTE

Holding the device in your desired location, press the pinhole using the provided pinhole reset tool.
Expected result: LED will flash blue

If LED flashes blue:

Device is activated
Device is attempting to send its first location
Action: proceed to next step
If you see a non-blue LED instead:

These are uncommon states. Follow the guidance below before continuing setup:

Solid White:
Device is booting up or updating
Action: Wait for the device to complete the process
Solid Orange:
Device has overheated
Action: Allow the device to cool down before continuing
Solid Red:
Device has low battery
Action: Use a different device to continue setup

Wait approximately 1 minute and then check the asset’s profile in Fleet App or Fleet Dashboard. You should see a location update.
If a location update does not arrive after ~2 minutes, your device may be in an area of low cellular service or may be obstructed from GPS or cellular service. Consider moving the device to a different position.
Once the device has successfully reported a location, proceed to mount the device.

Mounting the device

Use provided screws (self-tapping or wood screws, depending on surface).
Securely fasten the device to the surface with a power drill.

Preparing an Asset Gateway for a cable and connecting it

Remove the side panel with a Torx-10 screwdriver.
Unscrew the blue cap inside.
Align the white arrow on the cable end with the white arrow on the device.
Plug in the blue connector firmly.
Tighten the blue cap to secure the cable
Replace the side panel and tighten the screws.

Connecting the black wire to ground

Find a suitable GROUND connection post on your asset.
Remove the nut from the GROUND connection post.
Attach the ring terminal from the AG Mini's BLACK wire.
Replace the nut on the connection post.

Connecting the red wire to power

It is critical that you are aware of the implications of your choice of power source connection. You have two options.

Option 1: Red Wire to Battery (Most Common)

Benefits:

Minute-by-minute tracking even when the equipment is off
Tracks asset during transport on flatbed/trailer
Can pair with the Motor Vehicle Gateway on a transport vehicle
Provides 24/7 visibility • Considerations:
Very low current draw (does not drain a heavy-duty battery on an asset that recharges the battery with an alternator)

Option 2: Red Wire to Ignition

Benefits:

Only tracks when equipment is operating
No power draw when equipment is off
Limitations:
- No real-time tracking during transit (if the asset is off, on a flatbed, for instance). Only scheduled and on-demand pings
- Falls back to scheduled pings when off
- May miss unauthorized movement

Once you have made your decision on the choice of power connection point, connect the AG Mini’s RED wire to that chosen connection point.

Connecting the green wire to the ignition

The green wire monitors engine hours whenever ignition is on.

Locate ignition-switched power source.
Connect the green wire using a butt splice or ring terminal.
Verify: Power present only when the key is on

Wire Auxiliary Connections (If using 8-wire cable only, optional)

Future-proof your 8-wire install by optionally connecting the ORANGE and BROWN wires to additional functions that provide a voltage. For example:

An asset’s lever arm
An asset’s bucket lift

In the future, Motive plans to enable additional monitoring and customization based on your configured use of AUX wires, including productive vs. unproductive idling detection and enhanced utilization reporting.

Power verification (optional)

If you have connected the RED wire to the asset’s battery, leave the asset’s ignition OFF and proceed.
If you have connected the RED wire to the asset’s ignition line, turn the asset’s ignition ON and proceed.
If your AG Mini is behaving correctly and wired correctly, it will receive cable power and consequently provide location updates every 1 minute when cable power is flowing.
Observe your asset in the Motive Fleet App and Fleet Dashboard to confirm that updates arrive every 1 minute. You can observe this by noting the ‘last updated’ time for the asset.

Operating Behaviors by Configuration

Battery-Connected Configuration

Engine Off:

Continuous minute-by-minute tracking
Full GPS visibility
Monitors unauthorized movement

Engine On:

Real-time tracking continues
Green wire monitors engine hours
Full feature set active

Ignition-Connected Configuration