John Deere provides new levels of machine automation and data sharing.

By: "Farm Tender" News
Sheep & Wool News
Dec 27, 2017
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John Deere has introduced its latest advanced guidance and machine data sharing technology with the addition of three new AutoTrac™ applications and a new In-Field Data Sharing application for its Generation 4 Displays.

AutoTrac Turn Automation, AutoTrac Implement Guidance, AutoTrac Vision for Tractors, and In-Field Data Sharing applications are being sold as bundled activations for John Deere 4600 CommandCenter™ and as bundled subscriptions for 4640 Universal Displays.

"These new applications are machine-specific bundled activations with the 4600 CommandCenter and provide late-model John Deere machine owners with outstanding technology value," said John Mishler, precision agriculture product marketing manager with John Deere. For owners of machines equipped with a 4640 Display, the applications are offered as bundled one or five-year subscriptions.

AutoTrac Turn Automation makes end turns smooth, consistent and comfortable for operators during tillage, planting, seeding or other pre-emerge applications when using straight track guidance modes. Mishler said the new application for tractors provides automation across the paddock rather than just between headlands. It allows operators to focus on machine and job performance while reducing operator fatigue.

When AutoTrac Turn Automation is activated, the machine functions previously required at the end of the paddock, when operating drawn implements, no longer require user input. "For example, making end turns, raising and lowering the implement, PTO control, 3-point hitch functions and speed can be established in sequences from one setup page to become automated," Mishler explained.

AutoTrac Implement Guidance (passive) enables the tractor to move off the intended path or guidance line in order to achieve expected accuracy of the implement. Mishler said implement drift can diminish accuracy of the implement while the tractor is traveling on the guidance line. "AutoTrac Implement Guidance helps operators improve pass to pass accuracy by placing the implement consistently on the guidance line, helping to reduce the impact of implement drift," he explained.

AutoTrac Implement Guidance is ideal for first-pass tillage, planting, seeding, strip till or other applications with drawn implements when using straight- or curve-tracking modes and when operating on hillsides. Differential correction signals can be shared between the receiver on the tractor and the implement. Mishler said the application is easy to install, calibrate and operate. However, for controlled traffic farming operations, Active Implement Guidance remains the preferred option to maintain both the implement and the tractor on the desired guidance line.

AutoTrac Vision Guidance was previously released for John Deere 30-Series and newer sprayers. Now, Deere is expanding the application to include 7X30 large-frame, 8X30 and 8X30T, 7R and 8R/8RT tractors. AutoTrac Vision can be utilised in post-season crop applications to detect the crop row and provide input to the machine’s AutoTrac system to keep the tractor’s wheels or tracks between the crop rows. This level of precision can be beneficial when side-dressing fertiliser, post-emerge spraying and cultivating.

"This application is supported when the tractor is working in corn, soybeans and cotton at least 6 inches tall with up to a 90 percent canopy. This level of advanced guidance minimises crop damage, reduces operator fatigue and maximises tractor productivity in paddocks with 50 to 101 cm (20- to 40-in.) row spacing," Mishler added.

In-Field Data Sharing makes it easier for producers to coordinate multiple machines working in the same paddock. Operators can use the application to share coverage, application, yield and moisture maps along with straight tracks and circle tracks with up to six other machines.

The application helps machines to work together more efficiently, reducing skips, overlap, fuel and input costs for producers. During planting, seeding, harvesting, spraying and nutrient application, In-Field Data Sharing helps producers maximise each pass through the paddock.

"It's easy to share and check maps with In-Field Data Sharing. Operators can monitor machines' as-applied maps to see if they’re properly calibrated and performing in a similar manner, thus maximising machine performance," Mishler said. "In-Field Data Sharing also lets users transfer guidance lines between machines without manually moving a USB stick from one machine to another. This is a real time-saver when several machines are working in the same paddock. By using the application, operators can more efficiently manage nurse trucks, tenders and grain carts while decreasing operating costs."

Each of the four new applications is compatible with the John Deere 4640 Universal Display and with Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter displays. Activations and subscriptions are immediately available for ordering. Delivery will take place beginning in February 2018.

Producers should visit their local John Deere dealer for additional information about hardware requirements and tractor platform, display and differential-correction signal compatibility. Learn more about the entire lineup of John Deere precision Ag products and services by visiting John Deere.

https://www.deere.com.au/en/index.html