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The Yanmar YT4/5A Series robot tractors rolled off the production line and on to Japanese dealer yards in April.
While numerous tractor manufacturers have shown autonomous concepts, it looks like Yanmar have taken the winner’s sash for getting to a retail position first.
The Yanmar YT4/5A Series robot tractors rolled off the production line and on to Japanese dealer yards in April.
However, the company is taking each-way bets, as the tractors have still retained a full cabin – allowing them to be operated in a full or partially autonomous mode. Additionally, there is an option for dual working in the same paddock, with one unit under driver control and an autonomous unit running nearby.
The Yanmar autonomous tractor range will include four models – the YT488A, YT498A, YT4104A and YT5113A. These are all four-cylinder common rail diesels, pushing out 88, 98, 104 and 113hp maximum output at 2500rpm. A three-speed hydromechanical transmission offers 0.15 to 33.0 km/h in manual mode, or 0.5 to 10km/h if run autonomously.
Under development since 2015, the move to the dealer showroom has come about due to a breakthrough with the tractor’s communication signal. Previously, like other manufacturers, the Yanmar robot tractor needed a ground base station for correction signals, along with signals from the GNSS satellite for accuracy.
The new delivery system receives a multifrequency signal, allowing the tractor to receive local reference point positioning data to determine its position through a VRS (Virtual Reference Station). This means it is no longer necessary to use a base station and the system can be used anywhere a mobile signal is available.
The new delivery system receives a multifrequency signal, allowing the tractor to receive local reference point positioning data to determine its position through a VRS (Virtual Reference Station). This means it is no longer necessary to use a base station and the system can be used anywhere a mobile signal is available.
In practice, a multifrequency antenna receives signals at three different frequencies from the GNSS satellite, allowing safe operation – even if one of those frequencies is interrupted. There is also the additional benefit of a 75% reduction in positioning time, meaning the tractor can start work as soon as it arrives in the paddock.
The only major stumbling block seems to be the cost, with entry into the robotic arena – depending on model – sitting at $US105,000 to $US162,000 (NZ 144,000 to $222,00) plus taxes.
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With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
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