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JD recently announced that it will open up its Autotrac self-steering arrangement to all TIM systems.
As a long-term advocate of digital technology, John Deere has taken the route of mass data capture, rather than concentrating on direct driver aids – such as TIM (tractor implement management).
With most drivers typically preferring the latter, there might be some change of heart in the dark green camp. JD recently announced that it will open up its Auto- Trac self-steering system to all TIM systems certified by the Agricultural Engineers Foundation (AEF). John Deere is moving rapidly away from isolation towards full digital integration with other manufacturers.
Farmers and contractors running multi-brand tractor fleets can now use AutoTrac TIM activation for the Gen4 Universal Displays. This means that the guidance system can be used on all tractors with TIM guidance capability, irrespective of the manufacturer.
The new AutoTrac TIM is a complementary system that is fully integrated with these other products, the key benefit being that no further steering wheel or controller components are needed.
This is claimed to be a simple solution for farmers and contractors with mixed fleets who want to use a universal guidance system. However, to run AutoTrac TIM they will need the AEF-certified Gen4 Universal Display (4240 or 4640) with AutoTrac activation and a StarFireTM 6000 or 7000 receiver. Details on machine compatibility to fit John Deere AutoTrac TIM can be found on the AEF database.
In the past, John Deere has expressed a desire to use its own digital architecture in a bid to keep customers locked into buying green. The company now claims that by allowing the integration of other systems with its own, shows that an openness to other manufacturers plays an important role in the application of digital technology. The move might also suggest that JD has realised that trying to maintain a closed shop is counter-productive, while a universal system is far more likely to gain acceptance within day-today farming and encourage greater acceptance of digital technology.
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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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