Friday, 27 October 2023 09:55

Turn automation for JD combines

Written by  Mark Daniel
John Deere claims that automating the headland turns makes operating the harvester easier and more precise. John Deere claims that automating the headland turns makes operating the harvester easier and more precise.

The latest round of software updates for Gen 4 Displays and the John Deere Operations Center.

This will allow farmers to get more from their equipment, with the introduction of turn automation for combine harvesters.

Combine AutoTrac Turn Automation is compatible with Gen 4 Displays and the new G5 Display on X9, S700 and even S600 combines – which were introduced in 2012.

John Deere production system manager Ben Kelly says automating the headland turns makes operating the harvester easier and more precise.

“Customers will see consistent, repeated and optimised end turns across the paddock, while the operator will benefit from less stress and fatigue throughout the day.”

Noting that ATTA allows operators to focus their attention on critical harvester operational tasks, like grain loss or grain sample. Kelly says the system delivers clear safety and productivity improvements, but also allows another step closer down the road to full autonomy and in doing so prepares customers for the future.

AutoTrac Turn Automation for combine harvesters is part of the 23-2 Display software bundle that was released in late 2022, using technology to automate the combine turns at the headland. ATTA is compatible with the Gen 4 family display with Automation 4.0, or G5 family display with G5 Advanced license.

In use, ATTA requires a field boundary created with either SF3, SF-RTK or RTK level signal accuracy and a boundary headland, which can now be easily created in Operations Center. The system can support multiple harvesters working in the same field to increase overall productivity. This reduces stress, via three turn types that are pre-planned and automatically executed.

ATTA will support U-Turns, Spiral-In or Spiral- Out turns. The spiral in and spiral out turns have been developed to ensure the unload auger is always extended over the harvested row, creating an opening for chaser bins and allowing simple unloading on-the-go.

“Turn automation complements the key technology required to enable completely handsfree guidance across the harvest production step in the future,” Kelly explains. “So is well worth adopting and implementing now to be ready to capitalise on full harvest automation in the future.”

Additional enhancements to the MY 2024 software bundle and John Deere Operations Center Land tool make it easier to set up headlands for paddocks. This creates the foundation needed for the ATTA functions, with users able to manage headlands directly with Operations Center. It also removes the need to create them in the paddock.

In addition, operators can now choose “Cart” for the Chaser Bin profile name. When “Cart” is selected as the profile name, the “Type of Equipment” and “Controller” fields will automatically populate to speed setup time.

More like this

Agco invests in Finnish engine plant

While Nokia is more likely recognised for mobile devices, a major investment of €70m (NZ$126m) by global farm machinery brand AGCO at its facility in Linnavuori, in Nokia, will see the plant establish a new laboratory for testing combustion engines running on alternative fuels, alongside a range of electric solutions, including hybrids, fuel cells and high-voltage battery technology.

Factory clocks up 60 years

There can't be many heavy metal fans who haven’t heard of Basildon, situated about 40km east of London and originally created in 1948 to deal with the population boom after the Second World War.

Polaris unveils XD 'truck'

Think of a RAM 1500 or a Chevrolet Silverado and compare them to a Ranger or a Hilux: One is obviously a truck, and the other is a ute.

Temporary slurry tanks – cheap, easy to install

With effluent management never far from the thoughts of legislators and farmers becoming increasingly aware of the nutrient values of dairy effluent, innovate ideas for the convenient storage and subsequent discharge are always of interest.

Featured

Vaccinate against new lepto strain

A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.

TV series to combat food waste

Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.

National

Celebrating success

The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole…

Cyclone's devastating legacy

One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it…

Machinery & Products

Factory clocks up 60 years

There can't be many heavy metal fans who haven’t heard of Basildon, situated about 40km east of London and originally…

PM opens new Power Farming facility

Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Cut with care

OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.

Bubble burst!

OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter