An after-market automated steering system by John Deere is designed to fit to almost any tractor, and more is planned later in 2020
John Deere will roll out automated steering to a range of older equipment with the release of its new AutoTrac Controller 300 after-market guidance system. John Deere Precision Ag marketing manager John Mishler says the AutoTrac system can help reduce skips and overlaps in spreading, seeding, and spraying.
“Now almost any producer can add guidance to their machines without having to trade vehicles, or more easily add it to non-Deere or smaller tractors to reap the productivity, accuracy and efficiency benefits precision guidance provides,” he says.
“More importantly, customers can customise automated steering to the level of precision they choose based on their specific requirements, resulting in a package that best fits their operation without having to learn multiple user interfaces.”
The AutoTrac Controller 300 system is customisable to different 2WD and 4WD tractors and articulated configurations, as long as they have hydraulic steering from a single source and at least four wheels.
It can be used on cabbed or open-station Deere and other brands of ag machines with front- or rear-wheel steering and is compatible with both open- and closed-centre hydraulic systems. “This solution is compatible with many newer Deere vehicles not already equipped with AutoTrac, as well as older machines and other equipment brands,” John says.
“It integrates with a John Deere precision ag display and StarFire receiver for a complete guidance system and a consistent John Deere Precision Ag experience across the entire fleet.” John adds that installing the system will have no impact on operator ergonomics and will not require any modifications to the steering wheel.
Installed by John Deere dealers, the AutoTrac Controller 300 uses hydraulic and electrical components to provide quick guidance line acquisition with the feel and function of a fully integrated system. Deere says it plans to expand system compatibility to include machines other than tractors later in the year.
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