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New Holland debuts tractor auto-steering capability
By Larry Dreiling
More precision with more cost savings, more crop yield and a less fatigued operator is the productivity-potential story behind the new fully integrated, GPS-based precision automated steering system now available for New Holland TJ and TG Series tractors.
The recently released IntelliSteer Auto-Steering System was designed specifically for compatibility with New Holland tractors through a joint development venture with Trimble, a leader in GPS auto-steering technology.
The system is now available as a factory-ready option for New Holland TG tractors. It is currently a dealer-installed accessory for New Holland TJ Series four-wheel-drive tractors but will be available as factory-ready this spring.
New Holland officials introduced the system to members of the farm media during a debut that included dealers and prominent operators held at the CNH, Inc. factory at Fargo, N.D.
Although the automated steering system isn't totally hands-free (the operator must still make end-row turns), it eliminates the need to steer when the tractor is being operated in straight lines in open fields.
The automated steering system eliminates human error, such as overlapping and skipping, which can lead to under or over application of pesticides, fertilizers and seed.
"Auto-steering technology can have a major effect on a farm's return on investment," said Roger Lewno, product training manager for New Holland TJ and TG tractors.
"Because of the accuracy, farmers who use this technology can realize significant savings on variable costs, including labor, fuel, seed, fertilizer, pesticides, and machine depreciation while increasing yields and field productivity."
Another benefit, Lewno said, is less strain and fatigue on the operator.
"With steering accuracy taken care of, the operator can concentrate on why he or she is in the field," Lewno said.
"Whether disking, tilling, ripping, spraying or planting, an operator can make sure the implement is doing what it's supposed to do, instead of concentrating on trying to drive straight and accurately. The system will take care of the steering accuracy, and the operator can focus more attention on the implement function."
Lewno adds that automated steering also makes it easier to implement controlled traffic patterns in fields, which reduces soil compaction and often increases yield.
New Holland's IntelliSteer Auto-Steering System is capable of automatically steering a tractor with a high degree of accuracy. Like all tractor auto-steering systems, it is dependent on GPS technology. The system continuously receives GPS satellite signals and employs satellite or base station correction signals to improve accuracy. The auto-steering system uses GPS position data as the primary input, with secondary input provided from a steering sensor in the front axle.
"We can see IntelliSteer being used in several different settings," said Doug Gammie, New Holland's senior director of marketing for over 100-horsepower tractors. "There will be lots of places on the Plains that can use this technology when it's tied to sprayers and air seeders."
Depending on the level of accuracy required, two levels of precision are available. The High Performance Differential GPS (DGPS HP) system relies on a leased satellite correction signal to provide accuracy typically within a range of less than four inches.
The more precise Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) auto-steering system utilizes a customer-owned base station to provide a correction signal for accuracy normally in a range within one inch.
"The RTK will work best in strip-till and row crop fields. As long as there's a base station to send the signal to the tractor, it will deliver powerful results," Gammie said.
"The return for that investment is very high," Gammie said. "Consider the savings in all those variable costs while you get increased yields and productivity. Consider the fact you can be a less fatigued operator and I think IntelliSteer is a great investment."
Larry Dreiling can be reached by phone at 785-628-1117 or by e-mail at ldreiling@aol.com.
Date: 1/25/05
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