Achieve critical accuracy of in-field operations

As equipment gets larger and margins tighter, accuracy of in-field operations and input placement is more critical than ever.

When making a pass in a field, traveling from one end of the field to another, the position accuracy of the return pass is critical. Pass-to-pass accuracy means the planter guess rows will be accurate and subsequent passes are less likely to result in crop damage.

Repeatability defines how accurately the receiver calculates its position over a relatively long time window.

AutoTrac reduces overlap AutoTrac maintains speed Farming requires multiple passes. This requires a method of guidance with a high degree of repeatability in order to minimize overlap (extra cost of seed, fertilizer, chemical and machine hours) and skips (loss of production). Maintaining repeatable accuracy is important in all operations, especially with cropping practices that require multiple passes through the field. AutoTrac creates more consistent row spacing, reducing the potential for crop damage with subsequent passes through the field. University studies have shown that operators tend to overlap 5 to 13 percent over the course of an entire day, which could mean up to 60 cm (23 in.) of overlap with a 6 m (19 ft) tillage implement. This means that a producer with 300 ha (740 acres) actually works and pays for 330 ha (815 acres). With reducing overlap by using AutoTrac more ground is covered in the same time and inputs like chemicals, fertilizer, fuel, labor and machine hours are reduced.

Reduced overlap with AutoTrac
Field 1	4.72 percent
Field 2	8.03 percent
Field 3	12.74 percent
Average:	8.50 percent
GPS accuracy versus manual accuracy

AutoTrac increases productivity

AutoTrac™ assisted steering system greatly increases operator productivity by maintaining consistent accuracy and efficiency. Operators remain more alert while they are in the field and are able to focus on implement settings and varying field conditions. AutoTrac also allows operators to confidently create evenly spaced rows past sunset, as well as in rain, dust, or fog.

AutoTrac also improves operator comfort as the operator has time to concentrate on implement tasks.

Reduce compaction with AutoTrac guidance system As tractors and field equipment become larger and heavier, there is a growing concern about soil compaction. Heavy equipment and tillage implements can cause damage to the soil structure. Soil structure is important because it determines the ability of a soil to hold and conduct water, nutrients, and air necessary for plant root activity. By using AutoTrac, operators can optimize the number of passes and reduce compaction. Additionally, the operator can confine traffic between certain rows and avoid compacting the row area. AutoTrac allows producers to use the same traffic lanes year after year, sacrificing a small portion of the field in favor of having no wheel traffic in the majority of the field. Restricting traffic to specific lanes also provides a firm soil surface for more efficient tractor operation. Without using AutoTrac during field operations, there is a tendency for passes to overlap. Each pass over a field under poor conditions can cause significant damage to the soil.

When paired with a StarFire™ Receiver and GreenStar™ Display, the machine steering kit completes the components that automatically steer the machine. Regardless of the steering kit, the receiver and display help standardize the operating experience between various machines in the operation. This reduces the learning curve for new operators and makes it easier for the operator to focus on total machine optimization.

 

Three different options are available:

• Integrated steering kit
• AutoTrac Universal steering kit
• AutoTrac Controller steering kit

AutoTrac – Integrated steering kit

The integrated steering kit is tied directly into the steering system on the machine and therefore provides optimum accuracy.

• Integrated – for a clean look in the machine
• Recent John Deere machines
• Team John Deere precision with John Deere machines for the highest level of performance, acquisition and accuracy

AutoTrac Universal

A universal system does not integrate into the existing steering system and can be moved between machines.

• Universal system can easily be moved between machines
• John Deere and non-John Deere machines
• Good acquisition and line accuracy

AutoTrac Controller

AutoTrac Controller is a field-installed, integrated AutoTrac system that is available on older John Deere and non-John Deere tractors.

• Integrated
• Older John Deere and non-John Deere tractors
• Enjoy an uncluttered cab
• Increased performance over a universal system

Integrated AutoTrac kits are available factory installed on the following John Deere machines:

• 6R Series Tractors with mechanical front-wheel drive (MFWD)
• 7R Series Small-frame Tractors with MFWD
  • In base, no deduct option
• 7R Series Large-frame Tractors with MFWD
  • In base, no deduct option
• 8R Series Tractors with MFWD or tracks
  • In base, no deduct option
• 9R Ag and Scraper Series Tractors with tracks or wheel
• 4630 / 4730 / 4830 / 4 Series Sprayers
  • In base, no deduct option
• S-Series and T-Series Combine
  • In base, no deduct option
• 7080 Series Self-Propelled Forage Harvester
• W200 Series Self-Propelled Windrower
  • In base, no deduct option
• 7760 / 7660 Cotton Pickers
  • In base, no deduct option
• 3520T Sugarcane Harvesters
  • In base, no deduct

Integrated kits are available for field installation on the following John Deere machines:

• 6420 / 6030 / 6R Premium Series Tractors with MFWD
• Small-frame 7020 / 7030 Premium Series Tractors with MFWD
• Large-frame 7020 / 7030 Series Tractors with MFWD
• 8000 / 8010 / 8020 Series Tractors with MFWD or tracks
• 9000 / 9020 Series Tractors with tracks or wheel
• 9030 Wheeled Special Series Tractors (Not compatible with 9030 Track Special Series Tractors)
• 9R / 9RT Scraper Series Tractors
• 4700 / 4710 / 4720 / 4920 / 4730 / 4830 Series Sprayers
• 9050 / 9060 / 9070 Series Combines
• 7000 / 7050 / 7080 Series Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters