Sprayers
Headland and slope control

The GreenStar AutoTrac assisted steering system from John Deere helps operators gain more efficiency in the field by reducing passes, saving fuel and reducing operator fatigue. The system uses GPS to steer the vehicle down the field in straight, curved or circular passes. The operator still must make turns at the end of the row before re-engaging AutoTrac.

Now, John Deere 8030 series tractors outfitted with AutoTrac iTEC Pro can automatically turn at the headlands and other boundaries, as well as automating implement controls and ground speed. This module for the GreenStar 2 system allows implement functions to be performed consistently on the headlands every time. This helps reduce input costs such as fertilizer, seed and fuel by reducing headland skips and overlaps. The system also provides additional accuracy by automatically guiding the tractor during headland turns and making sure the machine is positioned correctly for the next pass through the field.

For operations on hillsides or contour field conditions, there is a tendency for slippage downhill by the implement that can take the machinery off track when making passes through the field. John Deere has introduced iGuide, the new implement guidance system, to help overcome implement drift and bring more accuracy to AutoTrac operations, minimizing slips and overlaps. This new system is compatible with John Deere AutoTrac integrated vehicles with GreenStar 2 systems, except 900 series tractors and tracked tractors. It will be available for limited release in the spring of 2007.

Swath control for PT sprayers
Swath Control Pro, a system for 4710, 4720, 4920 and 4930 self-propelled sprayers that automatically turns the sprayer's boom sections on and off according to a GPS coverage map, is now available in the GreenStar 2 rate controller to automate spray rate control and to enable Swath Control Pro on pull-type sprayers.

The GS2 rate controller automates spray rate control functions for pull-type sprayers. It will replace the Raven SCS 440, 450 and 471 consoles, typically used in pull-type sprayers and allow the GreenStar 2 display to take over the spray rate control functions, says the company. It allows the sprayer to turn boom sections on and off according to a GPS field map, which reduces spray overlap and lowers input costs for the grower.

The GS2 rate controller reduces cab clutter by using only the GS2 display for rate control, guidance, on-screen mapping, field documentation, map based prescriptions and Swath Control Pro. The operator has excellent visibility on the colour GS2 display for all spraying functions and the touch screen makes it easy to operate.