New Way to Drive
In 1868 the first tractor was built and it ran on steam engine power. Then the diesel engine took over about 100 years ago and tractors haven’t fundamentally changed too much since then. One thing that has changed significantly in the past 100 years is the technology in the tractors. I am going to focus on the GPS technology.
In 1868 the first tractor was built and it ran on steam engine power. Then the diesel engine took over about 100 years ago and tractors haven’t fundamentally changed too much since then. One thing that has changed significantly in the past 100 years is the technology in the tractors. I am going to focus on the GPS technology.
How does the GPS work
There is a receiver on top of the cab of the tractor that sends and receives signals from satellites. As the tractor moves up and down the fields it is constantly sending signals so the satellite knows where on the field you are located. Some tractors have an auto steer where the tractor drives itself up and down the field. Other tractors just have a monitor where it shows you where “straight” is and you steer the tractor yourself.
There is a receiver on top of the cab of the tractor that sends and receives signals from satellites. As the tractor moves up and down the fields it is constantly sending signals so the satellite knows where on the field you are located. Some tractors have an auto steer where the tractor drives itself up and down the field. Other tractors just have a monitor where it shows you where “straight” is and you steer the tractor yourself.
How This Helps
The point of using a GPS (global positioning system) is to utilize the entire field to get the most yields. The GPS also helps with fuel economy because with the guidance you aren’t going over anything twice.
The point of using a GPS (global positioning system) is to utilize the entire field to get the most yields. The GPS also helps with fuel economy because with the guidance you aren’t going over anything twice.
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| AGCO "GuideConnect" |
Other
Options
There is an option for field plotting where you map your field. You take the GPS and drive around the outside of the field and it records the boundaries. Once the edges are found the software can find the most efficient way to work and plant the field.
There is an option for field plotting where you map your field. You take the GPS and drive around the outside of the field and it records the boundaries. Once the edges are found the software can find the most efficient way to work and plant the field.
AGCO has developed “GuideConnect” which is a type of GPS
where you operate one tractor and another tractor follows you without an
operator. How this works is it uses the GPS system with added position sensors
so the tractor stays a certain distance back and a defined distance off-set. With
this innovation you can do twice the amount of field work with only one
operator.
The Future
It is hard to believe that 620 horse power tractors will be driving down the fields with no one operating them but it could happen sooner than you think. In Japan they are working on a computerized GPS system that can drive itself and also control all the other tractors functions. If this happens it would revolutionize the farming industry.
It is hard to believe that 620 horse power tractors will be driving down the fields with no one operating them but it could happen sooner than you think. In Japan they are working on a computerized GPS system that can drive itself and also control all the other tractors functions. If this happens it would revolutionize the farming industry.
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