Operators of John Deere combine harvesters will be able to let the equipment do the work this season with Turn Automation inclusion
The launch of John Deere’s most current round of software updates for Gen 4 Displays and John Deere Operations CenterTM has come at an ideal time for combine harvest operators to get more from their equipment this season, with the introduction of turn automation.
John Deere Production System Manager, Ben Kelly, outlines how AutoTracTM Turn Automation (ATTA) will play an important role in simplifying harvester operation throughout harvest 2023-2024.
“Automating the headland turns makes operating the combine easier and more precise. Customers will see consistent, repeated and optimised end turns across the paddock, while the operator will experience less stress and fatigue throughout the day,” Ben Kelly explains.
“With ATTA, the machine does the work for you, allowing operators to focus their attention on the tasks most critical to harvester operation, like grain loss or grain sample.”
Combine AutoTrac Turn Automation is compatible with Gen 4 Displays and the new G5 Display on X9, S700 and even S600 combines that were introduced in 2012.
“Where possible, we want to ensure all operators have access to technology improvements like ATTA, not only because it delivers clear safety and productivity improvements, but also because it is another step in the road to full autonomy – and we want to ensure all of our customers are prepared for that future,” Ben Kelly added.
How ATTA works
AutoTrac Turn Automation for Combine Harvesters is part of the 23-2 Display software bundle that was released in late September. The technology automates the combine turns in the headland and is compatible with the Gen 4 family display with Automation 4.0, or G5 family display with G5 Advanced license.
ATTA requires a parameter boundary created with either SF3, SF-RTK or RTK level signal accuracy and a boundary headland that can be easily created in Operations Center.
The ATTA function can support multiple harvesters working in the same paddock, to increase overall productivity, while reducing stress throughout the entire harvest season.
Ben Kelly also explained how three turn types were available to plan and automatically execute, “Combine harvesters utilising ATTA will support U-Turns, Spiral In or Spiral Out turns.
The spiral in and spiral out turns have been developed to ensure the unload auger is always extended over the harvested row, creating an opening for chaser bins, and allowing simple unloading on-the-go.
“Turn automation is also a key technology required to enable completely hands-free guidance across the harvest production step in the future, so is well worth adopting and implementing now to be ready to capitalise on full harvest automation in the future,” Ben Kelly added.
Even more with this upgrade
- Enhance Headland Management Functionality: The new software bundle and John Deere Operations Center Land tool make it easier than ever to setup headlands for paddocks, creating the foundation needed to leverage the ATTA and guidance and automation functions now available. Operators can seamlessly create, edit, view, and manage headlands directly with Operations Center meaning there is no need to recreate these in the paddock.
- Grain Cart Enhancements: Operators can now choose “Cart” for the Chaser Bin profile name. When “Cart” is selected as the profile name, the “Type of Equipment” and “Controller” fields will automatically populate to speed setup time. The updated run page now includes accurate grain cart size and shape, along with location in the paddock, providing a more realistic operator experience.
For further information and to understand the application of the full suite of upgrades contact your local John Deere dealer.
