Auto-Guidance

Michael Buschermohle

Precision Agriculture Specialist

UT Extension

Auto-Guidance

What can auto-guidance do for you

• more accurate planting, cultivating, spraying and fertilizer application• reduced skips and overlaps• ability to use equipment with varying row configurations• keeps implements in the same traffic patterns year-to-year (controlled traffic)• extends hours of operation• reduced operator stress and fatigue• allows the use of less-experienced labor

Auto-Guidance

Planting Within the Window

Auto-Guidance

Planting Within the Window

Auto-Guidance

Spraying Within the Window

Auto-Guidance

Acres Sprayed in a 10 Hour Day

4 6 8 10 12 14 160

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

12-Row 90' Boom

Spraying Speed (mph)

Ac

res

Sp

ray

ed

Auto-Guidance

4 6 8 10 12 140

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

10-hr day 12-hr day 16-hr day

Spraying Speed (mph)

Ac

res

Sp

ray

ed

Extending the day equals more acres sprayed

Required Auto-Guidance Components

Case Examples – RTK Auto-Guidance

• Deere AutoTrac with SF 3000 RTK

– $21,440

• Display with AutoTrac Unlock

• StarFire 3000 with RTK Activation

• Yearly Subscription to a Deere Network

Case Examples - RTK Autosteering

• Topcon System 150 with RTK Option

– $16,500 includes:

• GNSS Receiver

• Autosteering Activation

• RTK Module for Traditional or CORS Data

• Plug-n-Play Capabilities with “Guidance-Ready” Tractors

• Subscription fee + cellular data plan

Case Examples - RTK Auto-Guidance

Trimble CFX AutoPilot

– $19,800

• FMX Display

• GNSS Receiver

• Wiring Harness + Brackets

• RTX or Cell Phone modem

– Subscription fee + cellular data plan

– Application control capabilities

What you need to know

• Select the right guidance system for your operation– Lightbar vs. Autoguidance– Determine required accuracy (WAAS vs. RTK)– Source of GPS correction– GNSS receivers

• Terrain Compensation• Add-on component• Included with purchase

• Capabilities beyond guidance (application control)• System easily upgradeable with new firmware• Documentation data (as-applied maps + reports)• System service or support

What’s the Take Home Message?What’s the Take Home Message?

• Field shape and size impact ASC savings

• Consult your dealer to learn about your options

• Purchase a display that allows for technology upgrades

• For better results use higher accuracy GPS/GNSS correction service

• Maximizing productivity should be your overall management goal

Questions