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.

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™ 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.

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 tendency for passes to overlap. Each pass over a field under poor conditions can cause significant damage to the soil.

AutoTrac™ guidance steering system allows operators to use tramline management more effectively, minimizing soil compaction. Additionally, AutoTrac allows the machine operator to select from a variety of guidance modes including straight track, AB curves, adaptive curves, circle track, boundary fill, machine access, and swap track. These tracking options allow the operator to select the track best suited for the field and conditions reducing the number of passes needed to cover the field.

Curve track

The curve track mode helps operators by automatically steering curved guidance lines on terrain that does not allow for straight track to be used (rolling hills or contours).
 
When running with curve track, keep in mind these basic principles:

• Straight track is more accurate than curve track.
• A machine with an integrated AutoTrac steering kit is more accurate than a machine with the AutoTrac Universal steering kit.
• Slower speeds are more accurate than faster speeds.
• Gentle curves are more accurate than tight turn radius curves.

Types of curves

Simple curve		S-curve
Boxed		Racetrack
Spiral		Circle

 

Two different modes can be used depending on the type of curves that need to be created: adaptive curves or A/B curves.

 

Adaptive curve track

 

This track allows the operator to record a manually driven curved guidance line. Operators have the ability to record and utilize multiple adaptive curves per field. This feature is especially useful as operators maneuver around terraces or irregular, constantly changing fields. Adaptive curve mode also has the ability to connect line segments when documentation is selected as the recording source. Self-propelled forage harvester or combine operators may find this functionality useful if they need to quickly raise their header for any reason.

A/B curve track 

 

This track allows the operator to set a curved line in a field with two end points (A and B) and will generate guidance lines parallel to the initial track in either direction.

The line stays the same across the field, and an operator can use skip track.

Even if an operator drives around an obstacle in the field, the next pass follows the original track line.

Straight track

The straight track mode helps operators by automatically driving straight. Operators can create an initial straight line using a variety of different setup options.

 

Once the track has been defined, all subsequent track lines in the field are created parallel to each other at the defined track spacing distance.

Tramline management

Tramline management provides the opportunity to setup and edit certain guidance lines as tramlines. Those lines will be highlighted in a separate color in the guidance screen.

 

Tramlines can be set and stored for each A-B line in the display. This allows the operator to properly seed and plant fields with accurate tramlines defined. This will make it easier to reduce inputs on all following field operations such as spraying.

 

Swap track

Swap track provides operators the ability to quickly switch guidance modes as they work through fields varying geographic conditions. Operators can easily move from straight track to any of the other tracking modes as needed. Swap track allows the operator to toggle between up to four different guidance lines within the same field. Operators can also change the track order while AutoTrac is engaged.

The circle track mode helps operators drive concentric circles in a field when a circle is set up and guidance is being used. Operators can create an initial circle using a variety of different methods. Once the initial circle has been defined, all the subsequent circles in the field are created.

Follow track mode reduces compaction

Unique to John Deere Active Implement Guidance, the follow track mode assists the driver when operating headlands or navigating around obstacles, allowing the implement to follow the tractor guidance path. This helps reduce crop damage and soil compaction.

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