Massey Ferguson offers Auto-Guide satellite-based steering

The Auto-Guide™ satellite-based steering system from AGCO Global Technologies is now available on high horsepower Massey Ferguson tractors. The automated navigation system complements the Dyna-Step™ transmission, GTA Console I with Datatronics® III and other productivity boosting technologies available on the 180 PTO hp to 240 PTO hp 8400 Series tractors from Massey Ferguson.

“Auto-Guide will save our customers money on every pass across a field, and they can select the level of accuracy right for their operation,” says Rene Boivin, general marketing manager, Massey Ferguson. “With diesel fuel at an all time high, Auto-Guide is the perfect complement to our Dyna-Step transmission and Datatronics III, our electronic control system. Each is designed to improve operator and equipment efficiency and productivity.”

The Dyna-Step transmission is the smoothest and most advanced powershift available on the market today. Within the transport and work ranges, the operator can find the most efficient and cost effective balance of engine rpm and ground speed without clutching or shifting gears.

The GTA Console I and the Datatronics III advanced control system help operators monitor and manage engine functions, wheel slip, fuel use and other tractor functions.The Datatronics III headland management system will store and recall up to six sets of instructions for tractor and implement operation.

“Our transmission and control system technologies are designed to get the most out of every gallon of fuel with the least wear and tear on tractor and implement and enhance operator productivity,” says Boivin. “With Auto-Guide, operators can apply those efficiencies more effectively to every acre for even greater savings. At the same time, features like our headland management system and Auto-Guide reduce fatigue by eliminating repetitive operations. Assisted steering also means operators can extend efficient operation into the night and other low visibility situations.”

Boivin notes that with conventional steering systems, steering accuracy can have a 3-ft. variance as the operator constantly corrects direction. The resulting overlaps and skips quickly count up in lost dollars and time. Even a 2-ft. average overlap with 40-ft. wide equipment adds 5 acres in costs to every 100 acres farmed.

“Auto-Guide will reduce or effectively eliminate skips and overlaps for more accurate seed and land use, more effective crop protection and more efficient use of fuel and labor,” adds Boivin. ”Iowa State University researchers estimate corn-on-corn production costs of as much as $200 per acre. At that rate, a 2-ft. overlap is like throwing away a $1,000 bill every 100 acres. With Auto-Guide as with our other technologies, operators see an immediate return on investment.”

The modular design of Auto-Guide combined with its multiple level accuracy options make it possible for Massey Ferguson 8400 Series owners to take a step-by-step approach to the new technology. Field installation of an Auto-Guide Ready kit is the first step in realizing the benefits of satellite-based steering. Once its Auto-Guide interface units, hydraulics, cabling and brackets are in place in one or more Massey Ferguson tractors or other AGCO equipment, the roof mounted TopDock unit and in-cab Auto-Guide terminal can be added immediately or at a later date.

The TopDock module includes a GPS (global positioning system) antenna, Steering Controller/receiver and the Dynamic Measuring Unit (DMU). The antenna receives L1 and L2 GPS signals, OmniStar™ differential GPS data signals, as well as the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) correction signal. Position signals received by the antenna and machine movement and position information produced by the DMU are gathered and analyzed by the Steering Controller/receiver. It also gathers tractor operations information from the terminal and, if available, from the optional FM data receiver. Based on the level of information received and installed software, the Steering Controller can offer sub-meter, decimeter or centimeter accurate steering.

“Reducing skips and overlaps can be achieved with sub-meter or decimeter accuracy,” says Boivin. “However, centimeter level control is needed for pass-to-pass accuracy, if practicing zone-till or banded application. With Auto-Guide, upgrading to a higher level can be as simple as adding new software and a different signal source or may require an FM receiver and tripod mounted base station.”

The terminal console, with its easy to read color monitor and keyboard, serves as operator interface with the Auto-Guide system. It stores and displays information from the system and lets the operator enter, store and retrieve information. The monitor displays multiple waylines, sets of two points and pathways between them, as well as implement and vehicle widths.

“The TopDock unit and the in-cab Auto-Guide terminal can be easily and quickly moved from an Auto-Guide Ready Massey Ferguson 8400 Series tractor to any other piece of Auto-Guide ready equipment,” says Boivin. “This allows our customers to spread their investment over multiple machines and experience the technology over multiple field practices.”