Where did it start?
Johannes Heupel has spent most of his working life in the world of technology, de- veloping software while playing a big-part in the family’s farm. He has built his own computer in the past and also developed FarmerGPS, a software system designed to provide tractor guidance that is compatible with any regular receiver on the roof. His guidance-on-the-cheap kit runs through a Windows-based tablet via a standard cable or Bluetooth and includes a 3D view of the field and light-bar-style guidance. It can also deal with things such as switching the sprayer on/off, form field records that can be
complicated job to tap into the machine’s other controls, not least because they vary so differently between brands. Take combines, for instance; Deere’s S680 is a rotary and the Claas Lexion 780 is a hybrid, which makes them very different to control and manage. That’s not to say it’s impossible to monitor en- gine performance and alike through a JD screen, but it runs through a different Canbus system so would take a whole lot of develop- ment work with little benefit for the end user.
Inside the Agra GPS JD-Bridge box is a pow- erful chip computer and there are dozens of different versions of this computer, designed to work with specific model ranges from each tractor brand.
downloaded straight to Excel and even be rigged up with an autosteer system. It took al- most two years to get his first Deere-Claas bridge prototype up and running, which he now runs on his Claas and Deere combine fleet.
It’s here the potential for compatibility pretty much ends.
Where can I buy one? It’s no surprise the harnesses have proved seri- ously popular, so much that over 600 have been shifted in North America alone. They’re now sold through regular machinery dealers around the globe, for about € 3,700 (excluding dealer installation). Selling through tractor dealerships obviously opens the doors to a
vast network of farmers, but also means any problems later can be pinned down quickly. So far, there are systems for Claas, Fendt, Mas- sey Ferguson, Cat, Versatile and Krone. A Case- IH Quadtrac version has just been released and JCB-friendly units are in development. Dealer support has proved strong, as it gives sales- man from other brands a chance to muscle in on farms that have traditionally been dominat- ed by John Deere. Instead, customers can stick with the guidance system and software that they’re familiar with, while having the freedom to shop around and pick a machine based on performance or price. Claas now offers tractors that are harness- ready from the factory – such has been the scale of demand from customers – with the bridge part retrofitted prior to delivery. How- ever, the company charges around € 1,700 for an unlock code. Equally, John Deere seems happy, says Mr Heupel, as it keeps their GPS systems active on farms where they might be priced out of combine, tractor or forager sales.
▶ FUTURE FARMING | 1 November 2018 39
PHOTO: JOHANNES HEUPEL
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