GPS TEST ▶▶▶
A choice between convenience or freedom
Yes, you can take a break from the steering wheel in all six tractors, as the GPS will make sure the passes are dead straight and joined up. We noticed some key diff erences, however: while one system off ers outstanding convenience, another more complex system off ers unlimited options. Future Farming took a seat behind six factory-fi tted GPS guidance systems and put them to the test.
I BY JOHN CHRISTENSEN AND BOB KARSTEN
n state-of-the-art Valtra or Massey Fergu- son models, anyone with zero experience with GPS can learn to plant a nice straight line in no time. It can be done equally
quick if you choose the Quick Line function in a John Deere model. It is a breeze: fold the steering wheel away, sit back and enjoy passes as straight as a rod. The Deutz-Fahr system is also quick to set up, and a little input will make the Claas drive straight from A to B. If you take the time, you can even figure out the more complex New Holland system.
Claas S10
Comfortable and easy to use overall Features a favourites menu with fre- quently used functions
Large and clear icons Simple to use, in view of the number of functions
Requires extra terminal in the cabin Not possible to place to the side in relation to the line
When starting up the terminal, you choose ‘continue’ or ‘new task’. Once chosen, the GPS system is ready to use. The little star right below is a favorite button, where you can program often used routines. The system was in the price list for € 9,999 ($ 11,000), with which the total Claas tractor costed € 220,550 ($ 245,000).
10 ▶ FUTURE FARMING | 1 november 2019
Working width only adjustable via tool set- tings
- +
Those who do have experience with working with GPS will probably want to plot headlands in detail, highlight obstacles, and save all lines and configurations as they wish. In that case, the simple AGCO systems are perhaps are little too simplistic. Hardcore GPS fans can config- ure the advanced New Holland and Deutz-Fahr systems to their heart’s content. These are broadly the differences between the six GPS systems in the tractors we tested.
Two screens
Let’s start at the beginning. All brands feature a
touchscreen control panel. Claas and Massey Ferguson (7700 series) are the only ones that needed to fit a second screen in the cabin, as the primary terminal is unable to work with GPS. Incidentally, Massey Ferguson has fitted the Datatronic 5 in its new 7700 models, which can work with GPS. For the New Holland and John Deere models, it is possible to purchase an optional second terminal so that the tractor terminal remains visible while the driver works with the GPS sys- tem. A second 4600 display from John Deere costs an additional € 1,275. Valtra offers an op- tional second SmartTouch screen for € 1,800, but it can only be used with an ISOBUS or camera images. Deutz-Fahr takes a different approach: the iM- onitor is able to set up a wireless connection, which enables you to use a standard iPad or Android tablet as a second screen. The re- quired app is free (search for Xtend from Top- con in your app store), but to make the Xtend function available in the iMonitor, you will need to purchase a one-off licence (€ 500).
PHOTO’S: MICHEL VELDERMAN AND JOHN CHRISTENSEN
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
