you need different tabs in the right order. Con- figuration is easy in the John Deere. You can, however, save different configurations to different user profiles.
Counting kilos or bales You’ll need the Task Controller (TC) for this. The basic function involves recording plot data, such as an artificial fertiliser dose. While TC-Ba- sic is not able to control any implements using imported data, it is able to keep track of how many kilos of fertiliser have been spread or how many bales have been pressed. The Iso- bus-compatible implement keeps records, while TC-Basic sends the data onto a USB stick. John Deere, Claas, Deutz-Fahr and CNH work with TC-Basic. Valtra and Massey Ferguson also, following an update.
Working with task charts If you want to spray artificial fertiliser using a task chart, a TC-GEO will come in useful. The Isobus function calculates the dose. Deutz-Fahr and Claas work superbly easily with a fertiliser sprayer. In the Deutz-Fahr it is easy to import one of these charts from a USB stick, while the Claas wants you to create a ‘task’ in the GPS menu. Both are easy to work with once you un- derstand the logic. In the John Deere, you will need to activate a licence first (Premium 2.5, costing € 2,500) for TC-GEO, which also reads maps from a USB stick. The updated Valtra is
New Holland and Case IH positioned the Isobus plug socket behind the lifting mechanism. Whenever the lifting arm is raised, it is difficult to connect the cable, and it therefore has to be run through a hook in order to prevent damage.
now also able to do this. At the time of testing, the new MF terminal was not able to do this, but now it can. The CNH tractors also requires a licence (€ 500), which we did not yet have at the time; the functions do work however, according to the manufacturer.
Avoiding overlap What if you also want automatic section con- trol in order to avoid overlapping? Then you’ll need the TC-SC function. This uses GPS to keep track of where you‘ve already sprayed. It also works with a field sprayer or a seed drill, as long as the implement is compatible. It’s available for all tractors.
While the Valtra features an AUX configura- tion screen, it wasn’t possible to use the but- tons on the drive lever during the test. A uni- versal joystick is needed for the time being in order to operate an Isobus-compatible im- plement using physical buttons. In the meantime this issue has been resolved.
Vulnerable cable An Isobus-ready tractor always has two plug sockets: a large round one on the rear axle cas- ing and a small one inside the cabin. Another plug socket is also possible on the front link- age, as is an extra one in the cabin for diagnos- tics equipment. John Deere fits the large plug socket in a practical position next to the hy- draulic valves, while Deutz-Fahr, Claas and Massey Ferguson put theirs high above the rear axle casing, around 1.80 metres above the ground. Both work well. Valtra, on the other hand, positions it low, on the left under the spacer. The cable is somewhat vulnerable there, because it hangs alongside the lifting
arms or the shaft if there is no suspension on the implement side. On the New Holland and Case IH models, you will find the plug socket on the right, in a vulnerable position behind the arms of the lifting mechanism. You’ll find it difficult to reach it with the lifting arms raised. All tractors had a front linkage, but not one of them had placed a plug socket there. This is optional and will be used mainly for mounting a front tank for sowing. John Deere charges € 274, Deutz-Fahr € 520, and Claas € 590.
Just above the floor Finally we come to the cabin. Each tractor has a socket for an extra Isobus display or extra hard- ware, such as a TC or AUX. Assuming that you want a display on the right at eye-level, the socket in the C-pillar on CNH tractors is the op- timal position. The John Deere and Valtra also feature a socket on the top right, and it works well. Claas positions it next to the fuses by the pedals, just above the floor; that makes it more difficult to reach and you need a longer cable. However: all tractors feature one of these plug sockets, and this allows you to upgrade to a newer display in future if needed. If your own tractor doesn’t have one of these displays, but does have both internal and external plug sockets, you can fit an external display, such as a Kverneland Tellus Pro or CCI 1200. In that case, add a few thousand euros to the price tag.
▶ FUTURE FARMING | 22 May 2020 65
PHOTO: TIMO OKSANEN
PHOTO: TIMO OKSANEN
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