Keeping in touch vital at harvest

John Deere has developed technology that provides timely, critical information on equipment location, operational status and automates equipment during harvest.

John Deere AMS product manager for Holli Brokaw said having real-time data was critical for equipment operators during harvest.

"Our Machine Sync and Machine Communication Radio provide the accurate, in-field information producers need to maximise efficiencies during the hectic harvest season," she said.

The Machine Communication Radio creates an in-field, high-speed wireless network to facilitate machine-to-machine communication. The radio is designed to enable up to 10 vehicles in a single network to distribute data between one another when operating within a 7.5 kilometre radius.

The radio, which is easy to set up and use, teams up with the Machine Sync activation and GreenStar 3 2630 Display and StarFire Receiver to create the in-field network to share logistics information.

"Operators can see the location of all grain carts in the network and, from the combine, they can send a ready-to-unload request," Ms Brokaw said.

"This information enables operators and managers to make the best decisions to maximise the harvesting fleet, while reducing fuel consumption and ground compaction."

Machine Sync is simple to set up and use, even for inexperienced operators. The software provides the combine location and bin-fill status to the cart operator, who can determine how quickly the combine will need to unload; prioritise which combine to go to first when multiple combines are in the field; or call in additional carts as needed.

This technology also allows the combine operator to control the location of the tractor and grain cart for automated on-the-go unloading.