Leica in China R&D connection

Leica Geosystems has entered into a research and development (R&D) agreement with YTO, a leading agricultural machinery and construction machinery manufacturer in China.

The agreement includes plans to develop integrated precision auto-steering solutions for new model YTO tractors which will be used in Chinese and export markets.

In conjunction with the signing of the agreement, Chinese language support has been released for the user interface of the Leica mojo3D guidance display to meet local market demand.

"We are pleased to enter into this R&D agreement with YTO because they are the leading agricultural machinery manufacturer in China and operate in markets around the world," business manager of Asia Pacific of Leica Geosystems Agriculture, Glenn Clark, said.

"As the use of precision guidance technology continues to expand in China, we believe that this partnership will give both parties an advantage in this dynamic market."

Leica Geosystems has also released the Leica mojoXact, a new high accuracy upgrade option for the Leica mojo3D guidance display, as well as further features for the Leica mojo3D and Leica SteerDirect.

The new features include an improved look and feel, better product usability, more accuracy options and an increased coverage of Leica SteerDirect vehicle support.

It allows users to install the product in any orientation inside the tractor cab.

Integration to the Leica mojo3D and configuration only takes a few minutes. The robust product comes with class-leading GNSS and inertial positioning technology for continuous precision and offers additional steering solutions like Leica SteerDirect CAN, Steer Ready Kit (SRK) and Hydraulic for further improvements to accuracy.

With a steering update rate at 20Hz, twice as fast as the industry standard, the Leica SteerDirect steering solution enables exceptional steering performance at all speeds.

"The Leica mojoXact enables farmers to utilise the additional availability provided by GLONASS at no additional cost and also provides peace of mind that the system will be able to use future GNSS constellations," global R&D manager Peter Roberts said.

The guidance display has undertaken improvements to reform the look and feel of the menu and to further increase usability.

Users are now able to save and recall vehicle setups (valid for vehicles, implements and sections) and to replay any saved guidance pattern.

Operating the Leica mojo3D with the Leica mojoXact and a hydraulic kit now offers stationary and reverse auto-steer engage for selected vehicle configurations.

In addition, network DGPS is now available, providing an accuracy improvement where a corrected position is required.

Updates to the Leica SteerDirect hydraulic solution proceed with three more kits covering an additional range of vehicles.

Further expansions of the Leica SteerDirect Steer Ready Kits (SRK) now support all AutoTrac Ready front-wheel assist John Deere tractors with a wheel angle sensor, which complete the Leica SteerDirect SRK coverage of all of the John Deere AutoTrac Ready front-wheel assist tractors.