Following its pilot launch last year, John Deere’s iTEC Pro hands-free auto-steer system is now available for all JD 8030 and 9030 series wheeled and tracked tractors.

Combining AutoTrac automatic guidance with JD’s Implement Management System, iTEC Pro is an active GPS headland management system which controls the entire headland turn.

The system manages all tractor and implement functions in the process, including forward speed changes, pto switching and raising and lowering front and rear linkages.

Tractors need to be fitted with a GreenStar 2600 or 2100 display, a StarFire iTC receiver and AutoTrac steering system. Tractors with AutoTrac Universal are not compatible.

Providing accuracy levels of +/-2cm, headland turns are undertaken up to 30% faster than without the system, says Deere, reducing overlap and resulting in fuel and seed savings.

Operator workloads are also reduced according to Lincolnshire arable farmer William Strawson, who has been operating a JD 8230 equipped system since 2007. “I can now work a 50 to 60 acre field up to 20% quicker. The fuel savings alone have already justified the investment.”

The iTEC Pro system costs £1538, but this excludes the cost of AutoTrac and the satellite signal licence.