Hands-free headlands introduced with John Deere’s ITEC system

The age of the driverless tractor is getting closer. While John Deere’s intelligent Total Equipment Control (iTEC) Pro system does not make the operator entirely redundant, it does ease the workload considerably by automating the entire headland turn – including steering the tractor.
To be introduced in November for 8030 tractors and all other models in January 2008, the iTEC Pro combines the functions of the tractor’s implement management system (IMS) with the AutoTrac auto-steer system. This is all controlled by the firm’s GreenStar II terminal in the cab.
When the tractor approaches the headland (or a pre-set virtual mark), the system starts the sequence automatically. For cultivating, for example, it will reduce the speed, disengage the diffs, pto and 4WD, raise the implement and operate any necessary spool valves. AutoTrac then steers the tractor to the next bout – either parallel, curves or in lands – and reverses the procedure, putting the implement back into work without any input from the operator.
Savings
“By tying the two systems together operators do not even have to turn the steering wheel at the headland. This cuts the time it takes by about a third, and provides about a 2% saving on inputs by reducing overlaps,” says John Deere AMS manager Mark James. “This is made possible because of the seamless integration of the tractor and automatic guidance system.”
First operation is to map the field boundaries, log the position of obstacles and the passable and impassable edges – places that the tractor can or cannot drive over. The turn sequence is then programmed using the IMS or headland management system. This can be done without having to drive in the field or operate the various functions.
“Instead you use the terminal to select what you want the tractor to do and where each function is to happen using a distance setting,” says Mr James. “There is also the facility to save the sequences for a number of different implements.”
For safety reasons, however, the system will not work unless an operator is on the seat – so there’s no chance to skive off while it does all the work.
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