Review of Outback’s e-Drive system

OUTBACK EDRIVE

Build quality

Another professional-looker; tough casings and connectors.

Installation/transfer

Two cab boxes, steering motor, receiver, seven connections. Compact display takes little windscreen space; less quick-fit is the e-Drive controller; less mobile still is the machine-specific hydraulic valve block. Fitting or transfer takes an experienced operator 3-4hrs, says Soyl. 

Cab impact

Display robs little real estate and the e-Drive controller is floor-mounted. No motor needed for the steering wheel, which does not turn during operation. Seat access and column adjustment are completely
unaffected.

Getting guidance

Very quick: Three button presses start guidance. Menus are easy to follow and the language not technical.

Very slow scroll speed when inputting a new working width. Plus point: Small LEDs constantly show GPS status.

Finding the next line
Coloured LEDs show the next pass and tractor alignment. Compared with a screen needs much more concentration.

Lock-on angle and distance are pre-set, middling and give the driver time to look after an implement. Unique automatic engagement is possible once the tractor is centred on the next pass; driver must otherwise reach over the steering wheel to finger button.

During guidance

Slope/tilt compensation is not offered. eDrive corrections are tranquil. Can define a headland by driving it, but headland warning was inconsistent. Reversing disconnects assistance, easily re-established on moving forward again. Can change swath width without starting a new job.

Accuracy

All passes averaged inside 50cm. Three bettered 20cm at 5kph, four at 12kph. Most of the variation at 5kph happened at the start of each pass. An operator could spot this with a soil-engaging implement and perhaps tune it out; with a sprayer it might go unnoticed. Better performance at 12kph.
 
Other tricks

Curved guidance, on-the-move A-B line shift to compensate for satellite drift, field area calculation. Optional eDiff software allows sub-metre pass-pass accuracy when differential correction unavailable.

Conclusion- 5 out of 10

Expensive for a simple lightbar-based set-up, difficult to swap between machines, cab display cramped yet menu structure good. No slope/tilt compensation. Good pass-to-pass performer at 12kph.

For details about how this table is measured and to return to the performance reviews: