During the hectic harvest season, keeping track of equipment can be difficult. John Deere's latest technology hopes to alleviate that problem by providing timely, critical information on equipment location, operational status, and automating equipment.

“Having real-time data is critical for equipment operators during harvest,” says Holli Brokaw, AMS product manager for John Deere. “Our new Machine Sync and Machine Communication Radio provide the accurate, in-field information that producers need to maximize efficiencies during the hectic harvest season.”

The first of its kind on the market, the Machine Communication Radio can create an in-field, high-speed wireless network to allow machines to communicate with one another. Designed to enable up to 10 vehicles in a single network, the radio distributes data between machines when operating within a 3-mile radius.

To create this in-field network to share logistics information, the radio teams up with Machine Sync, GreenStar 3 2630 Display, and StarFire Receiver.

Machine sync

Machine Sync is the first application to use the Machine Communication Radio hardware. It allows the combine operator to control the location of the tractor and grain cart for automated on-the-go unloading, lock the grain cart into position, and adjust it as needed for optimal cart filling.

“Operators can see the location of all grain carts in the network, and from the combine, they can send a ready-to-unload request,” explains Brokaw. “This information enables operators and managers to make the best decisions to maximize the harvesting fleet, while reducing fuel consumption and ground compaction.”

Thanks to the Machine Sync software, the combine location and bin-fill status are provided to the cart operator. The operator can then decide how quickly the combine will need to unload, prioritize which combine ought to go first if multiple combines are in the field, or call in extra carts.

“Growers work hard all year to produce a high-yielding crop,” says Brokaw. “Our newest AMS technology helps ensure that they harvest that crop in the most efficient manner possible.”

Learn more

John Deere

www.johndeere.com