Two new AutoTrac products are available to help row crop producers and ag service providers more accurately navigate row-crop fields when making post-emergence sprayer applications.
AutoTrac Vision utilizes a single-lens camera to detect crop rows and help steer the sprayer down the center of the row for early post-emergence applications. AutoTrac RowSense uses a row sensor similar to that used on combines to detect crop rows and steer the sprayer to the center of the row for later season post applications.
Doug Felter, Product Marketing Manager for John Deere, says the introduction of these two new AutoTrac guidance products is designed to help large-scale row-crop producers and ag service providers work more quickly, cover more acres and reduce run-over damage to crops when spraying in the fields.
“Because of field terrain, planter drift or irregular planting without guidance, spraying in row crops can present challenges for sprayer operators making post-emerge applications,” Felter explains. “These two new guidance applications help sprayers track more accurately between the rows, resulting in reduced crop damage, less operator fatigue and more effective field applications.”
New AutoTrac Vison uses a monocular camera mounted on the front of the sprayer to detect crop rows and to steer the vehicle between the rows for early season post-emerge applications. It is currently approved for use in corn, soybeans and cotton planted in 30-in. rows starting when the crop is at least 6 in. tall. It can be used until there is at least 3 in. of soil showing between rows or up to 90% canopy closure.
AutoTrac RowSense uses a sensor paddle mounted on the sprayer wheel to detect crop rows and to help steer the machine down the center of the row. Designed to be used later in the growing season, RowSense is currently approved for use in corn at least 4 ft. tall planted in 30-in. rows.
“While these two sprayer guidance systems are completely separate and are to be used one at a time, both have performed well in a variety of field conditions and crops,” Felter adds. “Both automated vehicle steering systems allow the operator to spray at faster speeds with little manual steering and cover more acres per day with less damage to crops.”
Both systems are available as field-installed kits on currently operating machines or from the factory on new John Deere R4023, R4030, R4038 and R4045 Sprayers. A GS3 AutoTrac RowSense activation is required.
