Feed pad with rubber matting hailed as game changer
For Otago farmers Michelle and Rogan Borrie, a newly constructed feed pad on one of their three farms has been a game changer.
The cleverly named TurnPath system provides fully automatic, precise and repeatable end-ofrow turning from either straight or curved guidance patterns, with the option to skip passes if desired.
Ag Leader sales manager – Asia Pacific, Douglas Amos, says the new function optimises turning accuracy and efficiency.
“Every farmer can relate to the frustration of turning machinery and large implements around at headlands,” he says.
“Typically, it means disengaging the autosteer system, taking back control of the steering wheel, shutting down and disengaging the implement, making the turn, then lining up the next pass, re-engaging the implement and reengaging the guidance system. You just about need two sets of hands to manage everything.”
TurnPath makes turning completely hands-free so the operator can focus on other tasks.
The technology has been extensively tested on more than 60 different machines across four continents.
TurnPath will be available as a one-time unlock option through the InCommand display from November 2023 onwards.
To take advantage of TurnPath, the machine must be equipped with a SteerCommand Z2 or SteadySteer system in combination with an InCommand 1200, InCommand 800 & InCommand 800 Guidance Only display.
Any source of a correction signal can be used, although the best results are said to be achieved with TerraStar-C Pro or RTK.
A high definition, low-glare 30cm touchscreen display has built-in lightbar guidance, four camera inputs and split-screen capability.
It also offers wireless connectivity to sync and share guidance lines, coverage maps, live statistics, yield information and satellite imagery with other connected machines and remote devices.
