Ag Leader SmartSteer
Machine compliant with implement control
Homburg Holland, the importer of Ag Leader GPS technology, is launching an RTK GPS implement control system. Is there still room for that in a crowded market? The company thinks so. That is why the control technology is equipped with handy gadgets, especially for Dutch arable farmers.
Ag Leader celebrates its 2017th anniversary in 25. The company started developing and selling yield measurement on combines. It has been a provider of GPS technologies since its inception. Homburg Holland from Stiens acquired the importership in April 2016 with the termination of importer Nagel. The knowledge and specialists then moved with them.
Indispensable for organic
Implement control has been missing from Ag Leader's product range for a long time. This is a product that Dutch arable farmers are increasingly asking for. It has even become indispensable for organic companies to be able to sow and hoe accurately. From this spring, Ag Leader can also offer such a solution: Smartsteer. The implement is steered via a steering knuckle shaft, drawbar, sideshift or steering disc.
At all terminals
'Smartsteer works with all Ag Leader Isobus screens. The requirement was to display everything on one terminal. We succeeded', explains product specialist Geert-Jan Giesberts. 'The implement steering is a further development of our plow steering. In the early days, this required an extra screen and PLC. We've reduced that to an all-in-one solution. Incidentally, Isobus in this case does not mean that the system also works on terminals of other providers. There is no information on the Canbus for that. It is intended solely to interface with Ag Leader's Isobus screens. Whether it's the simple Compass or the luxurious InCommand 1200. The large 8 or 10 inch screen is preferred, because the split screen allows you to display both tractor and implement control simultaneously. Anyone who works with an Isobus-controlled planter and front tank can continue to use the system for all 3 without any problems.
The system works with all Ag Leader terminals. The preference is for the large screen so that tractor and implement controls are displayed on one screen.
Exchange receiver
To save costs, the system does not require you to purchase an additional receiver. It is possible to transfer the existing receiver of your tractor to the implement and vice versa. This saves costs and makes the system flexible.
Smartsteer works with both the single GPS6500 and dual Paradyme receivers. The latter is Ag Leader's showpiece. The gyroscope, which is mounted separately in the cabin of other brands, is built into the so-called roof module. Due to the double receiver, the system always shows what is in front and behind. He can see whether the trigger is turned, so that the system is centimeter-accurate from the first meter.
4.000
euro
Fewer spores, so less compaction
'The system has 3 automatic functions', explains Giesberts. 'In AB-line mode, it follows the line of the implement. There is an automatic center position for mounted implements. In follow mode, the system steers the machine straight behind the tractor when backing up. At the headland, the system is completely track-following. That means less ruts and therefore less soil compaction and sticking. You can operate it manually at the push of a button, if you want to put it in a corner. Those functionalities are unique. As a driver you have to worry about the machine much less. The control is always on. Color codes on the screen (green, orange, red) indicate which mode is selected.'
Don't plow over the top
Homburg supplies the basic set for an amount of 4.000 to 4.500 euros. The receiver, steering cylinder and steering angle sensor are not included. Every structure is different. There is also interest from abroad. The control is sold from Russia to Australia.
The sales program also includes the SmartPlough plow control, SmartControl section control and variable rate and SmartLevel tillage control. Only an on-land plow control is still missing. The implement control is not suitable for this. The first potato planters will be equipped with Smartsteer this spring, after a test season last year. The company has also gained experience with disk control.
Niels van der Boom
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