It's 10 O'clock. Do You Know Where Your Tractor Is?
By David Hest
New wireless monitoring systems are allowing farmers to monitor the location, operating hours, upcoming maintenance requirements, looming breakdown possibilities, and other important data on each of their tractors.
Over the past couple of years, most major tractor and combine manufacturers, as well as third-party-providers, began offering new or updated wireless monitoring systems, commonly called telematics.
Telematics systems use cellular modems with embedded low-end GPS receivers to relay machine information via the Internet to a central server computer. Owners—and anyone else they authorize—can access real-time location and current operations information with a smartphone or computer. Some advanced systems also relay application prescriptions and as-applied data to and from field equipment.
Alert features built into telematics systems are designed to reduce breakdowns, assure regular maintenance, and prevent theft by automatically contacting the owner by text or e-mail. Many owners include their machinery dealer on the alert list to speed field repairs. Remote diagnostics capabilities built into many systems also help make that a reality.
Here’s a look at telematics systems currently on the market.
AGCO AGCOMMAND
AGCO’s AGCOMMAND telematics system is available at two levels. The Basic Plus system records operating status, run times, vehicle locations, and other GPS-based information. The Advanced system monitors drivetrain performance, including engine RPMs, load, fuel usage, transmission loads, error codes, and more. Both systems are available on 2012 AGCO power equipment above 85-100 horsepower, plus all combines. Smaller-horsepower tractors also can be outfitted with AGCOMMAND Basic.
Case IH AFS Connect
Beginning in the spring of 2012, Case IH will offer two telematics packages—AFS Connect Manager and AFS Connect Executive. AFS Connect Manager tracks location, operating status, and engine hours, and provides security alerts. AFS Connect Executive adds powertrain and fuel use monitoring and analysis, plus a virtual display function that enables remote monitoring of displays on four machines on the same page. Dealer-installed kits for Case IH 7230, 8230 and 9230 Axial-Flow combines, Magnum tractors, and Austoft sugarcane harvesters will be available in spring 2012.
CLAAS telematics
CLAAS offers telematics systems on 600- and 700-Series LEXION combines and JAGUAR 900-Series self-propelled forage harvesters. In addition to location information, the system captures data on yields, grain losses, fuel efficiency, unloading waiting times, and other efficiency factors. Remote diagnostics is optional.
John Deere JDLink
Beginning in 2012, telematics hardware will be factory-installed on most large John Deere tractors, sprayers, combines, and forage harvesters. The company’s high-end JDLink Ultimate telematics service will be included in the base for the first year and at a discount in future years when bundled with an extended warranty. John Deere’s basic telematics package, JDLink Select, which tracks machine location, operating status, run times and maintenance, is available as a field installation for most other power equipment, including other brands.
Raven Slingshot
Raven’s Slingshot RTK and cellular communications system can be used to transfer application prescriptions and as-applied data, as well as offering basic location functions. SST Software has enabled the Slingshot system to deliver SST Summit capabilities to Raven controllers. Software Solutions, Inc., also uses Slingshot for dispatch functions for its Agvance system. Raven expects several OEMs to deliver telematics capabilities via Slingshot in the future.
Trimble Connected Farm
Trimble’s Connected Farm system offers alert functions and tracks machine location, operating status and run times. It also handles data transfer chores, including yield data, guidance lines, variable-rate prescription maps, planned and completed jobs and application, soil sampling, and scouting maps for tractors and combines equipped with FmX displays.
