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Guided Planter Hitch
Tech Specs: The Laforge Guided Planter Hitch is a fully integrated implement steering solution for use in conjunction with John Deere Active Implement Guidance specific to 1770NT, 1775NT, 1790 and 1795NT planters. The product replaces the factory Deere planter hitch and integrates seamlessly to the planter and offers improved steering response. A hydraulic cylinder slides the planter hitch horizontally to offer up to 20 inches of hitch movement for sub-inch planting accuracy. It also helps to reduce the planter’s side-hill drift, improves yield by reducing seedbed compaction and helps to optimize seed placement relative to nutrient application and making perfect end-rows and guess-rows. The system helps to prevent crop damage and improve efficiency during subsequent field operations such as spraying, side-dressing and harvesting. Compatible with Cat 3 and Cat4N connections while utilizing the existing planter pins and jack-stands.
WOW Factor: When used in conjunction with Deere’s Active Implement Guidance the system automatically steers the planter to the guidance line for sub-inch planting accuracy every time. By automatically steering the planter, it compensates for planting side-hill drift and makes perfect end-rows to maximize yields. It also helps to prevent crop damage and improve efficiency in subsequent field operations.
PSR Sonic Implement Guidance
Tech Specs: Pilot System Reichhardt (PSR) has integrated its Sonic Sensor technology with the PSR ISO iBox navigation controller for accurate implement guidance. The system accuracy is at the same level of the tractor guidance by following the wheel impressions. This eliminates the need for additional correction subscriptions and receivers. In addition to following the wheel impressions, the implement can be guided from hills, ridges and crops for planting, cultivating, spraying and harvest. The system works in combination with implement steering components, like planter axels or controllable hitches. The ISO navigation controller allows the user interface to be accessible on virtual terminal (VT) capable displays. The solution benefits from an in cab joystick for convenient added guidance control. The features include nudging on the fly, return to center and manual guidance of the implement in the headland all by the joystick conveniently mounted via Ram Mount.
Compatibility Index: ISOBUS Certified Component
WOW Factor: The independence to the tractor guidance system plus the compatibility of the ISO iBox navigation controller to an ISO VT is what makes the PSR Sonic Implement Guidance solution so unique. Regardless of the brand of display or machine guidance, the sonic sensors will follow the physical mark, track, crop or hill with no contact. This allows the grower to make their guidance choices as they wish and not be required to have a single source dependency.
Tracker IV
Tech Specs: Developed to provide industry-leading precision guidance for drawn and 3-point mounted row crop units, Orthman’s Tracker IV system easily mounts onto the implement and is fully compatible with John Deere and Trimble guidance systems. Available with 2, 3, 4 or 6 ground-engaging steering blades, the system design features a single hydraulic cylinder that pivots all the blades simultaneously for consistent implement-tracking correction. The system is available in 20-40 inch row spacings to fit a farmer’s operation.
WOW Factor: Sub-inch implement guidance allows year-over-year repeatability of fertilizer and seeding operations, eliminates crop damage from implement drift and reduces input cost by reducing seed and chemical overlap. During a 5-year study, implement guidance was shown to dramatically improve crop yields by precisely placing the seed and fertilizer closer to each other in separate field passes. Yields increased 13% when seed/fertilizer were placed with sub-inch accuracy compared to the crop planted at an 8 inch offset, and 5% higher when compared to the 4 inch offset.
Acura Trak
Tech Specs: The Sunco Acura Trak was the first quick-hitch guidance system on the market in 1987 and is the only such product left in the market today. When used in conjunction with the Sunco Stabilizers, the system delivers a high ROI by decreasing crop damage and increasing guess row accuracy. In situations where standard feedback options are not possible and implement accuracy is critical (such as strip-till, precision fertilizer placement or drip tape installation) GPS implement guidance is a great option. Compatible with John Deere’s Active Implement Guidance System and Trimble’s TrueTracker implement guidance system. Available in category 2, 3, 3W and category 4 3 point models, and features heavy duty cast construction to handle today’s heaviest implements. All systems feature a full 1 year warranty.
Compatibility Index: Exclusively Aftermarket Product
WOW Factor: Steers the operator’s implement not just the tractor. Many producers have realized that cultivation is a much more economical option but have struggled with crop damage even with repeatable RTK guidance systems on their tractors. The system offers multiple feedback options to steer 3 point implements (not just cultivators) and will deliver a high ROI on every acre by reducing crop damage and increasing guess row accuracy.
SonicTrakk
Tech Specs: SonicTrakk is ISOBUS virtual terminal (VT) compatible and utilizes four exterior sensors for consistent implement repeatability all season long. These easily installed sensors are located on the implement and are able to sense tire tracks, strip-till ridges, plants and more. Due to non-contact ultrasonic technology, this is a wear-resistant method that works well for nutrient placement, seeding, cultivation, spraying, harvesting and more. The system also comes with a joystick feature that makes engaging, disengaging and manual movement of the system easy. Although it is compatible with many VT terminals, there are separate terminal options for the system.
Compatibility Index: ISOBUS Certified Component
WOW Factor: When paired with a ProTrakker Hydraulic Hitch, the system precisely guides implements on slopes, contour rows or any terrain. It also provides farmers with the repeatability required for high accuracy farming practices such as no-till, strip-till and organic farming.
