Trimble announced today that it has added advanced line acquisition technology to its Autopilot automated steering system — Trimble OnSwath technology. It reduces the time lost turning at the end of the row by enabling the vehicle to make a tighter turn and approach the next line, or crop row, 50 percent faster. Using OnSwath, the farmer can decrease idle driving time, fuel consumption, soil compaction, crop damage, and working time in the field—which can lead to cost savings. OnSwath is a free upgrade to customers using the Trimble Autopilot automated steering system.

The new OnSwath technology allows the user to customize their line acquisition to the vehicle, operation and operator preference including adjusting turn angle, approach angle and speed. Using OnSwath the vehicle projects its path to the line, which allows it to get online faster. As a result of these improvements, vehicle performance is more controlled, predictable and repeatable.

"By adding OnSwath to Trimble's Autopilot steering system, we've enabled farmers to be more efficient with their field operations," said Erik Ehn, Smart Machines business area director of Trimble's Agriculture Division. "OnSwath saves time, money and fuel, while also decreasing soil compaction and crop damage. Since we're providing the technology at no additional cost, farmers who use Trimble's automated guidance can leverage OnSwath and measure how much it can save their farm."

"With Trimble's OnSwath, I'm able to get online much faster and more accurately," said Joe Brightly, who began using the OnSwath technology this spring for planting and strip tilling operations. "After an end of row turn, I can get online in a matter of only a few feet, which has saved me a lot of time."

OnSwath is currently available with a software update to the Trimble Autopilot system.