Author Topic: NSR: farm tractor question  (Read 231 times)

Stig / Major Tom

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NSR: farm tractor question
« on: June 16, 2021, 11:07:22 AM »
Was looking at farm fields as I rode out for coffee this morning.
Not for the first time, I noticed how straight are the rows of the emerging crops! Across humps and low places -- for maybe half a mile to the far tree line -- straight as a string!
Can modern tractors be steered by GPS, or something? And after the turn around, spacing remains perfect.
??
Stig
« Last Edit: June 16, 2021, 11:08:58 AM by Stig / Major Tom »
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jak51

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Re: NSR: farm tractor question
« Reply #1 on: June 16, 2021, 02:20:25 PM »
Most of the newer large combines and tractors are controlled by GPS, should the driver want it.  There was a show on Modern Marvels or How It's Made, or some show like that, that showed how these monsters are built and controlled.  The newer, expensive ones feature really luxurious cabs, with a/c, satellite radio,  and the same type of air suspension seats 18-wheeler cabs have.

Jeff

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Re: NSR: farm tractor question
« Reply #2 on: June 16, 2021, 05:07:56 PM »
Yes, some new tractors come standard with GPS / Auto-Steer, those without can be retro fitted. I worked on a farm where I used it a lot. You could program it with the width of the implement you are pulling, at the end of the field you manually turn around, hit the button and the tractor lines up with the next pass based on the width. Some systems can actually make the turn for you. They make systems that are accurate within 5", the best are Sub-Inch. At times, in the afternoon when the satellites cross or go out of range, the tractor will go off course so you had to be ready. Also, when leveling or scraping ground, you can program the field and it will control the implement depth, where you make a cut and where to fill. Besides tillage implements, I ran a 9400 John Deere, 425hp, articulated tractor with 2 tires on each corner. When leveling ground I pulled tandem 14' (one behind the other) carry-alls. When you are doing 16 hour days, the satellite radio, air conditioning, quick shift, air seat are a welcomed comfort.


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