John Deere announced at the Farm Progress Show that it was releasing new precision applications and displays.

  • iGrade is a GPS-based system that enables operators to easily build and maintain their own field-surface, water-management structures using many of the same components used during crop production.
  • iSteer provides active implement guidance to increase accuracy and repeatability in straight-track field applications.

iGrade automates the control of the tractor’s scraper blade to enable basic grade and slope design; distance-based hydraulic commands; and Surface Water Pro Plus automation. By automating the blade’s position, operators are able to more efficiently and effectively manage surface water issues in the field.

Because it uses an RTK correction signal, operators spend more time grading and less time setting up and moving laser components. iGrade is accurate up to 1 mile, compared to just 1,000 feet for lasers. Also, unlike lasers, RTK accuracy is not affected by wind, dust or heat.

iSteer consists of a receiver and a hydraulic steering system, both attached to an implement, that enables the implement to automatically correct its position in the field independently of the tractor's guidance line. It's completely integrated with approved John Deere tractors and requires a StarFire RTK system to operate. The implement must also have its own steering system.

The iSteer system is ideal for strip-till operations, with standing row crops and bedded crops, and other applications that require precise implement positioning.

Crop producers can experience faster system start-ups and less downtime with the new StarFire 3000 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver from John Deere Ag Management Solutions (AMS). This next-generation technology is a direct replacement for the popular StarFire iTC.

The StarFire 3000 is compatible with the StarFire 450 RTK and 900 RTK radios, as well as GPS and GLONASS satellite signals. It incorporates a number of technical innovations that contribute to greater efficiency in the field:

  • Reduced startup time and downtime. StarFire 3000 significantly reduces the time needed to acquire a signal when starting equipment for the day. If that signal is lost, the receiver can reacquire it quickly.
  • Terrain compensation response. The receiver detects changes in roll, pitch, and yaw of the vehicle and adjusts its position relative to the ground.
  • Better shade performance. Receiver performance is improved in shaded conditions because StarFire 3000 automatically tracks weak satellite signals and acquires new ones.
  • Over-the-air activation. Receiver upgrades with activations and subscription renewals can be handled over the air, which eliminates the need to manually type in activation codes.
  • Diagnostic display. LED lights on the front of the unit notify the operator about receiver status and can help quickly diagnose problems that may arise.

The GreenStar 3 2630 Display and the GreenStar 3 CommandCenter are capable of running applications like AutoTrac and Swath Control Pro. In addition, select models are now designed with new video capability.

The GreenStar 3 2630 Display features a faster processor, increased memory and touch-screen and video capabilities. The GS3 CommandCenter is a standard feature of the new 8R Series Tractors and also available with an optional touchscreen.