John Deere Introduces Turn Automation for Combine Harvesters

John Deere launched its latest round of software updates for Gen 4 Displays and John Deere Operations Center, introducing turn automation for Combine Harvesters.

John Deere Production System Manager, Ben Kelly, said AutoTrac Turn Automation (ATTA) will play an important role in simplifying harvester operation throughout harvest 2023-24. 

“Automating the headland turns makes operating the combine easier and more precise. Customers will see consistent, repeated and optimised end turns across the field, while the operator will experience less stress and fatigue throughout the day. With ATTA, the machine does the work for you, allowing operators to focus their attention on the tasks most critical to harvester operation, like grain loss or grain sample.” 

said Mr Kelly.   

Combine AutoTrac Turn Automation is compatible with Gen 4 Displays and the new G5 Display on X9, S700 and even S600 combines which were introduced in 2012. 

“Where possible, we want to ensure all customers have access to technology improvements like ATTA, not only because it delivers clear safety and productivity improvements, but also because it is another step in the road to full autonomy – and we want to ensure all of our customers are prepared for that future.” 

said Mr Kelly.

How it works

AutoTrac Turn Automation for Combine Harvesters is part of the 23-2 Display software bundle that was released in late September. The technology automates the combine turns in the headland and is compatible with the Gen 4 family display with Automation 4.0, or G5 family display with G5 Advanced license. 

ATTA requires a field boundary created with either SF3, SF-RTK or RTK level signal accuracy and a boundary headland which can now be easily created in Operations Center.  

The ATTA feature can support multiple harvesters working in the same field, to increase overall productivity, while reducing stress throughout the entire harvest season.  

Mr Kelly said three turn types were available to plan and automatically execute. 

“Combine harvesters utilising ATTA will support U-Turns, Spiral In or Spiral Out turns. The spiral in and spiral out turns have been developed to ensure the unload auger is always extended over the harvested row, creating an opening for chaser bins, and allowing simple unloading on-the-go. Turn automation is also a key technology required to enable completely hands-free guidance across the harvest production step in the future, so is well worth adopting and implementing now to be ready to capitalise on full harvest automation in the future.” 

said Mr Kelly.  

Other new features available in this upgrade 

• Enhance Headland Management Functionality: The new software bundle and John Deere Operations Center Land tool make it easier than ever to setup headlands for paddocks, creating the foundation needed to leverage the ATTA and guidance and automation features now available. Farmers can seamlessly create, edit, view, and manage headlands directly with Operations Center meaning there is no need to recreate these in the field.  
• Grain Cart Enhancements: Operators can now choose “Cart” for the Chaser Bin profile name. When “Cart” is selected as the profile name, the “Type of Equipment” and “Controller” fields will automatically populate to speed setup time. The updated run page now includes accurate grain cart size and shape, along with location in the field, providing a more realistic operator experience.