Contractors know that accurate numbers to track job site activity and topography can mean the difference between completing a project on time and on budget. With the addition of Smart Construction Field and Smart Construction Drone to Komatsu’s suite of job site technologies, contractors have two new tools to better manage projects.

“When the Smart Construction group came in, they integrated everything together, and the transition felt seamless. Now, we can take the data, transfer it to the machines, get data back from the machines to the office, and utilize all of that information across the board forbidding, customer reference and billing,”

said Kevin Hawkinson, vice president of operations, A.W. Oakes & Son.

Smart Construction Field

Using data to track spending allows contractors to analyze those numbers quickly and find cost-effective ways to manage and resource projects. Komatsu has partnered with Moovila, an experienced provider of project management software, to develop Smart Construction Field, a mobile app that allows contractors to easily record job site activity and analyze operational efficiencies in near real-time.

Reports generated by Smart Construction Field can track daily job site conditions, and task progress can be broken down by labor, equipment, and materials, including machine utilization and fuel distribution, receipts, time cards, and subcontractor work. Regardless of equipment brand, Smart Construction Field can collect machine data from an entire fleet.

Smart Construction Drone

Collecting accurate topography is easy with Komatsu’s Smart Construction Drone survey technology. This drone solution captures quantities for production tracking and billing, without personnel walking the job site to do a manual survey.

Contractors can gather and analyze data throughout each project phase with topographic surveys that incorporate hundreds of thousands of data points. With the capability to take still photos from up to 400 feet above ground level or under bridge decks, Smart Construction Drone can be used as pre-job verification or to keep stakeholders up to date.

Smart Construction Drone pairs very well with Smart Construction Dashboard. Built to combine data from multiple sources into one comprehensive picture, Smart Construction Dashboard combines 3D design data with aerial mapping and intelligent machine data, to let contractors confirm quantities and visualize job site progress. Smart Construction Dashboard is powered by the 3D visualization power and geospatial accuracy of Cesium, a leading platform to visualize, analyze and share 3D data.

Both Smart Construction Drone and Smart Construction Field are part of Komatsu’s Smart Construction solutions, an umbrella of smart applications created to help construction customers optimize their business remotely, and in near-real-time.

The post Komatsu adds Smart Construction Drone and Smart Construction Field to its Suite of Job Site Solutions appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Smart Soil Technology provides electronic adjustment of machine depth, front and rear gang angle, wing down pressure, Star Wheel pressure, and front/rear levelling from any compatible ISOBUS display. Operators can store favorite settings for all functions using eight customizable presets and then quickly switch between them during operation. A preset-only mode can be used where the customer wishes to limit the operator’s ability to adjust the machine between predetermined settings.

Although adjustments are made from the display, lifting and lowering the machine for end row turns is still carried out using the tractor SCV for maximum operator comfort. Redundant sensors are fitted to gang angle and depth circuits for backup in case of failure, and a machine equipped with Smart Soil Technology can always be converted back to manual mode, so an electronics failure will not result in a machine down situation.

Smart Soil Technology is AEF certified and can be found in the online AEF database. This database allows customers to verify the compatibility of ISOBUS functions between the machine and the terminal to be used, ensuring a true plug-and-play solution regardless of tractor brand and with no additional compatibility hardware required.

The Smart Soil Technology system is available as an option on all new KUHN Krause Excelerator orders as of June 1, 2021, with the intended season of use for spring tillage 2022.

The post Kuhn Presents the New Smart Soil Technology for Krause Excelerator XT 8010 appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Farmers Edge announced the general availability of its data-driven Smart Carbon program for key agricultural markets in North America. The program harnesses the power of technology by combining hardware, software, agronomy, and hands-on customer support to create a truly connected acre that gives farmers and their trusted advisors a 360-degree view of their carbon footprint with data from soil to sale.

A leader in the cleantech space, Farmers Edge has been helping farmers to implement climate-friendly practices since 2005. The company provides the knowledge and technical support to infuse intelligence into decisions and processes on the farm, bringing sustainability, productivity, and profitability together. The technology automatically tracks, measures, and benchmarks improvements in yields, soil health, and efficiencies of practices on a site-specific basis. This synergy results in an economic, environmental, and social value that can be passed down the supply chain for generations to come. It is highly scalable and can be implemented in both data-rich and data-sparse regions, by farms of any size.

The company estimates that the total addressable market within its current customer base will include at least six million new carbon offsets annually through carbon sequestration and emissions reductions. In addition, the company has already secured buyers in North America.

Farmers Edge has a long history as a sustainability innovator in Canada, with extensive experience managing one of the major carbon offset programs in the world, the Alberta Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction Regulation. Based on this work, the company will expand its sequestration and emissions-reduction projects to other provinces, including Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In the US, the company is planning projects based on the USDA/NRCS foundation of greenhouse gas management. Additionally, Farmers Edge is currently developing broader-based protocols to be used across North America.

“At the heart of our business has always been a deep commitment to agriculture and the farmers who feed us. As stewards of the land, farmers play a leading role in ensuring the stability of the global food supply and the health of our planet; they need collective support to do this. We provide a simple and transparent program that rewards farmers for land stewardship and removes the hassle of dreaded paperwork. We can validate their digital environmental assets in near real-time, reducing risk and creating verified, high-quality carbon offsets. Farmers are part of the climate change solution,”

said Wade Barnes, Farmers Edge Chief Executive Officer, and founder.

Along with scaling its digital, connectivity-fueled carbon program, Farmers Edge is developing a system for food companies and elevators to purchase low-carbon grain.

The post Farmers Edge Helps Farmers Create Millions of Potential New Carbon Offsets appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Seven models of the new Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders, with standard bucket capacities between 3.7 and 7.6 cubic yards, are available now. Five additional Doosan models with bucket capacities between 2.6 and 3.3 cubic yards are planned to launch in early 2022. Wheel loaders launching in 2022 will include the popular tool carrier iterations for two models.

“While we have made enhancements to our wheel loaders during the past 15 years, this is a significant milestone in the Doosan product. The new -7 Series wheel loaders represent more than a decade of research and development, as well as incorporating feedback from our customers. The next generation of Doosan wheel loaders easily competes with any machine available today,”

says Aaron Kleingartner, dealer and product marketing manager.

New Look and New Cabs

A new, award-winning exterior design is likely the first feature customers will notice about the Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders. The completely redesigned, more comfortable cab is a close second.

• The new wheel loader cab layout has relocated important and frequently used controls for easier, more intuitive use. All Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders have the same control setup, so operators won’t miss a beat when moving from machine to machine.
• For improved visibility from the cab, the total glass area is 14% larger than prior models and a full glass door improves visibility on the left side. Large mirrors extend the operator’s view to the side and rear of the machine. A standard rearview camera provides an additional view of the machine’s surroundings and appears on the 8-inch Doosan Smart Touch display. Operators can raise or lower the display to a comfortable height without tools.
• The heating and cooling system is redesigned from previous Doosan wheel loader generations, with new outlet locations to optimize airflow in the cab. Legroom is increased from prior generations, and additional in-cab storage has been added near the USB charging port.
• The electric steering is available as an option for select -7 Series models. In models with this feature, the electronic joystick, which operators can customize to their sensitivity preference, is comfortably integrated into the left armrest.

“Its become increasingly difficult for our customers to hire heavy equipment operators. Our investments in operator comfort provide an exceptional cab that makes it a pleasant experience for long days in the cab. We’re convinced that cabs today are among the most comfortable operating stations, which we hope will help our customers retain their operators,”

Kleingartner says.

Increased Bucket Capacities and New Features To Protect Machine Uptime

Bucket capacities for select models are 7% greater than prior models. These select Doosan models include the DL320-7, DL380-7, DL480-7, and DL580-7. The increased capacity can provide faster, easier loading in fewer passes.

• To enable these greater capacities, these beefed-up models feature stronger, larger axles and a strengthened box frame. Large center bearings and self-centering, double-tapered roller bearings distribute vertical and horizontal loads over a larger area. The bearings have dust seals and covers and are vented to prevent grease overfill.
• The new axles offer better braking capacity to extend the lifetime of the brake discs. Other improvements that enhance durability include a new radiator with fin spacing that is 40% wider than previous generations. This wider spacing makes the radiator less prone to clogging and easier to clear of dirt, dust, and other large debris.
• A standard reversible fan, adjustable from the Doosan Smart Touch screen, further improves cooling system performance. The fan is hydraulically driven with variable speeds that are proportional to the operating temperature. It easily folds out of the way for cleaning the radiator. This can be particularly useful in applications like agriculture and forestry.
• An automatic lubrication system is a new factory option for Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders, and it includes full warranty coverage. The system delivers grease at the middle of the pins and bushings for better distribution.

Loaded With Smart Technologies

Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders are designed with standard technology features that owners and operators can use to make meaningful improvements to the productivity of their operations. Technologies standard on Doosan -7 Series wheel loaders include:

• DoosanCONNECT telematics makes it easy for owners to monitor their Doosan fleet and manage maintenance to reduce operating costs. Using a smartphone, tablet, or computer, owners can check machine location, operating hours, fuel usage, engine idle versus work time, error codes, engine and hydraulic oil temperature, and various other data points.
• Situation Awareness Technology automatically monitors the machine’s activity and adjusts the wheel loader engine’s output to match real-time requirements of the hydraulic system and drivetrain.
• The Doosan Smart Guidance System analyzes operator driving habits and provides tips during operation on the Doosan Smart Touch display to improve their efficiency.
• An improved Load Isolation System improves wheel loader stability while moving, which can reduce cycle times, increase productivity and boost fuel efficiency.
• The new Doosan Smart Load weighing system tells the operator the weight of material in the bucket. All menus and settings are integrated into the Doosan Smart Touch screen.
• The Doosan Smart Key is a key fob that can unlock the cab and allows the push-button engine to start.

“We offer a wide range of wheel loader models to meet our customers’ needs. Our 12-model lineup provides customers a variety of horsepower and capacity offerings to best match their applications. Customers operate Doosan wheel loaders in agriculture, construction, recycling, mining, snow removal, and forestry applications. Across these applications, customers can expect Doosan wheel loaders to be productive and durable,”

Kleingartner says.

The post Doosan Introduces Next-Generation Wheel Loaders appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Komatsu announces the North American launch of its Smart Construction Remote application, which allows users to send new design data to machines in the field, and remotely support operators, without traveling to the job site.

Customers can remotely send files from their office to target machines, easily search all connected assets, and log in to a machine and see what their operator is seeing. They can also easily pinpoint the location of machines by job site and upload or download design files at any time from anywhere.

Using Smart Construction Remote’s capabilities, construction site managers can help operators troubleshoot issues in real-time by viewing the same data they do. They can add new files without the time commitment of traditional methods, and transfer design files to multiple machines on-site with one click.

Scott Christman, Earthwork division manager at Cornerstone One LLC, said:

“In today’s ever-changing construction environment, Smart Construction Remote is an invaluable, must-have tool. It provides troubleshooting and file transfers with the touch of a button from anywhere with internet access, minimizing crew downtime and maximizing production.”

Smart Construction Remote’s software is compatible with select makes of machines with installed Topcon devices and all Komatsu intelligent Machine Control models. Komatsu-certified experts are ready to help users get the most from the application and develop team capabilities.

Smart Construction Remote is one of Komatsu’s new Smart Construction Solutions, an umbrella of smart applications created to help construction customers orchestrate construction planning, better handle management, and scheduling, streamline costs, and optimize processes remotely in near real-time.

The post Komatsu announces Smart Construction Remote application appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The TractorPlus App provides owners with convenient access to key parts of their operator’s manual, parts diagrams, and parts ordering directly from the John Deere Store or their preferred dealer. Owners can also keep track of maintenance and service intervals for optimal machine performance and see diagnostic codes in an easy-to-read list.

In addition to providing valuable tractor information, the app also provides coverage mapping via your smartphone’s location tracking system for reduced overlap while mowing, plowing or spraying. In conjunction with the Smart Connector, the app can also function as an extended dashboard to your tractor by displaying real-time machine and job information.

Owners can also use the TractorPlus App to access a library of helpful how-to videos from the Frontier Tips Notebook for step-by-step information on topics like machine maintenance, property projects and more.

John Doyle, John Deere product marketing manager, said:

“With the new Smart Connector and TractorPlus App, compact tractor owners have easy access to a wide range of information, like service intervals, diagnostic codes and maintenance information. The TractorPlus App also provides coverage mapping and easy access to operator’s manuals, parts diagrams and parts ordering all through your phone.”

The John Deere Smart Connector is easy to install by simply plugging it into the Service Advisor Port on your compact utility tractor. The entire process takes just a few minutes to complete and requires no tools for installation.

The new Smart Connectors are compatible with most 2-Series, 3-Series, and 4-Series John Deere CUT models, and can be purchased through your local John Deere dealer, or the John Deere Store.

The post New John Deere Smart Connector establishes direct connection between Tractor and Smartphone appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Choosing the right controller and management platform for a particular project can be a confusing process. One of the first things to ask yourself as a contractor is, “do I care enough about my customer’s water usage to spend time managing from a computer or tablet”. For years water management has been handled at an emission device level, pressure regulated pop-ups, rotors or compensated manifolds and point source emitters among others. While these are effective conservation devices there is an important next step to using these devices properly. The future of the irrigation contractor, like it or not, is heavily influenced by technology and the efficiency of managing multiple sites remotely and accurately.

As contractors, we spend a lot of time making decisions about the hardware aspect of a controller and not the software that makes the controller work to the best of its ability. This makes sense because for the last 50 years we’ve been installing controllers, setting the time and walking away. Fortunately, a contractor no longer has to stand in front of a controller and set up a schedule. Cloud-based software like the new Unity platform is going to set up a schedule that adjusts every hour to ensure maximum system efficiency. How does the controller know when and how much to water? This is where a true water manager comes into his or her element.

Unity offers a new way to manage water. A central interface allowing users easy setup of all their stations at once, 17 data point scheduling and the easiest to use reporting features available. While these data points have been used for years with legacy ETwater Manager software I thought it would be nice to review a few important ones.

• Temperature
• Dew Point
• ET (Evapotranspiration)
• Forecasted Rain
• Cloud Cover
• Wind
• Pressure
• Humidity
• GHI (Global Horizontal Irradiance)
• Soil Heat Influx
• Slope Vapor

17 data points may just sound like a healthy number to escape the competition but these variables are crucial when managing a water user that consumes millions of gallons a year.

Additional features of new Unity software include; data push notifications and predictive analytics that allow users to review scheduling two weeks in the future or two weeks in the past.

With the merger between JAIN and ETwater completed, ETwater is now picking up where they left off with industry-leading software innovation. It’s no surprise that a technology giant like JAIN was able to see the direction Unity needed to go and provide the resources to get them there. JAIN is currently leading the way in satellite imagery technology, remote monitoring, smart filtration and of course software development.

Unity works with all existing ETwater controllers and finally answers the question “How much water does a landscape need?”.

Source: JAIN

The post JAIN develops smart irrigation system appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Stage V compliant

Starting January 2019 Valtra T Series and S Series tractors will be produced as stage V compliant versions. Production of stage five compliant N Series tractors will begin in spring time for N174 models and in the autumn for N134 and N154 models.

The new tractor models are powered by LFTN-D5 AGCO Power engines featuring SCR technology. Thanks to hydraulic lash adjustment the new engines not only run more smoothly, but they also require less maintenance. N and T Series engines continue to be free of exhaust gas recirculation technology and on S Series the level of EGR is kept below 15%. This ensures that the engines run reliably and efficiently while reaching the legally required level of emission standards.

The design of the N, T and S Series stage V models has been adapted to accommodate for the larger after-treatment installations. Visibility from the cab, which was already on an excellent level, has now improved even further. On the S Series access to the cab has been enhanced with better steps and the storage space for tools has been increased. The tractors are now also nicer to look at with an updated tail light and new colour options available from the factory.

New smart farming features and customized services

Valtra models are also becoming smarter in 2019. A second terminal is now available for SmartTouch models on N, T and S Series. The terminal, which can be installed anywhere in the cab, can be used as a display for ISOBUS implements or to access an external camera. The same easy-to-use terminal with additional auto-guidance operation is now also available as an option for N and T Series Active and HiTech models bringing smart farming also to these more basic models.

“Valtra SmartTouch has been received incredibly well thanks to its intuitiveness. Already today we deliver 40% of T Series machines with auto-guidance. We are committed to delivering easy-to-use precision farming solutions and services to farmers and contractors, helping them get more out of their machines and stay in control of operating costs”, comments Mikko Lehikoinen, Vice President Marketing Valtra.

To allow customers to maximize the uptime of their machines Valtra also launches the “Connect, Care & Go” service offering which allows customers to access a range of machine services at pre-defined cost. The services include Valtra Connect telemetry, Valtra Care extended warranty for new machines and the Valtra Go maintenance contract available for new and used machine.

Source: Valtra news

The post Valtra’s fourth generation just got one stage smarter appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.