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Auto-Swath technology by AgLeader
Auto-Swath technology uses Global Position Signals (GPS) and a real-time mapping and tracking system to determine when to turn on or turn off individual boom sections, nozzles and/or row units. This technology is designed to minimize overlap (or doubling-up) of inputs throughout a field, especially at the field headlands where equipment is turned around.
Download presentation on Overlap Economics in PDF format (winter 2006-2007).
Auto-Trac technology by John Deere
Auto-Trac technologies by John Deere utilize three components to provide automated field navigation. First the Starfire Itc GPS receiver (utilizing Starfire II corrections) provides location data. Second the GreenStar computer calculates where the current location of the receiver is versus where it should be, and third the computer then interfaces with the hydraulic steering system of the tractor, sprayer or combine and can alter the direction by changing the hydraulic oil flow based on the most recent measurement. This happens 5 times every second on a John Deere system and typically pass to pass driving accuracy's of less than <4" result. The GPS system also contains an electronic gyroscope to correct for navigation errors that result from operating on uneven surfaces. There are many "auto-steer" systems on the market as this technology has really boomed in the past 4 years.
In this image of a rolling field you can see the impacts of Auto-Trac technology on planted rows. The lighter colored rows are 2005 soybeans planted at 0 degrees. After the soybeans were harvested, wheat (the green colored rows) were planted at about 7 degrees.
The GPS system is a constellation of between 24 and 26 satellites that continuously orbit the earth. Using a GPS receiver, signals from these satellites can be locked onto and triangulation used to determine the receiver's exact position on the earth in Latitude and Longitude. GPS receivers have a wide degree of accuracies ranging from 10 meters for a low-end handheld or cell phone based system to <1 cm for Real Time Kinematic (RTK) systems. Most farm applications are done using systems that possess around a 12" static accuracy and a <4" dynamic (or pass to pass) accuracy.
See more information about GPS systems
Straight-cut wheat harvesting involves using a traditional grain harvesting platform in front of the combine. This platform contains a sickle-bar that is comprised of many sickle sections (knives) that move back and forth to physically cut the crop. A reel is used to assist this cutting action by gently rolling the crop towards the sickle bar. After the crop is cut it moves into the platform where an auger carries the un-threshed crop (both biomass and seed) into the feeder house and then into the combine for threshing. After being cut, the height of the wheat stubble ranges from 6-14".
A thirty foot straight cut platform is used to harvest wheat on the Kastens Farm. Notice the difference in stubble height between the left side of the image (where the wheat has not been harvested) and the right side of the image where the wheat has already been cut.
Harvesting wheat with a Shelbourne Stripper Header
A stripper header provides an alternative method of harvesting small grains such as wheat. With this type of platform multiple rows of teeth are mounted on a cylinder that rotates counterclockwise. These specially-designed teeth pull the grain from the head while leaving the whole plant standing. The grain is pulled from the plant and thrown back towards an auger that then feeds the grain to the feeder house where it is brought into the combine. Unlike straight-cut platforms which bring in seed, head and stalk that then need to be threshed, stripper heads bring primarily grain into the combine. Consequently, little additional threshing is required to process the crop in the combine, therefore reducing the horsepower demands of the harvest which in turn reduces fuel consumption. Additionally, because threshing demands are reduced, the combine can operate at a much faster ground speed that significantly impacts harvest efficiency.
Image from Shelbourne Reynolds
This is a 32' Shelbourne stripper header attached to a Case IH 2388. The white hood on the platform adjusts to the crop height being harvested.
Here is a view from the cab. On the far left is a pass that was harvested with a straight-cut platform. Between that pass and where the combine is running a stripper harvested pass is shown. Notice the difference in stubble height between the two passes. A properly adjusted stripper head will only remove the grain, leaving the complete plant (including the non-seed part of the head) intact.Along with the machine efficiencies, the taller stripper stubble has significant impacts on notill management as more ground shading is provided to reduce water evaporation from the soil.
Stripper header research done on Kastens Farms. (2006-2008)
More information about Shelbourne Stripper headers.
Haag Farms research on stripper machine efficiency. (2006)
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