Use data from the first pass, either strip-till or planting, to automatically create full-field guidance lines for secondary passes such as planting, spraying, and harvest
John Deere introduced AutoPath precision ag technology in the fall of 2020. We were able to demonstrate this technology to several growers in Northern IL and SW Wisconsin this spring and they were all very impressed with how well it performed especially on fields that curve and angle. AutoPath works by placing a John Deere GPS receiver, either a SF6000 or SF3000, on the rear implement most likely a planter, and recording this first pass, or source pass and using this as the baseline for the remaining passes during the growing season and harvest.
There are a few requirements for running AutoPath, like a Gen 4 Display, either a Version 2 4600 armrest display or 4640 monitor, Automation 4.0 Software on the display, SF3 or RTK Guidance on the Tractor, Sprayer, Combine. SF1 level of accuracy will not work with AutoPath.
The biggest benefit that we saw during our demonstrations was minmized operator fatigue as operators were able to work longer days thanks to the ability of the machine to pick the proper guidance line in the field and maintain the path until the work was done. This was especially true in passes over standing crops while side dressing or spraying. AutoPath also limited damage to the standing crops during these same applications.
Sloan Product Support Specialist Joe Brunker explains the benefits of John Deere AutoPath Technology
Watch this video to hear what our customers thought of AutoPath after running it this spring.
Sloan Support is written by the product support team at Sloan Implement, a 22 location John Deere dealer in Illinois and Wisconsin. Learn more at www.sloans.com
John Deere’s Exactemerge high-speed planter has definitely changed the game. With improved seed spacing over conventional planters even at speeds of 10+ mph, unmatched productivity and accuracy now go hand in hand. Covering dramatically more acres per day and still doing a better job in an ever decreasing planting window is a value story that hasn’t been seen since the introduction of the STS combine in 2000. Sloan Implement has ExactEmerge customers that have cut their planting fleet in half and still get more done in a day, all while improving the plant stand. This frees up manpower to do other tasks at a time when skilled farm labor is ever more difficult to locate.
John Deere offers two different options for customers who want to bring this technology to their operation: Buying a new or used Exactemerge planter or Retrofitting an existing 2011 or newer conventional John Deere bulk fll planter. So what is the best option? Both offer pro’s and con’s so let’s walk through both scenarios:
Buying a new Exactemerge planter:
John Deere has introduced features each year since the Exactemerge’s introduction that cannot be retrofitted back to previous model planters. Frame weight distribution is only available as a factory option and cannot be retrofitted to previous models. Folding the planter through the display, thus eliminating the fold box, is also a factory only option. Seedstar 4HP is new for the 2018 planter line-up and is not available for retrofit at this time. Seedstar 4HP requires a Gen IV display. The larger screen offers greater flexibility with the planter run page setup for viewing more functions on the screen at the same time. The frame has also received a few tweaks, in particular, the markers can better handle the increased loads of 10+ mph planting speeds. Buying new insures that you will have the latest technology as well as a full machine warranty for the planting season.
Retrofit a 2011 or newer central-fill planter to the Exactemerge planting system:
This option allows customers to get the Exactemerge technology at a substantially reduced cost vs. buying new. Customers can get most of the latest technology except for the items listed above. The Exactemerge row unit, pneumatically adjustable row cleaners, individual row hydraulic down force, and pneumatic closing wheels can all be installed on an existing planter to get these technologies for less money. The basic Exactemerge retrofit unit comes with a new shank, openers, scrapers, gauge wheel arms, meter, brush module, parallel arm bushings, and an electrical system that includes vacuum automation and curve compensation. All of the new components have a full planting season warranty. What’s more, you can still use your existing 2630 display to operate the retrofitted planter, saving the cost of upgrading to the new Gen IV display. The frame and seed delivery system both remain the same. We have done several retrofits and customers have had great success while saving money.
Sloan employees prepared 7 short videos discussing ExactEmerge retrofit kits that can be viewed here:
As you can see, both options have a value story that is different. What is not different is the performance and productivity each option will bring to your operation.
Click here to read more about the Exactemerge row unit or contact your local Sloan Implement location.
Sloan Support is written by the product support team at Sloan Implement, a 20 location John Deere dealer in Illinois and Wisconsin. Learn more at www.sloans.com
