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
The John Deere Exactemerge Planter has set a new standard for planter accuracy and productivity. By controlling the seed all the way to the trench, the spacing is impeccable. Customer satisfaction with this product has been overwhelming. Customer interest in this product is also growing with each passing season. A particularly popular option for these planters is the retrofit kit. We have many customers with 2011-2014 model year John Deere planters that can benefit from an Exactemerge. A retrofit kit allows these customers to upgrade for a substantially lower cost than buying a new Exactemerge planter. In some cases the price difference between a retrofit planter and a new planter can be close to $50,000 and, in some cases, even more on a 24 row. In any economic condition this would be a big savings, let alone during the current circumstances facing agriculture. To help with this investment, John Deere is currently offering an 8% discount on retrofit kits as well as 0% interest for 48 months. This is technology with with a quick ROI.
So, what do I get with a retrofit kit? You get a new shank, gauge wheel arms and bushings, meter, brush module, openers, hydraulic downforce system, and electrical system. See below for the row unit components.
You will re-use the gauge wheels and the closing wheels and frame. You basically have a new planter where it counts. Along with this you get turn compensation which allows the row unit to speed up or slow down in a turn to maintain proper population across the planter while turning. If you have a late 30 series or R series tractor in front, you also get vacuum automation. This allows you to set the desired vac on the monitor and the tractor will adjust the flow to maintain the desired vac automatically. Here is a comment from one customer who purchased a 24 row retrofitted planter last year. “I had to get out of the cab only one time during the season in almost 5000 acres due to the planter. Some debris had built up in a brush. I got out, removed the debris, and in about 5 minutes was back to planting. Amazing machine.”
Here’s the tractor compatibility chart for Exactemerge planters.
Hydraulic downforce is a must when purchasing an Exactemerge planter. At higher speeds, maintaining equal and adequate seed depth is imperative and is not consistently achievable with an air bag system. The ability of the hydraulic system to react to rapidly changing field conditions is unmatched. It also is broken into smaller sections for more finite and precise downforce when and where it is needed.
Don’t have a 2011 or newer planter? Not ready for the Exactemerge yet? We also have the ME5 and ME5e planter upgrades available. The ME5 upgrade can go all the way back to 2004 CCS planters. This gives you the new double eliminator and mini hopper configuration. The ME5e is the electric drive version of the new ME5 meter. It also provides turn compensation and vac automation just like an Exactemerge.
Check with your local Sloan Implement location for a quote on the retrofit kit that best fits your operation. Don’t delay since Deere currently has an 8% discount on these kits as well as 0% interest for 48 months.
Here’s a video of a walk around of the Exactemerge planter
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
The wheat crop is being harvested in Northern Illinois and Wisconsin. Wheat yield have been really good. We have heard this from many areas including the wheat belt out West. Damp conditions have slowed it a bit, but the rains are certainly welcome with the forecast of extreme heat that is on the way.
Some of the storms have led to some corn crop damage from wind and hail. This has peaked some interest in drones as customers and insurance agents are interested in surveying the damage in a more efficient manner. You can learn more about our drone packages here. It has also spiked some interest in rowsense autotrac steering systems to help harvest the tangled crop. Soybeans overall appear to be very good.
The Sloan 12F folding corn heads are also generating quite a bit of conversation as customers look for ways to reduce needed manpower by leaving the header on the combine for transport. We are starting to see some of these heads roll out of manufacturing and hopefully will have some for show and tell at our local combine clinics late this summer. You can learn more about the Sloan 12F here.
Sloan 12F Folding Cornhead
Exactemerge planters and retrofits were very hot topics these last few weeks as the planter program deadline was approaching quickly. We had several customers update their existing planters as well as purchase new. This technology is really gaining traction. Not just for the increased acres per day, but also for the incredible spacing. You can learn more about these retrofit kits here.
Jared and Austin have been pumping out the data folders for customers this past week. If anyone has not brought in their data for processing, please do so soon so we will have you set up and ready to roll for fall harvest.
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
Recent rains and cooler weather in central Illinois have really helped the corn crop as it at (or near) pollination. I have heard of a few small pockets of wind damage but not wide spread at all. Soybeans have nearly closed the canopy on 30” rows and look to be off to a good start. I have seen and heard of some folks digging out the row crop cultivators from the back corner of the shed to cultivate some beans with some stubborn water hemp pressure. Crops overall look pretty good in our area with a few pockets here and there that are showing the effects of some tougher growing conditions.
Tasseled Corn in Assumption, IL
There is a lot of buzz in the area about the Exactemerge Planter Retrofit. Customers are looking for ways to help save some money by upgrading their current planters to the new technology available with the Exactemerge row unit. The seed spacing is amazing and with an optimum corn planting window of less than 5 days in many areas this year, growers are seeing the value in getting over more acres in a day without sacrificing seed placement. We also have seen the benefit of hydraulic downforce systems to maintain seed depth when using these machines at higher speeds. You can learn more about these retrofit kits by clicking here.
RTK signal accuracy is also generating a lot of interest as growers are making multiple passes after planting. Planting, Post-emerge application of N, as well as weed control are the main drivers for this as they can maintain hands free steering in standing crop. Late season fungicide is also an excellent use of this technology. Year over year repeat-ability really opens some doors not available with other signal levels. You can learn more about the benefits of RTK network by clicking here.
View from the Andover, Iowa RTK Base
Our planter meter test stands have been running strong as growers are taking advantage of our post season planter inspections to get their machines ready to go for next year before they put them away. You can learn more about the importance of seed meter testing and proper storage by clicking here.
Jared and Austin have been working hard to get all of our data service customers data corrected and printed. We still have a few customers that still need to turn in their data so would encourage any that still have not brought it in to do so soon so we can get the Harvest Variety Locator Files set up in plenty of time for fall harvest. You can click here to learn more about our data management services.
Sloan’s Can Print Your Maps
We have sold some new Starfire 6000 receivers to growers wanting to take advantage of the longer RTK Extend period and the new SF3 signal. We still have some new Starfire 3000 receivers in stock which are a great value for growers that have needs that can be met by SF1 or are not in a sketchy RTK signal area. You can learn more about the SF 6000 receiver by clicking here.
SF6000 Ready for Install
Keep an eye out for our upcoming combine clinic dates or check with your local Sloan Implement location for their specific clinic dates.
We have sold several drones lately as growers/seedsmen are wanting to assess crop in a more efficient manner. They can identify trouble spots faster and easier than before and can then spend some of the saved time and effort focusing on determining causes and remedies for the troubled areas. You can learn more about our Drone packages in a previous post by Jared Wheeler by clicking here.
Drone Pictures of John Deere 95 Combine Harvesting Wheat in KS
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
If you are running RTK and you lose RTK signal you will have RTK Extend for 14 days vs. 15 minutes with a StarFire 3000
Uses 3 correction satellites for improved signal and accuracy
SF2 is replaced by SF3 which is 1.2” accuracy with in season repeatability
USB port for faster software updates (3 minutes vs. 20-30 minutes)
USB port can be used to export a data log for easier troubleshooting
Deluxe mount only with optional locking system
Sloan Implement will allow $2000 for your trade in StarFire 3000
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
The John Deere Starfire 6000 receiver is now available for order. This SF6000 receiver uses 3 correction satellites for improved signal and accuracy and can receive the new SF3 differential signal. SF3 replaces the SF2 signal on the SF 3000 receiver. The new SF3 signal delivers +/- 3 cm pass-to-pass accuracy, less than 30 minute pull in time, and in-season repeatability without the need for RTK radios or base stations.
Deere Receivers Thru the Years
At the base/free level of SF1 accuracy, there is virtually no difference between the SF 6000 and the SF 3000.
The next level of accuracy for the SF 6000 is SF3 and it requires a subscription. This signal is comparable to the SF2 signal for the SF 3000 receiver. New for the SF6000 is 3 cm accuracy using SF3 vs 5 cm accuracy on the SF3000 using SF2. The SF3 signal will allow for in season repeatability of 3 cm. There is no repeatability with the SF2 signal on the SF3000 receiver. Please note, the SF3 signal will only work on SF6000’s.
SF6000 Signal Comparisons
The new John Deere Starfire 6000 is only compatible with GS 1800, GS 2630, GS 3 Command Center, and Gen 4 4600 displays.
There is now a USB port on the receiver for faster software updates, typically 3 minutes vs 20-30 minutes on older receivers.
USB Port for Faster Software Updates
Currently there’s only a deluxe style mount with optional locking system.
Deluxe Mount with Optional Locking System
RTK accuracy will be the same between the SF3000 and SF6000. You can see Sloan’s RTK coverage and learn more about this technology by visiting our RTK website by clicking here.
Click to View Our RTK Network
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
