Ag Leader adds hands-free turning tech to stable

Precision agriculture technology specialist, Ag Leader, has introduced a new ‘hands free’ turning option to its guidance and steering systems.

The TurnPath system provides fully automatic, precise and repeatable end-of-row turning from either straight or curved guidance patterns. Passes can be easily skipped if desired.

Ag Leader Sales Manager – Asia Pacific, Douglas Amos, says the new function optimises turning accuracy and efficiency.

“Every farmer in Australia can relate to the frustration of turning machinery and large implements around at headlands,” he says.

“You have to disengage the autosteer system, take back the steering wheel, shut down and disengage the implement, make the turn, line up the next pass and then re-engage the implement.

“You need two sets of hands to manage everything.

“TurnPath makes turning completely ‘hands-free’, so the operator can focus on other tasks.”

Amos says the technology has been successfully tested on more than 60 different machines across four continents.

“Ag Leader’s goal has always been to make farming easier and TurnPath is a good example of that,” he says.

“It’s easy to set up, it’s easy to use, it performs consistently and it works seamlessly across your entire fleet.”

TurnPath will be available as a one-time unlock option through the InCommand display from November 2023 onwards.

A free demonstration is available.

To take advantage of TurnPath, the machine must be equipped with Ag Leader’s SteerCommand Z2 or SteadySteer system in combination with an InCommand 1200, InCommand 800 and InCommand 800 Guidance Only display.

Any correction source can be used, although the best results are achieved with TerraStar-C Pro or RTK, Ag Leader says.

Ag Leader is offering up to $6000 trade in on legacy equipment for SteerCommand packages, including an InCommand 1200 display and either a TerraStar-C Pro or RTK guidance signal, if purchased before September 30, 2023.

SteerCommand Z2 is a completely integrated guidance system that utilises CAN, integrated steering or external hydraulic valves, while SteadySteer is an assisted system that mounts to the tractor’s steering wheel.

InCommand 1200 is a ISOBUS-compatible display for controlling a range of precision planting, spraying, harvesting and decision support systems.

“This high-definition, low-glare 30cm touchscreen display has built-in lightbar guidance, four camera inputs and split-screen capability,” Amos says.

“It has wireless connectivity that allows you to sync and share guidance lines, coverage maps, live statistics, yield information and satellite imagery with other connected machines and remote devices.

“In combination, installing a SteerCommand and InCommand system are the first steps towards improving the efficiency of your all your cropping operations.”