CNH telematics delivers productivity gains

CNH has launched a pair of aftermarket telematics solutions designed to bring older and non-connected machinery into the digital age, giving farmers and contractors access to real-time operational data through its FieldOps platform.

The new CM100 and CM110 modems connect tractors, trucks and other equipment to CNH's FieldOps system, allowing operators to monitor everything from fuel consumption and engine hours to machine location and utilisation.

CNH Precision Field Specialist, Troy Blair, said the devices offered a simple and affordable way for businesses to gain valuable insights from machinery that would otherwise lack connectivity.

"These tracking units have such a wide appeal for all sorts of operations, providing an easy-to-use solution for monitoring important fleet telematics like fuel usage, engine hours and vehicle location in non-connected machinery," Blair said.

Among the early adopters is Wagga Wagga hay contractor Paul Bailes, who has installed three CM100 units across his fleet, which includes New Holland and Case IH tractors used for mowing, raking, baling and silage operations.

Bailes said the technology quickly proved its worth by providing accurate fuel consumption data, helping him better understand operating costs and improve profitability.

"From a business point of view, I'm able to see what my fuel burn is to correct my hectare rate or hourly rate for that tractor," he said.

"It gives a total usage for that job, so you know exactly how much you've spent in fuel. You can also factor in servicing costs, operator costs and work out exactly what you need to charge for a job to ensure it's profitable."

With fuel prices remaining a major expense for many farming businesses, Bailes believes having access to this information is becoming increasingly important.

"With the cost of fuel so high, you just can't afford any more not to know just how much you're using. It's critical information for running a successful business."

Beyond productivity gains, the telematics units also provide security benefits through GPS tracking and geofencing capabilities, allowing operators to receive alerts if machinery is moved unexpectedly.

"It gives me a GPS location for the tractor, which I can geofence, as a security precaution if I have to leave a tractor at a job overnight," Bailes said.

"If someone was to move it, I'd get an alert. It just provides that extra peace-of-mind that you know where your machinery is and what's happening with it at any given time."

The reporting functionality can also provide insight into machine utilisation and operator behaviour, tracking factors such as engine load, travel time, idle time and work hours.

After initially fitting a single unit, Bailes expanded the technology across additional machines and says it has become an essential part of running his contracting business.

"Having all this information at your fingertips, wherever you are, is such a game-changer when it comes to decision-making and running the business that I do, I wouldn't be without it."