John Deere's Agricultural Management Solutions (AMS) division has launched Universal AutoTrac, the company's first aftermarket automatic guidance system for tractors and other self-propelled equipment, including combines and foragers.

Universal AutoTrac is designed to be used in combination with either the original GreenStar precision farming system or the new GreenStar 2 and the proven StarFire iTC position receiver, and can also be transferred quickly and easily between different vehicles if required. Accuracy levels to suit all farming applications are available, including the free StarFire 1 signal (30 to 50cm), StarFire 2 (10cm) and StarFire RTK (2cm).

Setting up Universal AutoTrac is a simple process that takes around 30 to 45 minutes. It effectively replaces the existing vehicle steering wheel with a specially designed version, which employs a positive drive system run by an electric motor to operate the steering. This incorporates different steering modes to suit rigid or articulated wheeled machines, as well as tracked models.

Once the new steering wheel is fitted, operation is similar to the integrated AutoTrac system - the driver simply sets an A to B line, activates AutoTrac, and takes their hands off the steering wheel. The system is deactivated and manual steering restored by simply turning the steering wheel, for example at the headland. Operation is possible in both straight and curved modes, as well as parallel tracking.

Available from mid-February 2006, Universal AutoTrac can be retrofitted to John Deere 5020, 6000 to 6020, 7000 to 7020 and 8000 to 8030 Series tractors, as well as Case IH MX Magnum models from the MX180 to the MX285. Further updates during this spring and summer will include additional John Deere and Case IH machines, as well as tractors and self-propelled equipment from New Holland, Claas, Deutz-Fahr, Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Challenger.

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