March 21, 2006 - Growers and commercial applicators are continuously looking for ways to gain more productivity in their sprayer operations. Reducing input costs through more efficient spraying and more precise field passes allows them to cover more acres in less time, achieve more profitability for their operations, and become even more environmentally responsive in growing crops.

With Swath Control Pro™ the GPS coverage map shows that product is applied only where and when it is intended for extremely efficient chemical application.

John Deere introduces new Swath Control Pro™ on 4720 and 4920 Self-Propelled Sprayers. This new system controls the boom sections and spray nozzles turning on and off automatically based on a Global Positioning System (GPS) coverage map that is created as the sprayer goes through the field.

“Swath Control Pro™ is the next evolution of GPS machine control," says John Henchy, Division Manager - Product Development for John Deere Limited. "Imagine being able to spray through the field with an AutoTrac guidance system steering the machine, and Swath Control Pro™ automatically turning the sprayer boom sections on and off only when needed. This is a reality today and will bring even more productivity to an applicator’s spray operation."

Integrated with the GreenStar 2™ system, Swath Control Pro™ applies chemical according to a GPS coverage map. Product is only applied where and when it is intended for extremely efficient chemical application.

"And with AutoTrac guidance, the operator sprays more efficiently by eliminating skips and reducing overlap in the field," explains Henchy. "Overall the operator becomes more productive because of less stress operating the machine. Swath Control Pro™ integrated with AutoTrac is the most productive spraying system in the market place today."

"Our research shows an overall reduction of at least five percent of the input costs when using Swath Control Pro™ and AutoTrac on John Deere Sprayers," says Bernie Allport, Product Development Manager, John Deere Limited. "The 4720 and 4920 Sprayers with Swath Control Pro™ will take spraying operations to new levels of productivity."

Currently the optional Swath Control Pro™ module is only available for John Deere 4720 and 4920 Sprayers with GreenStar 2™ systems. Each GreenStar 2™ system will have the ability to activate a complementary 15 hour demonstration. Systems for older model sprayers are being developed now and will be available later this year.

"Swath Control Pro™ will have a positive environmental impact when applying product with John Deere Sprayers," says Henchy. "And with integrated AMS solutions such as AutoTrac, Variable Rate Technologies, and Apex Farm Management Software, John Deere brings a complete array of spraying technology for producers wanting more efficiency in their operations."

For more information call into your local John Deere Dealer, FREECALL 1800 800 981 in Australia and 0800 303 100 in New Zealand, or visit our Web site at www.deere.com.au.

High Resolution Image - Swath Control Pro™ Screensot (large file)

Specifications subject to change. Please contact your local dealer for more detailed information.