John Deere Adds Two New AutoTrac™ Guidance Products To Portfolio

John Deere adds two new AutoTrac™ products to its guidance portfolio — AutoTrac™ Controller and AutoTrac™ RowSense™ Universal.

AutoTrac™ Controller is new for 2010 and expands John Deere's AutoTrac™ SF1, SF2, and RTK (real-time kinematic) compatibility onto select non-John Deere platforms.

"Customers can now integrate their John Deere GreenStar™ equipment onto more vehicle platforms that include select Case® IH Magnum and MX Series Tractors. This helps customers better leverage their guidance equipment investment while it brings additional performance and accuracy to non-John Deere machines. AutoTrac™ Controller provides similar performance levels to competitive integrated systems and enhanced performance compared to our current AutoTrac™ Universal (ATU) system," says Royce Bell, John Deere Limited Tactical Segment Manager.

John Deere also introduces AutoTrac™ RowSense™ Universal — a universal guidance option for combines with corn heads that's ideal for customers who grow corn and run older or non-John Deere machines. AutoTrac™ RowSense™ Universal is compatible with all combines that are approved for use with the AutoTrac™ Universal Kit as well as select models of John Deere and non-John Deere corn heads.

Bell says this unique guidance system expands on our current offering of AutoTrac™ RowSense™ as it similarly utilises both GPS-based and mechanical-feeler data to accurately guide the combine on the corn row; however it now supports a more universal appeal. This system reduces operator fatigue and allows operators to more efficiently harvest downed corn or harvest in curve pass conditions while it helps the machine operate at peak efficiency throughout the day.

"For customers who grow corn and operate the AutoTrac™ Universal Steering Kit on John Deere and non-John Deere combines — this is the system you most definitely want. And, if you harvest corn in varying crop conditions, or on varying terrain, AutoTrac™ RowSense™ Universal has shown to boost productivity. Plus, you get a higher return on your investment by being able to utilise AutoTrac™ throughout the growing season," explains Bell.

AutoTrac™ Controller will be available to order autumn 2010. AutoTrac™ RowSense™ Universal is now available at local John Deere dealerships.

For more information, FREECALL 1800 800 981 in Australia or 0800 303 100 in New Zealand to contact your local John Deere dealer or visit our Web page.

John Deere (Deere & Company - NYSE: DE) is the world's leading provider of advanced products and services for agriculture and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.