2010 Press Releases

When it comes to precision agriculture, accuracy equals efficiency. That’s why John Deere has introduced two new applications that help producers better manage surface water movement and improve implement guidance in their fields.

These two John Deere Ag Management Solution (AMS) products are:

• iGrade™ is a GPS-based system that enables operators to easily build and maintain their own field surface water management structures, using many of the same components as they use during crop production.
• iSteer™ provides active implement guidance to increase accuracy and repeatability in straight-track field applications.

"John Deere has developed a number of precision ag solutions that can be used in specific field applications to improve productivity," says Audrey Bartlett, AMS product marketing manager for John Deere. "With iGrade™ and iSteer™, we are providing solutions for specific field and equipment needs that will help customers become more productive in their farm operations."

iGrade™ automates the control of the tractor’s scraper blade to enable basic grade and slope design; distance-based hydraulic commands; and Surface Water Pro™ Plus automation. By automating the blade’s position, operators are able to more efficiently and effectively manage surface water issues in the field.

Because it uses an RTK correction signal, operators spend more time grading and less time setting up and moving laser components. iGrade™ is accurate up to 1.6 kilometres (one mile), compared to just 305 metres (1,000 feet) for lasers. Also, unlike lasers, RTK accuracy is not affected by wind, dust or heat.

iSteer™ consists of a receiver and a hydraulic steering system, both attached to an implement, that enables the implement to automatically correct its position in the field independently of the tractor's guidance line. It is completely integrated with approved John Deere tractors and requires a StarFire™ RTK system to operate. The implement must also have its own steering system.

The iSteer™ system is ideal for inter-row seeding operations, with standing row crops and bedded crops (such as potatoes), and other applications that require precise implement positioning. iSteer™ reduces overall input costs and improves productivity when cropping practices require multiple passes through the field.

"Producers must continually improve the efficiency of their field operations to remain profitable in today’s economy," Bartlett said. "Both iGrade™ and iSteer™ build upon proven precision guidance technology to help them take the next step to get the most from every hectare they farm."

For more information on iGrade™ or iSteer™, visit our Web site or FREECALL 1800 800 981 in Australia and 0800 303 100 in New Zealand to contact your local John Deere dealer.

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.