​John Deere Autopath improves accuracy of GPS lines between operations

John Deere has announced a new feature for the Automation 4.0 bundle called John Deere AutoPath. With this feature, John Deere seeks to improve the accuracy of GPS lines between consecutive operations. The two most obvious applications are row-fertilisation followed by corn planting, and precision seeding followed by hoeing.

More accurate track following with John Deere AutoPath

The new feature involves mounting an additional RTK GPS receiver on a strip-till fertiliser or precision seed drill. This records the exact position of the implement and automatically creates new GPS lines based on it. This is more accurate than using the GPS lines followed by the previous tractor.

With a fertiliser behind a manure tank, steering movements become less accurate. A strip-till fertiliser can then start ‘searching’ a bit in the track, the same goes for a seeder. Especially when there are bends or runs in the field, a second receiver works more accurately.

By using the new lines, the chances of the corn planter sowing exactly in the desired spot and the hoe following the seeding rows correctly are much higher.

Automation 4.0 activation

John Deere AutoPath will be added to the Automation 4.0 bundle by the end of 2022. Those who have already activated that bundle can ask the dealer for a free update to add the new feature. That bundle also includes features such as automatic headland turns, implement GPS control and Machine Sync (a tracking function).

The Automation 4.0 activation costs around €1,500 (USD 1,455) on top of the standard AutoTrac activation.

Also read: John Deere electric autonomous tractor to reach Australian farms by 2026