Features

• Use data from the first pass, either strip-till or planting, to automatically create full-field guidance lines for secondary passes such as planting, spraying, and harvest

• Setup time for secondary operations is faster and crop damage is reduced as guidance is based on actual planted crop rows

• Know which rows to start on, regardless of equipment width, even in down crops

• Available as part of the Automation 4.0 Package

• Automatically create guidance lines from crop row data

  

  Row location data gathered during planting for future use by AutoPath™ system

  Creating and managing guidance lines in standing crops can be difficult. The AutoPath system tackles these challenges by creating guidance lines using the actual location of each crop row. During strip till, banded fertilizer applications, or planting, the crop row locations are created for that crop year. This information is documented and saved in John Deere Operations Center and is referred to as the source operation. During the source operation (either strip till or planting), an implement-mounted receiver records the exact location of each crop row, as applied. This data builds a map of every crop row, which is used by AutoPath to create accurate guidance lines. After the source operation is completed, AutoPath automatically creates these guidance lines for the entire field for later passes. These guidance lines cover external boundaries, internal boundaries, headlands, and crop rows. With AutoPath, you get to work quickly and confidently using accurate guidance lines based on the crop row location.

  

  AutoPath guidance lines creation choices allow flexibility for operators

  Starting with the 21-1 software update bundle, AutoPath creates guidance lines in two different ways.

  1. Optimize for fewest passes – In this mode, AutoPath supplies guidance lines that provide complete coverage with the fewest number of passes.

  2. Follow Source Operation Passes – In this mode, AutoPath only creates guidance lines that follow the source operation machine. An example of this use is sprayer guidance lines that follow where the tractor/planter drove to reduce the number of tire tracks and compaction areas in the field.

     • NOTE: Follow Source Operation Passes will not function if the machine using AutoPath is narrower than the source operation.

• Easily and accurately establish guidance in standing crops

  

  Setting up guidance lines in standing crops is challenging. It takes time to properly setup and fine-tune guidance lines, especially in irregularly shaped fields. Rushing through this process can lead to crop damage or mistakes that cut into your bottom line. Because of this, many operators choose to drive the field manually or operate slower than needed.

   The AutoPath™ system eliminates this frustration and reduces setup time, getting you into the field quickly and more accurately. 

  Using the location of every crop row in the field as it was planted, AutoPath quickly and accurately creates a set of guidance lines for the entire field. You get to work quickly, staying between the rows and off the crop.

• Simple guidance for difficult fields

  

  Fields often have irregular boundaries. Planting around water holes, waterways, or terraces adds complexity. These challenges are easily overcome with the AutoPath™ system. No matter the complexity of your field, AutoPath quickly and automatically generates guidance lines, letting you operate efficiently. With guidance lines for the entire field, you can use AutoTrac™ automated steering along all crop rows, including field boundaries, headlands, and obstacles that were planted around.

• Reduce potential crop damage by staying between the rows

  

  Spraying in standing crops is a challenge. Manually driving between rows is very difficult and there is a good chance of some level of crop damage. Creating accurate guidance lines for standing crops isn’t always easy, and even when done properly, there is still a possibility of crop damage that lowers your yield at harvest. Using the exact location of each crop row, the AutoPath™ system automatically creates guidance lines that keep your machine between the rows, even around curves. Each pass follows the rows as they were planted. This reduces the risk of crop damage and allows you to maximize overall yield.

  

  Crop damaged by sprayer tires

  Driving over crop during spraying reduces yield potential. When spraying at higher speeds, even a few short seconds of driving over crop can cause measurable yield losses. For example, in higher yielding corn, every second off the line can lead to 17.6 L (0.5 bu) or more in loss. Over the course of a day, the amount of damaged crop can add up fast, which impacts your bottom line. AutoPath allows you to set up quickly and run confidently in standing crop. This protects yield potential and allows you to get more done each day.

AutoPath Testimony

Intro To AutoPath