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Agricultural labor productivity continues to improve at unprecedented rates. The science fiction of guidance technology is now a part of commercial agriculture. This growth is driven by technologies that continue to be developed at unprecedented rates.

Agricultural vehicle guidance systems range from simple flashing lights to multi-function systems that can steer the vehicle while simultaneously logging data for precision agriculture and controlling variable rate applications. There is undoubtedly more to come as illustrated at the DARPA Grand Challenge. Autonomous tractors operating via remote control exist as research projects and do not seem to be far from commercial reality.

Matching farm requirements to the best product can be a daunting task. Some considerations when examining agricultural guidance products:

Cost-Benefit?

The success of lightbar type guidance is largely due to their ease of use, low price, low maintenance and limited ongoing costs compared with traditional guidance products (marker arms and foam markers). High accuracy guidance products and auto steering have the potential to further reduce overlap with the added benefit of enabling new farming practices. High end products often include a range of precision agriculture features such as the ability to log data and vary application rates.

Each farm is unique and the potentail benefits vary greatly depending on farming practices. Reduced inputs due to the reduction in overlap is the obvious benefit. The reduction in overlap can be substantial depending the prevailing practices, size and shape of the fields. Products that have a worked area map can help reduce overlap at the headlands. When vehicle guidance enables new farming practices that result in yield improvements the effect on the bottom-line can be substantial.

Ease of Use?

Ease of use and simplicity may be more important than a host of features. If the operator is not concentrating on steering he can focus on other aspects of the operation and will be less stressed.

How readable and intuitive is the system? This is especially important for visual guidance systems where the operator needs to focus on steering the vehicle.

Farming Practices?

Are your working patterns and farming practices supported?
Having a map of where you have worked is advantageous, especially at night.
How well does the system support your precision farming practices?

Speed Limitations?

What is the range of control speed for your specific vehicle?
Check both minimum and maximum speeds.

Accuracy?

The greater the accuracy the less the overlap and the greater the options for introducing new farming practices. Read more about accuracy, precision and statistics here.

Ongoing Costs?

Take ongoing costs such GPS signal subscriptions into account.

GPS Obstructions?

Excessive trees, buildings, slopes and high latitudes all effect satellite visibility and reduce the reliability of GPS guidance systems. If you view of the satellites is obstructed it may be worth considering an alternative guidance technology.

Future?

Consider your likely future needs including; variable rate applications, data logging, mapping functionality, ISO11783, ....

Hands Free?

How good is the control? Consider how quickly and smoothly the system acquires the target/wayline.
Careful alignment of the implement might be acceptable for intensive farming but for large scale operations speed and line acquisition needs to be robust. 

Warranty and Support?

New guidance products can be difficult to install. Make sure the installation and warranty conditions are clearly specified.
What are the support channels and response times?
Make sure your dealer has relevant training or experience. 

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This site aims to make it easier to understand the new generation of agricultural guidance technologies and to allow users to share information on these products. The focus is on providing unbiased advice. Please contribute to the pool of knowledge by participating in the forums and by informing me of any errors or omissions. Thanks to all those who have asssited me in keeping the site up to date.

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