|
NE Iowa | I have no clue what it would cost for you to make use of that (controller, monitor, subscription, etc). I run a couple EZ steers (Trimble's old and crude version of that). Hardware cost for a total system around $3k (used, of course) and $1100/yr subscription for couple inch accuracy.
I use it for planting corn (16x30), beans (16x15), and combining beans (35'). While it's relaxing to get turned around, hit the button, drive to other end of field, and repeat; I think the biggest benefit I get is the ability to really closely watch areas of each operation for more than a few seconds. Watching action at the platform cutterbar or how the material is moving through the reel/auger. Watching crop debris flow throw the planters (no till). Taking time to observe what each row looks like behind the planter. Watching the planter or yield monitors to see what's going on. It just allows me to do a better job of those 3 operations than I would be able to do if I were also having to steer the tractor or combine.
I suppose I get a little efficiency improvement with the combine, as I can consistently and easily run 34' of crop into the 35' head - that would be tough to do consistently while manually steering. And occasional dust-outs are no problem. I gain zero acreage efficiency in planting. | |
|
What does auto trac gain me
