As farming moves forward and the term “precision farming” becomes more commonplace, we usually think of GPS guidance, auto steering machinery, variable rates, section controls, etc. All of the these are the building blocks of precision farming.
The day of eyeballing jobs such as spreading fertiliser and spraying, for example, is becoming tougher due to larger machinery and greater working widths.
A growing number of farmers are making the move to guidance systems
Doing these jobs by eye alone can lead to under-application or over-application, resulting in an uneven yield. Given the cost of fertiliser, it is worthwhile applying both accurately and as efficiently as possible.
GPS systems have been around a number of years now, becoming more and more affordable all the time. A growing number of farmers are making the move to guidance systems.
But still today when a number of farmers hear the word “GPS”, they automatically think of a high-end expensive guidance and auto-steering systems costing thousands of euros.
Entry-level
The truth of the matter is that there are many entry-level guidance systems available on the market particularly suited to livestock farmers who require guidance for jobs such as fertiliser spreading, spraying, mowing, etc.
Where 100% accuracy may not be needed. These entry level systems don’t require subscriptions after initial purchasing, just simply plug and play.
Trimble EZ-Guide 250
The EZ-Guide 250 is Trimble’s answer to a simple entry-level guidance system. Its intuitive 4.3in coloured display is easy to navigate. The unit has two user modes, “Easy” and “Advanced”.
Once implement width, overlap size, implement offset and distance behind the receiver are selected, the user just selects the pattern type, ie AB lines, headland, etc.
Setting up AB lines is simple. Just select an “A” point, drive 150ft and select the “B” point. This allows the unit to recognise its position.
Features of the EZ-Guide 250
Buttons to either side of the display control its features. An integrated 16-LED light bar is fitted above the display. Units of measurement can be either imperial or metric.The EZ-Guide 250 has the ability to measure a field’s area, map fields, and record coverage, giving the user the ability to turn on and off on-screen coverage marking.
This allows operators to pause coverage when the spreader is empty.
Upon returning to the field, they will clearly see where they left off, resuming coverage.Parallel AB lines, curves and headland pattern options. This headland option makes use in asymmetrical fields easier.Transfer between vehicles is simple as the unit is plug and play.Standard “patch” antenna allows for accuracy down to 60cm, although it is recommended to upgrade to the AG25 antenna providing an EGNOS signal, improving accuracy to 20cm.Prices for the Trimble EZ-Guide 250 start at €950 plus VAT.
Trimble CFX-750 Lite
The Trimble CFX-750 is the next step up from the EZ-Guide 250. It includes an 8-inch coloured touchscreen with an integrated 27 LED light bar. Logic is similar to the EZ-Guide 250.
The CFX-750 has the ability to control certain fertiliser spreaders and sprayers.Variable rate application (VRA) maps can be loaded on the unit for operations like spraying or fertiliser spreading.Compatible with assisted and auto steering functions. Two camera inputs for monitoring of machines for example.The unit comes as standard with the AG25 receiver unit. Rangepoint RTX signal is free for the first year providing accuracy to 15cm.Prices start at €1,995 plus VAT.
Topcon X14 display teamed with the SGR-1 receiver
Topcon’s entry-level offerings are the X14 display coupled with the SGR-1 Ag receiver. The X14 features a full 3D colour touchscreen, virtual on-screen light bar, coverage mapping and steering patterns such as A-B line and headland, similar to the Trimble systems.
Automatic sprayer rate and section control is optional. The X14 display is capable of handling RTK signals for ultimate precision without changing display.
For the entry-level user, the SGR-1 receiver is the best option. The SGR-1 is capable of working with 32 channels, from high accuracy signals requiring subscription to lower accuracy free signals.
Prices for the X14 with the SGR-1 receiver start at €1,500 plus VAT.
X23 Display
For users not as limited by budgetary restraints, Topcon has its X23 8.4in touchscreen unit.
The X23 includes all the features of the X14 with the addition of drag-and-drop mini views and user-configurable dashboards.
The X23 supports full Isobus connectivity for implements such as sprayers and spreaders etc.
Prices start at €2,500 plus VAT for the X23 and SGR-1 Receiver.
Trimble
The advantages of the CFX-750 include its larger touchscreen and having the AG25 antenna as standard. With the cheaper EZ-Guide 250, if the buyer opts for the recommended upgraded antenna (AG25), this brings the overall price closer to that of the CX-750. The benefits of the CX-750 outweigh the price differential between it and the EZ-Guide 250 with the upgraded antenna. But for the user who just requires a very basic level of guidance on a budget, the EZ-Guide 250 remains a good choice.
Topcon
Topcon’s entry-level display unit offers plenty of room for expansion, but in most cases if the operator wants to take advantage of section control and variable rate applications they will generally want a larger display screen. So this leaves us wondering is there need for so many features on its entry-level platform.
If the display is upgraded at a later stage, the SGR-1 receiver remains compatible.
As farming moves forward and the term “precision farming” becomes more commonplace, we usually think of GPS guidance, auto steering machinery, variable rates, section controls, etc. All of the these are the building blocks of precision farming.
The day of eyeballing jobs such as spreading fertiliser and spraying, for example, is becoming tougher due to larger machinery and greater working widths.
A growing number of farmers are making the move to guidance systems
Doing these jobs by eye alone can lead to under-application or over-application, resulting in an uneven yield. Given the cost of fertiliser, it is worthwhile applying both accurately and as efficiently as possible.
GPS systems have been around a number of years now, becoming more and more affordable all the time. A growing number of farmers are making the move to guidance systems.
But still today when a number of farmers hear the word “GPS”, they automatically think of a high-end expensive guidance and auto-steering systems costing thousands of euros.
Entry-level
The truth of the matter is that there are many entry-level guidance systems available on the market particularly suited to livestock farmers who require guidance for jobs such as fertiliser spreading, spraying, mowing, etc.
Where 100% accuracy may not be needed. These entry level systems don’t require subscriptions after initial purchasing, just simply plug and play.
Trimble EZ-Guide 250
The EZ-Guide 250 is Trimble’s answer to a simple entry-level guidance system. Its intuitive 4.3in coloured display is easy to navigate. The unit has two user modes, “Easy” and “Advanced”.
Once implement width, overlap size, implement offset and distance behind the receiver are selected, the user just selects the pattern type, ie AB lines, headland, etc.
Setting up AB lines is simple. Just select an “A” point, drive 150ft and select the “B” point. This allows the unit to recognise its position.
Features of the EZ-Guide 250
Buttons to either side of the display control its features. An integrated 16-LED light bar is fitted above the display. Units of measurement can be either imperial or metric.The EZ-Guide 250 has the ability to measure a field’s area, map fields, and record coverage, giving the user the ability to turn on and off on-screen coverage marking.
This allows operators to pause coverage when the spreader is empty.
Upon returning to the field, they will clearly see where they left off, resuming coverage.Parallel AB lines, curves and headland pattern options. This headland option makes use in asymmetrical fields easier.Transfer between vehicles is simple as the unit is plug and play.Standard “patch” antenna allows for accuracy down to 60cm, although it is recommended to upgrade to the AG25 antenna providing an EGNOS signal, improving accuracy to 20cm.Prices for the Trimble EZ-Guide 250 start at €950 plus VAT.
Trimble CFX-750 Lite
The Trimble CFX-750 is the next step up from the EZ-Guide 250. It includes an 8-inch coloured touchscreen with an integrated 27 LED light bar. Logic is similar to the EZ-Guide 250.
The CFX-750 has the ability to control certain fertiliser spreaders and sprayers.Variable rate application (VRA) maps can be loaded on the unit for operations like spraying or fertiliser spreading.Compatible with assisted and auto steering functions. Two camera inputs for monitoring of machines for example.The unit comes as standard with the AG25 receiver unit. Rangepoint RTX signal is free for the first year providing accuracy to 15cm.Prices start at €1,995 plus VAT.
Topcon X14 display teamed with the SGR-1 receiver
Topcon’s entry-level offerings are the X14 display coupled with the SGR-1 Ag receiver. The X14 features a full 3D colour touchscreen, virtual on-screen light bar, coverage mapping and steering patterns such as A-B line and headland, similar to the Trimble systems.
Automatic sprayer rate and section control is optional. The X14 display is capable of handling RTK signals for ultimate precision without changing display.
For the entry-level user, the SGR-1 receiver is the best option. The SGR-1 is capable of working with 32 channels, from high accuracy signals requiring subscription to lower accuracy free signals.
Prices for the X14 with the SGR-1 receiver start at €1,500 plus VAT.
X23 Display
For users not as limited by budgetary restraints, Topcon has its X23 8.4in touchscreen unit.
The X23 includes all the features of the X14 with the addition of drag-and-drop mini views and user-configurable dashboards.
The X23 supports full Isobus connectivity for implements such as sprayers and spreaders etc.
Prices start at €2,500 plus VAT for the X23 and SGR-1 Receiver.
Trimble
The advantages of the CFX-750 include its larger touchscreen and having the AG25 antenna as standard. With the cheaper EZ-Guide 250, if the buyer opts for the recommended upgraded antenna (AG25), this brings the overall price closer to that of the CX-750. The benefits of the CX-750 outweigh the price differential between it and the EZ-Guide 250 with the upgraded antenna. But for the user who just requires a very basic level of guidance on a budget, the EZ-Guide 250 remains a good choice.
Topcon
Topcon’s entry-level display unit offers plenty of room for expansion, but in most cases if the operator wants to take advantage of section control and variable rate applications they will generally want a larger display screen. So this leaves us wondering is there need for so many features on its entry-level platform.
If the display is upgraded at a later stage, the SGR-1 receiver remains compatible.
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