Automated spraying

Nowadays, there is a high demand for automated machines that streamline work processes These machines are designed to perform tasks more efficiently and therefore save costs. On the other hand, these machines are more expensive than manual ones (due to the presence of extensive electrical and electronic components), but in the long run the savings are considerable. Of course, the more frequently the machine is used, the sooner the return on investment is achieved... if the machine is heavily used, the amortisation is faster.

The optimal choice is to have an ISOBUS machine, but this also requires having a tractor equipped for it. This can be done either by installing ISOBUS on the tractor directly or using the ISOBUS kit compatible with the GPS equipment already present on the tractor. Alternatively, converting an older machine to ISOBUS is possible but this is also usually an expensive action.

Another interesting option (and much cheaper than converting to isobus) is the spraying module offered by the manufacturer Hexagon to automate machines (sprayers, seed drills, spreaders, etc.). This module converts a manual machine into a fully automated machine, allowing us to make variable doses according to the speed, automatic control of sections according to overlaps, doses according to a pre-registration map or yield, etc... everything we can think of on Agriculture 4.0. Definitely a good option for users who have Hexagon equipment on their tractor.

The main features of the spraying module are:

• Compatible with any old and current machine.
• Control of up to 16 sections.
• Easy installation and even reversible if you ever want to return to the original state of the machine.
• Compatible with all Hexagon displays: Ti5, Ti7 and Ti10.
• Easy to set up and use from the Hexagon screen.
• Also allows the machine to be controlled manually.

What are your thoughts on ISOBUS technology? Do you have any machines that use this technology? Please let us know; we look forward to reading your comments.

Versión en español.

Hexagon. GPS technology solutions

One of the tools that are practically indispensable nowadays, I can confirm that is almost compulsory, is an autosteer on the tractor if you want to carry out efficient work at the same time as a comfortable routing in your day-to-day working. In addition, the entire Agriculture 4.0 package offered by the different manufacturers is also a set of useful tools today, but it is true that autoguidance is already a basic piece of equipment for any farmer... it is a widely used technology.

This time we are going to introduce you to the Swedish manufacturer called Hexagon, which is the autoguidance system we have currently installed on our tractor. As we will discuss below, Hexagon offers a wide variety of solutions depending on the needs of the farmer for all different crops. Therefore, if we focus on precision, we can do the following categorisation:

• Option 1: 15 cm accuracy. EGNOS satellite signal (free signal).  
• Option 2: 8 cm accuracy. TerraStar L satellite signal.      
• Option 3: 4 cm accuracy. TerraStar C-Pro satellite signal.      
• Option 4: 2 cm accuracy. RTK signal (free signal but requires 3G coverage and active GNSS base station).

On the other hand, if we focus on the different screens available to us, these would be the options offered:

• Option 1: Ti5 display of 5-inch. ISOBUS compatible but no SIM card slot (not compatible with RTK equipment).
• Option 2: Ti7 display of 7-inch. ISOBUS compatible and with SIM card slot for RTK equipment.
• Option 3: Ti10 display of 10-inch. Same functionality as the Ti7 display, with the only difference being the screen size.

As mentioned above, the displays are ISOBUS, so you can connect the implement directly (sprayers, seed drills, fertiliser spreaders, planters, etc.) and control the implement from the Hexagon display. This allows us to make automatic section cuts and variable doses depending on the GPS information we have in our Hexagon equipment. In addition, if we work with an ISOBUS implement and we need to have the information of the implement and the autoguidance information displayed at all times, two screens can be mounted, one dedicated to the implement and the other to the autoguidance. For non-ISOBUS implements, an intermediate device (called “section cutter”) is available to make the connection between the implement and the Hexagon screen. t should also be taken into account that all work can be exported for registration in the different field notebook tools that the farmer can use on a daily basis.

Finally, the steering is done by means of the Hexdrive electric steering wheel, although there is also the option of installing the steering directly to the tractor's hydraulics, taking a further step forward in the performance of the equipment.

As you can see, the manufacturer Hexagon offers solutions for all jobs, starting with the preparation of the soil and ending with the harvesting of all the crops we have on our farm.

Versión en español.