John Deere Combine Auto Unload

John Deere Auto Unload. By automating control of grain cart positioning while unloading on-the-go, this system eases the combine operator’s efforts to monitor many concurring tasks. While automation handles unloading, the operator need not fixate their attention on what’s happening off to their left side between the combine and grain cart. Instead, they can focus on other actions and decisions, such as:

• Sufficiently feeding the combine
• Optimizing machine performance to minimize grain loss or reduce foreign material in grain tank
• Scanning the approaching crop stand ahead of the cutter bar, which is especially valuable with 45+ foot header widths

In addition, Auto Unload achieves repeatable, evenly filled grain cart results without spillage. This consistency is useful for farm managers who are executing operational logistics to more accurately match the number of trucks and corresponding labor needed to haul remaining grain away from the field.

Advancing Machine Sync Value

Auto Unload leverages the functionality of Machine Sync at its core to command the speed and positioning of the grain cart tractor travelling alongside the combine. Machine Sync increases harvest productivity by up to 8.3 percent, achieved by automating unloading on-the-go operations as compared to the operation conducted manually by an operator. However, Machine Sync requires regular operator attention for  selecting nudging commands from inside the cab to move the grain cart’s position for evenly filling. When upgrading to Auto Unload, a stereo camera and controller are added to the machine automation network, unlocking the capability to sense grain fill level detected inside the cart and to automatically adjust the grain cart’s position for distributing the fill evenly. Essentially, Auto Unload serves like a second pair of eyes for the operator, solely watchful of grain cart fill level and unloading progress.

This Auto Unload hardware is only required to be installed onto the combine; a Machine Sync license and high connectivity antenna (BPF12469 or BPF12656 for model year 2014 and newer tractors) are required on both the combine(s) and grain cart tractor(s) of the harvesting fleet for consistent and optimal performance.

Being the first release of this solution, there are a few limitations of the system worth understanding; however, these factors may be temporary as this technology gets better over time:

• Requires High Connectivity Machine Sync antennas installed for best performance and a Machine Sync display license activated on both the combine and every tractor of the harvesting fleet
• Does not interface with or control adjustable spout, if equipped
• Requires operator to manually swing auger in/out, start unloading, and stop unloading – not automatic functions
• Does not detect spills nor automatically stop unloading if spillage occurs
• Does not nudge the tractor left/right, only in-line commands (forwards and backwards)
• Does not fill the cart to a specific weight
• Not compatible for combines outfitted with 6.9 m (22.5 ft) auger lengths
• Operates with grain carts up to a maximum length of 15 m (49.2 ft) and  up to a maximum height of 4.2 m (13.8 ft). Max of 2500-bushel capacity. Compatible with single hopper grain carts only.
• Recommended for fields with terrain up to a maximum of 4 degrees of slope
• System performance is dependent upon camera visibility and may require routine cleaning whenever obstructed