I have been looking at GPS guidance / navigation systems for our tractors and the high end systems are very expensive but there is some entry level stuff in the 1-2k range. Any one have experience with this stuff? I think it would be really handy for spraying and would be nice for plowing and planting as well. The lower end systems report 6-8" accuracy.
Navigation / Guidance
- Thread starter bdog
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oosik
Epic Contributor
I have only seen and read ads re: GPS navigation systems. I use hand held GPS units for a hobby called Geocaching. I have one unit that cost $650 and its normal accuracy under ideal conditions will be in the order of +or- 15 feet. I would have serious doubts about any $2K GPS unit claiming 6" to 8" accuracy. Especially when its on a rough riding vehicle such as a tractor. Greatest accuracy is obtained with a stationary GPS unit. Accuracy will diminish as weather deteriorates also. I would imagine that's why GPS guidance/navigation systems for agricultural vehicles are so insanely expensive.
MHarryE
Elite Member
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I just bought a Trimble EZ Guide 250 labeled New Holland from my New Holland dealer. It's claimed accuracy is 6" - 8" if your next pass is within 15 minutes. Have it primarily for fertilizer spreader and sprayer. I got the Trimble unit because of having worked with them on construction equipment applications. The stuff I used was rock solid and had 1 centimeter accuracy but required a base station to supply a correction factor. The system cost me a little less than $2k. The unit appears extremely rugged - like I expect from Trimble. I had contemplated buying the next step up unit but when I talked with people who had the 250 they were more than pleased with the results. They said I should only consider a higher up unit if I was planting row crops and need the very accurate row spacing. Now I am just waiting for things to dry up so I can get out in the fields to give it it's first test.
Thanks for the replies. I actually have a lot of GPS systems of various grades and a lot of experience using them. I just have never messed around with the Ag units. Oosik you are correct that a handheld recreational grade is only good to about 15'. Actually we find they are usually much better than that we often find them to be within 6' or so but it is not guaranteed. I have Trimble mapping grade units that are good to about 3' real time and will post process to sub foot. I then have Trimble survey grade RTK equipment that is centimeter accuracy real time. It is slick but not cheap.
The system I was looking at is the Trimble EZ guide 250. It is using WAAS and I believe the 6-8" pass to pass. I staked out a line a while back with my Trimble mapping grade unit that uses WAAS. I put markers every 20' for about a half mile. When you looked back at them they were straight as an arrow even though the accuracy is only 5' or so real time. The thing about it is though if I went to go put them back or add on to the line on a later date it would not match up.
I have a known point outside my shop that I know the exact coordinates of it within 1/4 inch or so. I can try to navigate to it using WAAS on my trimble units and I am always within 5' or so of it. The thing is I may be 5' south of it today, 5' north of it tomorrow, etc. which means my two points could be 10' apart even though they are 5' from the true location. If I try to navigate to it within a fairly close time frame it always takes me to the same spot which makes me think it would work fine for tractor guidance assuming I finish what I am doing in the same day.
The system I was looking at is the Trimble EZ guide 250. It is using WAAS and I believe the 6-8" pass to pass. I staked out a line a while back with my Trimble mapping grade unit that uses WAAS. I put markers every 20' for about a half mile. When you looked back at them they were straight as an arrow even though the accuracy is only 5' or so real time. The thing about it is though if I went to go put them back or add on to the line on a later date it would not match up.
I have a known point outside my shop that I know the exact coordinates of it within 1/4 inch or so. I can try to navigate to it using WAAS on my trimble units and I am always within 5' or so of it. The thing is I may be 5' south of it today, 5' north of it tomorrow, etc. which means my two points could be 10' apart even though they are 5' from the true location. If I try to navigate to it within a fairly close time frame it always takes me to the same spot which makes me think it would work fine for tractor guidance assuming I finish what I am doing in the same day.
oosik
Epic Contributor
Well,bdog, I got to admit - my handheld GPS unit is now about 6 year old technology and IS only intended for recreational use. I see a lot of surveyors using
GPS units made by Trimble. I'm sure with newer technology and a serious application the accuracy is better. I've also seen this GPS technology used to navigate large ag equipment(tractor and bottom plow) across a fellows fields. HOWEVER - like a fighter pilot observing a radio controlled drone, the farmer using this equipment was noticeably uncomfortable. He had around $950,000 out in the field and beyond his direct control. The gods of nature were smiling on him that day and everything worked. My concern would be - if somehow things go wrong with the GPS guidance whats to say the override/kill switch on the remote control box is going to work also. I can just see a large 450 hp tractor pulling a 16 bottom turn over plow going wild across open country.
GPS units made by Trimble. I'm sure with newer technology and a serious application the accuracy is better. I've also seen this GPS technology used to navigate large ag equipment(tractor and bottom plow) across a fellows fields. HOWEVER - like a fighter pilot observing a radio controlled drone, the farmer using this equipment was noticeably uncomfortable. He had around $950,000 out in the field and beyond his direct control. The gods of nature were smiling on him that day and everything worked. My concern would be - if somehow things go wrong with the GPS guidance whats to say the override/kill switch on the remote control box is going to work also. I can just see a large 450 hp tractor pulling a 16 bottom turn over plow going wild across open country.
Just to be clear the units we are discussing here like the Ez guide 250 are just light bars. It is essentially a display you look at and you steer the tractor yourself. The systems that actually steer the tractor start around 5k I think and go up from there.
You would be surprised at how good your handheld is. If it has WAAS make sure it is turned on and it will be really close. I have been using handheld GPS's since 2004 or so to lead bull dozers around clearing right of ways. It works surprisingly well.
Dillier23
Silver Member
A farmer uncomfortable with a guidance system on his $750,000 tractor or combine? They would be more uncomfortable without it. Guidance systems are very reliable and have at least two ways to disengage the systems. Handheld GPS cannot be compared to a 5-20K GPS guidance system.
MFRED
Platinum Member
I just picked up a Leica light bar style. It was about $1500? It was in a package so I can't remember without digging up the sales slip. Just messed around with it really so far. Suppose to be within inches. You can also use it as a GPS on the roads. Not that I need another one of those.
Seemed like a cheap way to get an introduction to guidance for me.
Seemed like a cheap way to get an introduction to guidance for me.
MessickFarmEqu
Super Member
We sell the trimble\CNH stuff. For $1150 for an EZ250 they are very good. Add an AG15 antenna if you have weak signal. Supports WAAS out of the box.
Call Tom @ 800-222-3373, select E-town store.
Call Tom @ 800-222-3373, select E-town store.