S Series Combine with Hinged Draper header
Machine Sync makes unloading a self-propelled harvester safer, easier, and more efficient than the traditional, manual process. Machine Sync creates a wireless network connection between the harvester and the tractor pulling the cart. This technology enables the position and speed of the tractor to be synchronized precisely with the harvester, simplifying the process of unloading grain on the go for even the most experienced operators.
To build on reliable machine connection and synchronization, Machine Sync technology automatically guides an approaching cart tractor to a predetermined "home" point alongside the combine for unloading to safely take place. Creating different home points for individual tractors gives operators the flexibility to use different tractor grain cart and harvester configurations with confidence (such as grain cart and tractor sizes, and auger lengths).
The orange lines in the display simulation above, show the operational zone around the combine
The grain cart tractor that will unload the combine will stay within these parameters, reducing the risk of equipment collision, especially when visibility is compromised.
Speed and direction synchronization automation can begin once the tractor and grain cart enter the operational zone outlined above. When the tractor operator engages Machine Sync, the tractor travels towards the home point, and the two machines actively track and "sync" with each other.When synchronized, the grain cart tractor follows the exact movements of the harvester with no input from the grain cart tractor operator.
Machine Sync users can adjust the size of the default operational zone provided. Check out the “basic operating principles for optimal performance" section later in this sales manual, for instructions on how to complete this.
To disengage Machine Sync, the tractor operator simply takes control of the steering wheel or manually changes the tractor’s speed
We’ve established that Machine Sync allows two machines to actively track and follow the exact movements of one another during the grain unloading process. The next layer to this technology, is that the harvester operator (or any leader machine) can manually control the speed and lateral/parallel movement of the grain cart tractor (or any follower machine) as needed. Making small speed and directional 'nudges' to the grain cart tractor while the machine is harvesting and the unloading auger is engaged, results in an evenly filled grain cart with minimal spillage. To put it into perspective, a John Deere X1100 combine unloads for approximately 2 minutes every 7 minutes that the combine is harvesting in a high yield corn crop. The combine unloads corn at a rate of 5.3 bushels per second, which equates to an approximate $35 loss (assuming $6.50/bushel rate) each second the auger is not unloading into the grain cart. That can add up over the course of a day, week, or month if the precision and synchronization between harvest machines is absent.
Nudging is also a great feature because it prevents the harvester operator from having to adjust the speed of their machine, increasing the harvester’s productivity
Multifunction control lever for S600 Combines – button placement (1) and the nudge button (2)
Multifunction control lever for X Series and S700 Combines
On X and S Series Combines, the reconfigurable keys on the hydro handle that can be used to nudge the tractor forwards and backwards. Check out the “basic operating principles for optimal performance” section later in this sales manual, for instructions on how to update the combine’s hydro handle.
