Agco brand Fendt has been awarded an Agritechnica 2011 Gold Medal for its new Fendt GuideConnect system, where two tractors are connected via satellite navigation and radio communication to form one unit, with one of the two vehicles unmanned but performing the same working procedure as the manned vehicle.
To meet the market demand for ever larger working widths, Fendt has taken a completely new path. With the Fendt GuideConnect system, this demand can be met without having to accept disadvantages such as issues with road traffic regulations. Two tractors are linked together to act as one unit. The guided, unmanned tractor follows the guiding vehicle when performing the same operating procedure, during turning manoeuvres and when avoiding obstacles.
Fendt GuideConnect not only permits large working widths, but also highly flexible applications. Farmers can optimise the efficiency of their operations, since the tractors can be separated at any time and used independently.
To begin, operators use the Vario-Terminal to define which tractor will be the guiding vehicle and which one will follow. In addition, the following distance and the clearance to the side between the two tractors are set. Precise RTK-GPS satellite positioning and communication between the vehicles via an encoded wireless connection provides accurate positioning.
When arriving at the headland, the guided tractor remains stationary and waits until the guiding tractor has completed the turn, and then follows its path accordingly. Implements are automatically raised at the right position and then lowered into operating position after the turning manoeuvre is completed. When the manned tractor drives around an obstacle, the connected tractor duo reduces its speed and then continues along the preset path when finished. To drive around obstacles in the path of the guided vehicle, the operator can temporarily route the guided vehicle along his own path.
Naturally, safety plays an important role in Fendt GuideConnect. In general, the operator of the guiding vehicle carries the responsibility for both vehicles. However, the system has also been equipped with a multi-level safety concept. The encoded wireless connection ensures that only the two defined tractors can communicate with each other.
If another Fendt GuideConnect set-up is nearby, there is no danger that the guided vehicle will accidentally follow the other guiding vehicle. The guided vehicle itself becomes active in conditions that are critical for safety. For example, an emergency stop feature is immediately activated when satellite positioning is no longer possible, the wireless connection is interrupted or the distance between the tractors is too large or small. Then the guided tractor is immediately brought into a safe state and the engine is switched off.
The guided vehicle not only accepts commands, but also reports to the guiding vehicle about error states, such as a low fuel level, or other important information, such as engine or ground speed.
For more information visit: www.fendt.co.uk.
