AutoTrac™ Turn Automation available with the automation activation

Producers ready to take a step toward automation in their precision ag journey are ready for the CommandCenter Automation Activation. The bundle includes all of John Deere’s precision ag applications so that they can spend more time focusing on job quality and less time operating the machine itself.

The CommandCenter Automation activation gathers all available precision ag applications into a single orderable product for the 4600 CommandCenter Display with options to upgrade from other activation levels. This approach delivers more total customer value in a way that allows producers to use the applications they want throughout the crop production cycle without the worry and expense of licensing individual precision ag applications. 

With CommandCenter Automation Activation 4.0, operators have access to the following applications:

• AutoTrac™ assisted steering system
• AutoTrac RowSense™ system
• Section Control
• In-Field Data Sharing
• AutoPath™ system
• AutoTrac Implement Guidance (passive implement guidance)
• AutoTrac Turn Automation
• Gen 4 Machine Sync

CommandCenter Automation Activation 4.0 is a non-transferrable display activation compatible with any John Deere machine equipped with a 4600 CommandCenter Display and v2 server. Functionality is dependent on machine configuration and may require additional hardware. Data created with a Gen 4 display is only compatible with John Deere Operations Center and can be transferred either wirelessly or via a USB drive with 4- to 32-GB capacity

Filling the grain cart in the field

Harvest is hectic. Producers are focusing on getting all the crop from the field to the bin within a tight harvest window. Using Machine Sync, those producers can focus more on grain harvest and grain quality and worry less about keeping the grain cart under the spout when unloading on the go. Gen 4 Machine Sync provides a solution to harvest stress by creating a wireless network between the tractor and combine to enable on-the-go unloading by synchronizing tractor speed and direction of travel with the combine.

Machine Sync works with In-Field Data Sharing to show the location of all combines and tractors within the fleet of Gen 4 machines harvesting in the field. Knowing the exact location of multiple combines as well as their grain tank fill level and unloading auger status allows the grain cart operators to be in the right place at the right time. 

Easily complete end-of-pass turns

Accurate end-of-pass turns are difficult to repeat throughout the workday. At each turn, the operator must accurately perform several tasks at the proper time. As the hours add up, it becomes more difficult to perform these tasks, which can include turning the tractor, changing speed, raising and lowering the implement, etc. As fatigue sets in, headland turns can become inconsistent.

AutoTrac Turn Automation gives you a complete solution for accurate and repeatable end-of-pass turns throughout the entire field. It automatically completes accurate turns and carries out end-of-pass functions at appropriate times during the turn. This reduces strain on the operator and reduces input costs.

AutoTrac Turn Automation offers many benefits to the operator:

• Ability to focus on the job to make necessary adjustments and better agronomic decisions on the go
• Ability to watch the tractor and implement more closely, allowing for proactive adjustments instead of reactive fixes
• Ability to more closely watch for damaging obstacles such as rocks, washouts, or holes
• Increased productivity through faster, more efficient, and smoother end turns

AutoTrac Turn Automation offers options to meet numerous operating requirements:

• U-turn – this option is a simple U-turn for traditional end-of-row turns to the next pass.
• Figure-eight turn – this turn is helpful when operating at an angle to the headland. It allows the tractor to make a large sweeping figure-eight turn which reduces turn angle and allows the field boundary to be followed with each turn.
• Straight through – this option causes the machine to continue through an upcoming boundary and not turn. It is helpful for operating through passable internal boundaries and allows the machine to raise the implement, cross a passable boundary, and lower it on the other side.

These benefits result in more uptime for the equipment and an operator who is more alert at the end of the day.

Plant accurate rows

The goal of all producers is to have inputs, such as seed or fertilizer, placed into the ground in the most accurate way possible. With the increasing cost of inputs and adoption of farming practices that need precision, such as strip-till applications, accuracy at the implement has become increasingly important.

AutoTrac Implement Guidance helps maximize the use of inputs by increasing accuracy and repeatability at the implement thanks to a second receiver on the implement. Having a second StarFire™ receiver located on the implement allows the tractor to guide the implement through the field with additional accuracy, even on curved passes and sloping terrain. AutoTrac Implement Guidance (passive) commands the tractor to the correct location to keep the implement on the guidance line. In applications utilizing AutoTrac Implement Guidance, seeds are more consistently placed to take full advantage of pre-applied nutrients. This level of precision allows implement guidance to reduce overall input costs.

John Deere Gen 4 Section Control switches boom sections on or off, reducing overlap and improving product placement.

Key features of John Deere Gen 4 Section Control include:

• Automatic control of sprayer sections when passing across:
• Previous coverage
• Exterior and interior boundaries
• Established headlands (buffer zones)
• Improve efficiency by reducing overlap, skips, input costs, and operator stress
• Easier setup with distance-based tuning

John Deere Gen 4 Section Control is available as part of the CommandCenter™ Premium application and requires a StarFire™ position receiver.

AutoTrac RowSense system

A relaxed operator using AutoTrac RowSense software in an R4038

Combine with RowSense sensor

Hagie™ STS14 with RowSense sensor

Post-emergence operations such as spraying fungicide in July or harvesting corn in October can be stressful for operators. On top of steering the machine, an operator is required to monitor several other areas such as spray rates, ground terrain, grain or forage quality, or managing tender trucks and grain carts. Operating at night, in windy conditions, or while harvesting lodged corn can add even more stress for the operator.

Using feelers that engage the crop rows, AutoTrac RowSense has revolutionized the ability to use AutoTrac for post-emergence applications in later-season corn.

A study using advanced, eye-tracking glasses determined where an operator’s attention is focused while operating a sprayer through tall, standing corn. Without AutoTrac RowSense or Vision, the operator spent about 82.5 percent of the time looking forward. When AutoTrac RowSense or Vision was utilized, the same operators only spent 70 percent of the time looking forward and more time watching sprayer booms and monitoring machine performance on the vehicle display. AutoTrac RowSense focuses on steering so the operator can focus on other value-added tasks.

Hagie is a trademark of Hagie Manufacturing Company, LLC and similar to John Deere branded equipment, John Deere will also support Hagie equipment.

Using Gen 4 In-Field Data Sharing, up to six tractors, sprayers, nutrient applicators, or combines can share as applied maps and guidance lines to reduce overlap, improve product placement, and monitor job quality in other machines. Equipment can work together at the same time or use maps created earlier by another machine to increase efficiency.

Three machines sharing coverage

Sharing as-applied maps

Using a streamlined setup process, In-Field Data Sharing matches maps and guidance lines together based on the information selected in the Work Setup screen, the same information is needed to document an operation. Setup items can be sent to the display from Operations Center for selection to make setup even easier.

Searching for other work groups

Joining a work group

The information needed depends on the operation:

• Planting and seeding: Client, Farm, Field, and Crop
• Product application: Client, Farm, Field, and Product or Tank Mix
• Harvest: Client, Farm, Field, and Crop

Create guidance lines with AutoPath that can be used on subsequent passes

For large row-crop producers, setting up guidance lines in standing crops is a challenge. The process is slow, and there is no guarantee that the machine will run accurately between crop rows.

The AutoPath system automates data from the first documented pass to address these challenges. During the first pass, a map of all rows is created. AutoPath uses this data to automatically create accurate, full-field guidance lines for secondary passes such as planting, side dress, spraying, and harvest. Setup time and crop damage is reduced, and operators know which rows to start on, regardless of equipment width.

Over-the-air activations were enabled with the 18-1 software update to the Gen 4 displays. With that software update or newer, a John Deere dealer can send activations to a Gen 4 display without leaving the office. Over-the-air activations also eliminate the need to manually enter long activation codes like was done previously. This also eliminates multiple trips between the cab and the farm office to enter codes and verify completion.

NOTE: Over-the-air activations requires a current JDLink™ Connect subscription and Mobile Telematics Gateway (MTG). Planter and platform activations and subscriptions cannot be updated over-the-air.

4640 Universal Display/GreenStar™ CommandCenter™ Display equipped in model year 2013 9R Tractor

John Deere 4640 Universal Display subscriptions provides producers more choices in how they purchase precision ag applications. This gives flexibility in selecting the level of subscription that matches the operators’ needs year by year. John Deere AutoTrac™ automated steering, documentation, and Data Sync are included in the purchase of the display.

Two subscriptions are available with the 4640 Universal Display + AutoTrac Activation:

• 4640 Premium 3.0 1-year subscription
  • Enables John Deere Section Control, AutoTrac RowSense™, and In-Field Data Sharing functionality for 1 year
• 4640 Automation Subscription 4.0 1-year subscription
• Enables John Deere Section Control, AutoTrac RowSense, In-Field Data Sharing, AutoTrac Turn Automation, AutoTrac Implement Guidance (passive guidance), Machine Sync, and AutoPath™ system functionality for 1 year

Subscription-based precision ag offerings provide the following benefits:

• Lower cost of entry to get started with display and subscriptions
• Ability to try new applications for a year without having to commit to a permanent software license
• Ability to match the cost of use with the revenue generated in the same fiscal year
• Flexibility in selecting the level of subscription that best fits the needs of the business without the expense of a one-time software license purchase

This document lists all the compatible equipment approved with the software update 23-2 release and is subject to change with newer software updates. To ensure complete and proper compatibility, the most current version of implement control unit software, G5 or Generation 4 display software, or compatible farm management information software (FMIS) should be used. Non-current software versions will require an update before support can be provided. Unapproved software version configurations will not be supported.

The software update 23-2 release is not compatible with 4600 CommandCenter™ v1 processors. Software update 17-2 is the last release that was compatible with 4600 v1 processors.

Server serial numbers are as follows:

• v1 = RWG prefix
• v2 = PCG prefix

Machine compatibility

John Deere Large Ag Tractors

*NOTE: For latest Precision Ag functionality, update machines equipped from the factory with v1 processor to v2.

John Deere Nutrient Applicators

John Deere Self-Propelled Sprayers

*NOTE: When using the 4640 Universal Display on a Hagie Sprayer, additional mounting and harnessing may be required.

• 4640 RAM™ mount - SJ34503
• 4640 power/video harness - BPF11527 (1-3 video plus machine power), PF90687 (machine power only)

NOTE: Current John Deere/Hagie field kits only offer GreenStar 3 2630 Display parts.

NOTE: Multi-rank section control are not supported on Hagie at this time.

NOTE: VIN detection on Hagie Sprayers is only supported on model year 2019 and newer machines.

NOTE: 22-2 and newer software allows the Gen 4 4640 Universal Display to control the Hagie/Montag Fortifier configuration.

**NOTE: The 4640 Universal Display will replace the GreenStar 3 2630 Display on the armrest. Dual display with the GreenStar 3 2630 Display is not supported with sprayers. The 4640 Universal Display does not use the external display navigation buttons located on the armrest, so these buttons are disabled in this configuration.

John Deere Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters (SPFH)

NOTE: When adding the 4640 Universal Display to a John Deere SPFH, it will only be compatible as a precision ag display and is installed on the side rail.

John Deere Combines

NOTE: Competitive equipment may be compatible with 4640 Universal Display and 4240 Universal Display.

*NOTE: When adding the 4640 Universal Display to a John Deere combine, it will only be compatible as a cornerpost precision ag display.

NOTE: RowSense™ sensor voltage readings and sensor offsets are displayed on Original GreenStar Monitor emulator on 50, 60, and 70 Series Combines.

John Deere Cotton Harvesters

NOTE: Update cab controller software to the latest version on model year 2017 and newer cotton harvesters to use Harvest Identification, Cotton Pro.

NOTE: When adding the 4640 Universal Display to a John Deere Cotton Harvester, it will only be compatible as a cornerpost precision ag display.

Equipment compatibility

John Deere planters

SeedStar™ 4HP planters are only compatible with 4600 CommandCenter displays with a version 2 (v2) processor and 4640 Universal Displays. Displays should be running the most current version of tractor applications to be compatible with SeedStar 4HP planter applications. Additionally, dual-display mode is available for use with SeedStar 4HP planter applications, along with Generation 4 Extended Monitor. SeedStar 4HP planters are compatible with no more than two GreenStar Rate Controllers.

The SeedStar 2 configuration below is available only on factory-installed model year 2011 and newer planters and may be field-installed on model year 2009 and 2010 planters. Green PM/PA controllers (factory-installed on model year 2009 and 2010 planters) are not supported with a Generation 4 display.

Service ADVISOR™ is needed to update SeedStar 2, SeedStar XP, and SeedStar 3 HP software. Documentation is not supported when using a rate controller to control row clutches on a John Deere planter.

*NOTE: For implements requiring ground speed input (radar), utilizing a 4240 Universal Display may require an additional 4240 radar speed kit.

John Deere Air Seeders

The C650 and C850 Air Carts and N500C Seeder are not supported with a GreenStar 3 2630 Display. Additionally, tow-behind C850 Air Carts are compatible with AutoTrac™ Implement Guidance (passive) with software update 18-2 and newer.

*NOTE: For implements requiring ground speed input (radar), utilizing a 4240 Universal Display may require an additional 4240 radar speed kit.

John Deere Tillage

*NOTE: For implements requiring ground speed input (radar), utilizing a 4240 Universal Display may require an additional 4240 radar speed kit.

John Deere Self-Propelled Windrowers

NOTE: When adding the 4640 Universal Display to a John Deere self-propelled windrower, it will only be compatible as a cornerpost precision ag display.

*NOTE: For 22-2, a virtual windrower option is available to support W110 to W170 Self-Propelled Windrowers. VIN detection is not available on these machines.

StarFire Receivers

StarFire Receivers can be updated in the following ways:

• Receiver USB port (available only for StarFire 6000 Receivers)
• Generation 4 display USB port
• Remote software updates application (in ISOBUS VT app)

John Deere Operations Center™ application

To use RDA on a Generation 4 CommandCenter Display with a GreenStar 3 2630 Display connected in the same machine, GreenStar 3 2630 software version 3.22.1095 (SU2014-1) or higher is required (for 4600 CommandCenter Display and 4640 Universal Display only).

GreenStar Rate Controller Dry

GreenStar Rate Controller Dry (GDC) 2.11A was the last software version available through Software Manager. GDC 2.20A has been available since spring 2015 and contains diagnostic language updates. This software can only be obtained through Service ADVISOR.

John Deere Rate Controller 2000

The John Deere Rate Controller 2000 will not control the planter clutches or half-, third-, or quarter-width disconnects on a John Deere planter.

AutoTrac Vision

AutoTrac Vision Guidance is only compatible with Generation 4 18-1 software 10.10.404-345 or newer. 


ISOBUS implements

Generation 4 and G5 displays support two Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) certified ISOBUS control units. The use of two ISOBUS control units is limited to the configuration of one front and one rear implement. The use of multiple ISOBUS control units as rear implements is not supported. Generation 4 displays support AEF-certified ISOBUS implements with Task Controller Section Control (TC-SC) functionality and AEF certification for TC-SC include sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, planters, seeders, manure applicators, etc. For third-party FMIS compatibility, reference the John Deere Operations Center.

A software update performed by an authorized ISOBUS implement dealer may be required to obtain compatible software. ISOBUS implements must be certified through the Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) to be recognized by the Generation 4 CommandCenter Display. Visit www.aef-online.org for more information; visit www.aef-isobus-database.org for an active list of compatible implements.

ISOBUS implements with VT4 are now supported by G5 and Generation 4 displays. Generation 4 displays still support older VT versions (example: VT2 and VT3). If an implement is not loading after updating to Generation 4 software update 2017-2 (or newer on 4600 CommandCenter v2 processors), it is recommended that the implement manufacturer be contacted to get a software version that is either VT3 or VT4.

Implements without controllers

Implements without controllers can be documented as a stand-alone operation or with a rate controller from John Deere. Additionally, multiple implements without controllers cannot be documented together.

AutoPath

AutoPath is compatible with G5 displays, 4600 CommandCenter (v2 server) and 4640 Universal Displays running 20-3 or later software.

AutoPath requires specific source operation data (including an implement receiver) gathered during the first field operation of the year.

For more information on AutoPath functionality and requirements, refer to the Sales Manual.

AutoTrac Implement Guidance (passive)

• AutoTrac Implement Guidance is compatible with SeedStar 4HP, SeedStar 3 HP, SeedStar 2, and SeedStar XP.
• AutoTrac Implement Guidance is compatible with N500C seeding tools, 1990CCS Seeders as well as 1910, C650, and C850 Tow-Behind Air Carts.
• AutoTrac Implement Guidance is NOT compatible with tow-between air carts.

AutoTrac Turn Automation

To use the AutoTrac Turn Automation application, specific compatibility is required. AutoTrac Turn Automation is compatible with the following machines:

• 8030 Series Tractors
• 9030 Series Tractors (if equipped with PowerShift™ transmission)
• Model year 2012 and newer 6R Tractors (if equipped with Infinitely Variable Transmission [IVT™] and ITEC™ functionality)
• Model year 2011 and newer 7R Tractors (if equipped with CommandQuad™ transmission, e23™ PowerShift transmission, or IVT)
• Model year 2010 and newer 8R/RT Tractors
• Model year 2012 and newer 9R/RT/RX Tractors

NOTE: Integrated tractor IMS must be turned off on 30 Series Tractors to use AutoTrac Turn Automation on the Generation 4. Integrated Tractor iTEC must be turned off on the following tractors to use AutoTrac Turn Automation on the Generation 4:

• Model year 2012-2014 6R
• Model year 2011-2013 7R
• Model year 2010-2013 8R
• Model year 2012-2014 9R

NOTE: If instead an operator chooses to use the machine’s integrated IMS/iTEC functionality, then AutoTrac Turn Automation and iTEC must be turned off in the Generation 4 Universal Display.

AutoTrac Turn Automation is compatible with SeedStar 4 HP, SeedStar 3 HP, SeedStar 2, and SeedStar XP planters, 1990CCS Seeders, and 1910, C650, and C850 Tow-Behind Air Carts.

AutoTrac Turn Automation is compatible with N500C Series Air Tools with selective control valves (SCVs) operating in manual mode. See the "Additional Information" section of DTAC solution 115995 for more information.

AutoTrac Turn Automation is NOT compatible with the following implements and implement configurations:

• Front-mounted implements
• Tow-between air carts
• Multiple implements pulled in series where the work piece is not connected directly to the tractor

For more information on AutoTrac Turn Automation, refer to the Sales Manual.

Machine Sync

Supported leader platforms

• Combine:
• X Series Combines, S Series Combines, W Series Combines, T Series Combines, 70/60/50 Series Combines
• Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters
• 9000 Series and 8000 Series
• John Deere Tractors
• John Deere tractors with G5, Gen 4 4600 CommandCenter Displays and John Deere tractors compatible with the Gen 4 4640 Universal Display

Supported follower platforms

• John Deere tractors (wheeled models)
• 6R Tractors with Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT™) (iTEC™ functionality required)
• 7R Tractors with CommandQuad™ Eco transmission, e23™ transmission, and IVT
• 8030 Tractors with PowerShift™ transmission and IVT
• 8R Tractors with PowerShift, IVT, and e23 transmission
• 9030 Tractors with PowerShift transmission
• 9R Tractors with PowerShift transmission with Efficiency Manager™ feature
• John Deere tractors (tracked models)
• 8RT/8RX Tractors with PowerShift, IVT, and e23 transmission
• 9RT/9RX Tractors with PowerShift transmission with Efficiency Manager feature
• NOTE: John Deere 8030T and 9030T models are not compatible with Machine Sync.

Reprogramming UCC2 Application Controllers

4600 CommandCenter v1 does not support reprogramming on the UCC2 version of Application Controller. Service ADVISOR or compatible displays may be used.

Distance Trip documentation/Yield Documentation, Specialty Crop

A UCC2 Application Controller with 19-2 software or newer, running on a 4600 CommandCenter v2 server enables documentation of field operations. If a UCC2 replaces a UCC1 Application Controller on a CommandCenter v1 server, documentation is not available.

Camera compatibility

Voyager® cameras are supported on Generation 4 displays. All other camera types are not supported.

Non-John Deere Precision Ag

4600 CommandCenter v2 and the 4640 Universal Display are compatible with the following RS-232 configurations with software update 18-2 and newer:

• Global positioning system (GPS) receivers with serial port connection
  • Will not enable AutoTrac guidance functionality
• Raven RS-232 control units (440, 450, or 660) on tractors configured as implement-based applications
• Generation 4 displays are not compatible with the DN345 Drawn Dry Spreader at this time.

4600 CommandCenter v2 and the 4640 Universal Display are compatible with the following RS-232 configurations with software update 20-3 and newer:

• Yara N-Sensor
• Fritzmeier
• Trimble® GreenSeeker®
• LH 5000

Machine Communication Radio (MCR)

Generation 4 displays are not compatible with MCR.

NOTE: Gen 4 data is only compatible with the John Deere Operations Center. All Gen 4 activations are machine specific and cannot be transferred to a different machine. If not using WDT, an 8- to 32-GB USB is required to transfer data to and from the Gen 4 display. Implement settings are display specific and cannot be imported or exported from the Gen 4 display.

RAM is a trademark of National Products Inc. Montag is a trademark of Montag Manufacturing, Inc. Hagie is a trademark of Hagie Manufacturing Company and similar to John Deere branded equipment, John Deere will support Hagie equipment. Reichhardt is a trademark of Reichhardt GmbH Steuerungstechnik. iOS is a trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc. used under license by Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google LLC. Voyager is a trademark of ASA Electronics, LLC. Trimble and GreenSeeker are trademarks of Trimble, Inc.

John Deere Round Balers

John Deere Large Square Balers

Precision Ag Technology software compatibility

*NOTE: See additional information below.

"I would never go back to not having AutoPath™…one of the best things on the farm."

No matter the method, AutoPath enables precise execution of farming practices that may not be possible otherwise. Precisely seed between the rows of last year’s crop, plant directly on a fertilizer strip, spray without driving over crops, and consistently harvest at capacity. Simply put, AutoPath can make your job easier and more effective, even in difficult fields. AutoPath users now have two options when it comes to automatic, full-field guidance plan creation. AutoPath (rows) and AutoPath (boundaries). Check it out.

"I absolutely love it. After the planter goes through, we have no issues side dressing, spraying, and harvesting."

How it works:

AutoPath™ creates guidance tracks for the entire field using crop row data recorded during the first pass through the field, whether that be a fertilizer application, tillage, or planting pass. The exact crop row or fertilizer location is captured and mapped using an implement mounted, StarFire™ Receiver, which means that fundamentally, farmers don’t need to do anything different as they work a field. In fact, adding this technology makes their lives easier as time passes.

AutoPath lets users begin each 'next pass' through the field quickly and confidently using their previously recorded data to guide them.

Exact crop location is recorded using an implement-mounted receiver during the first pass of the crop year

Use AutoPath to complete later passes in standing crop with confidence

Find equipment requirements and compatibility for crop row documentation here.

Farmers have been using AutoPath (Rows) since 2020. Those who have adopted it, have been able to see the advantage that it provides their operation.

"If you have odd-shaped fields like we do, it makes headland line management a piece of cake. Also, if you have to swing out for a pole or a standpipe, it records that position in the primary pass even while free handing and the planter steers it."

"It’s great to start planting at night. Use the lines from the previous year and go."

Check out some of the additional advantages AutoPath (Rows) can provide its users.

• Automatically generates field guidance tracks for the next pass, accommodating for equipment width, based on actual planted crop rows.
• Accomplish work you could not manually. - Stay precisely on top preplant fertilizer strips when planting. Stay off emerged crops when spraying, without having to slow down in fear of damaging crops. Don’t count guess rows when you’re harvesting crops. Oh, and don’t use your hands to steer the machine while you’re at it.
• Reduces hunting for guess rows when spraying or harvesting a field.
• Makes harvesting easier in down crop conditions, and less than ideal conditions in general.
• Farmers can now easily use implements and machines of varying widths. Plant with a 24-row planter and harvest with a 16-row corn head with no issues. AutoPath keeps you on established guidance tracks that accommodate each machine, reducing the risk of partial width passes.
• Eliminates the complexity of trying to manage guidance tracks, especially in standing crops, from tillage to harvest.
• Helps maximize overall yield by reducing crop damage. When spraying at high speeds, even a few short seconds of driving over crop can cause measurable yield losses. Take harvest into consideration. In higher yielding corn, every second of driving on the row can lead to 17.6 L (0.5 bu) or more in loss. Over the course of a day, the amount of damaged crop can add up fast, impacting your bottom line.
• Row crops are rarely simple, straight lines, and fields often have irregular boundaries. Planting around water holes, waterways, or terraces adds complexity, but these challenges can be easily overcome with the AutoPath, path planning tool.

"AutoPath™ (boundaries) has been a really great feature for us. I just got a new sprayer and didn’t really have to adjust anything because we had an accurate boundary that just drives the sprayer around the field for me. I didn’t have to worry about where I was driving or if I was going to hit something with the longer booms, I could focus more on learning the machine functions and doing a good job applicating."

There is no need for an implement receiver or source operation, it all starts with a driven boundary. (Click here to learn the ins and outs of proper field boundary creation) Automatically generating a guidance plan for the entire field using AutoPath (boundaries) is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Drive and record the boundary of the field using a StarFire™ receiver with SF3 or greater correction signal. – See a pro boundary-creator at work.
2. Set the headland size (implement/machine track spacing) and offset type (Constant or Top/Bottom).
3. AutoPath automatically generates in-field guidance tracks, separate from the headland tracks, using one of three methods: Heading angle, align to boundary, from existing track. Learn more about each of these track generation methods here.

Use a simple heading angle, align to boundary, or an existing track to build in-field guidance lines

You may be asking yourself, "how does this solution differ from Boundary Fill?" There are several  distinct differentiators between the two, one of which,  was previously alluded to; AutoPath (boundaries) creates a guidance plan for the entire field, generating field and headland guidance tracks separately. (For a more in-depth comparison of AutoPath (boundaries) and Boundary Fill).

Headland guidance tracks follow the shape of the field boundary, while the in-field guidance tracks are built automatically according to the generation method selected. This functionality allows farmers to work their fields more efficiently, as they can create plans that minimize the number of passes required to complete the field by simply adjusting the track generation inputs.

Headland and in-field guidance tracks are created separate from one another

If you have a larger field that you farm in multiple 'zones', AutoPath can create a single plan for each of the zones applying the same settings (heading angle, headland, etc.) to the entire field.

If needed, a user can update heading angles mid-field. See the Insider's Update for more information on how to accomplish this.

Single field with multiple exterior boundary shapes with the same field settings

AutoPath™ (boundaries) creates a seamless, end-to-end experience for its users, making planning (and field work) quick and painless. Choose to setup and preview full-field guidance plans online using the John Deere Operations Center or create plans from the ground up from the seat of the cab when you arrive at the field.

This John Deere-exclusive path planning tool provides farmers the flexibility to adjust guidance plans that were created online directly within their G5 or Gen4 machine display – no need to go back into the Operations Center and adjust and perfect the plan.

Using three simple inputs (field boundary, headland, in-field track generation method) you can effortlessly create guidance plans for the entire crop season in one sitting. When the time is right, incorporate the appropriate AutoPath plan into setup file creator or Work Planner and get to work. It is really that simple.

Operations Center		G5 or Gen4 Machine Display
Setup, preview and save AutoPath full-field guidance plans		Execute Operations Center-generated AutoPath plan and adjust as needed or create an entirely new plan on the machine display

And because AutoPath generates a single plan for the entire field, swapping and managing multiple guidance tracks as you work a field is a thing of the past.

Planning, starting, and executing field work has never been easier, and we will only continue to make improvements over time to enhance this user experience.

"We are primarily using the Align to Boundary feature because we really love that we can have things perfect on one side of the field (no partial passes) and be able to use that same efficient plan throughout the entire year with all our equipment."

Be confident and stress-free, knowing that all operators have the right guidance tracks from start to finish. The Align to Boundary guidance track generation method provides the most efficient first pass through the field, resulting in no skips and minimal overlap. Using this method, AutoPath will default to the longest side of the field boundary you are planning work for and build from that side across the entire field using the track spacing input by the user.

Users can precisely adjust the boundary line being used to create the in-field guidance tracks. Unless farmers have perfectly square fields, which we know is uncommon, users will want to adjust the dots to achieve the most efficient guidance plan and for the most accurate performance when the machine is ready to execute the planned work. See 'PRO-TIP' below.

AutoPath creates guidance tracks for the entire field using crop row data recorded during the first pass through the field, whether that be a fertilizer application, tillage, or planting pass. The exact crop row or fertilizer location is captured and mapped using an implement mounted, StarFire™ Receiver, which means that fundamentally, farmers don’t need to do anything different as they work a field. In fact, adding this technology makes their lives easier as time passes.

AutoPath lets users begin each 'next pass' through the field quickly and confidently using their previously recorded data to guide them.

Check out some of the additional advantages AutoPath (rows) can provide its users.

• Automatically generates field guidance tracks for the next pass, accommodating for equipment width, based on actual planted crop rows.
• Accomplish work you could not manually. - Stay precisely on top preplant fertilizer strips when planting. Stay off emerged crops when spraying, without having to slow down in fear of damaging crops. Don’t count guess rows when you’re harvesting crops. Oh, and don’t use your hands to steer the machine while you’re at it.
• Reduces hunting for guess rows when spraying or harvesting a field.
• Makes harvesting easier in down crop conditions, and less than ideal conditions in general.
• Farmers can now easily use implements and machines of varying widths. Plant with a 24-row planter and harvest with a 16-row corn head with no issues. AutoPath keeps you on established guidance tracks that accommodate each machine, reducing the risk of partial width passes.
• Eliminates the complexity of trying to manage guidance tracks, especially in standing crops, from tillage to harvest.
• Helps maximize overall yield by reducing crop damage. When spraying at high speeds, even a few short seconds of driving over crop can cause measurable yield losses. Take harvest into consideration. In higher yielding corn, every second of driving on the row can lead to 17.6 L (0.5 bu) or more in loss. Over the course of a day, the amount of damaged crop can add up fast, impacting your bottom line.
• Row crops are rarely simple, straight lines, and fields often have irregular boundaries. Planting around water holes, waterways, or terraces adds complexity, but these challenges can be easily overcome with the AutoPath, path planning tool.

With the introduction of AutoPath (Boundaries), the million-dollar question is, "How is this solution any different from Boundary Fill?"

We are happy you asked. Let us answer that for you.

For you visual learners, below you will find the outcome of each guidance tool within the same field.

Things to note:

• Some guidance tracks fall outside of the field boundary, allowing the machine to operate outside of the designated field area
• A single guidance track is created for each pass around the field
• The guidance tracks around the corners of the field are squared off
• Guidance tracks will continue to populate following the field boundary as the machine works inward from the field boundary
• This plan was created directly within the machine’s display

Guidance created using Boundary Fill

Things to note:

• All guidance tracks appear inside of the field boundary, which prevents the machine from operating outside of the designated field area
• Multiple guidance tracks are created for each pass around the field
• The guidance tracks around the corners of the field have extensions to make tracking them with the machine simpler
• The outer guidance tracks follow the exact field shape within the headland area, and in-field tracks are planned using one of three methods:
  • Align to boundary
  • Heading angle
  • From an existing track 
• This guidance plan can be created directly within the machine’s display or within the Operations Center

Guidance created using AutoPath (Boundaries)

Now that you understand some of the key differences between the two boundary-based guidance options provided by John Deere, you can select the tool that is right for you.

If you are interested in trying AutoPath (boundaries) for the first time, or if you simply need a refresher, check out the step-by-step training materials within the Equipment Mobile App to get started creating full-field guidance plans today.

Regardless of if you are a farmer who produces row-crops, like corn, or a small grains farmer, AutoPath is the path planning solution for you. (Boundaries) and (rows) features work well on their own, or seamlessly together to provide optimal planning throughout the entire crop season. This technology enables precise execution of farming practices that may not be possible otherwise.

• Seed between the rows of previously drilled small grains (boundaries)
• Run minimum-till or no-till implements precisely between last year’s crop rows (boundaries + rows)
• Plant cover crops to optimize emergence and crop emergence (boundaries + rows)
• Plant crops precisely on top of fertilizer strips to maximize yields (rows)

Here are ways you can use AutoPath (boundaries + rows) to maximize your operation throughout the entire crop year.

Small Grains: AutoPath (Boundaries)-only

Soybeans: AutoPath (Boundaries) + (Rows)

Corn: AutoPath (Boundaries) + (Rows)

Strip-Till Corn: AutoPath (Boundaries) + (Rows)

AutoPath (Rows)-only

As you can see, you’ve got options when creating guidance blueprints for each of your fields throughout the entire crop season. Whether you use AutoPath (boundaries), (rows), or both together, you are setting yourself up for success for the production year.