Last time I got to ride with my brother while planting, I noticed that we had a couple extra monitors in the cab that we didn’t have before. Because there were so many, I thought we could take a little tour of the tractor cab and explain what all the technology is telling us!
Below is a photograph of the monitors. The number corresponds with a quick explanation.
1. iPad – Field View
As we cross the field, the program is mapping via satellite where we are planting. It is connected to the 20/20 monitor, which is explained in number 2. It reads the data that the 20/20 is gathering and then can create maps of the field based on that data.
2. 20/20 Precision Planting
It can show actual population, singulation, good spacing, good ride (how often the boxes on the planter are bouncing), ground contact, down force, and amount of acres planted. As an example of how this monitor can help – it alerted my brother that there was something wrong with one of the rows. Upon further inspection, he realized there was a chunk of a corn kernel stuck in the seed disk. Without being removed, it would have resulted in a skip in one of the cow rows throughout the field. It also sends the data to our iPad in number 1.
3. Greenstar Box from John Deere
This is the original box for the planter. It lets us change the seed rate. It also shows us the amount of acres we’ve planted, the population, how much vacuum the planter has, and liquid fertilizer pressure.
4. Ravin Controller
This doesn’t work while planting corn. It works along with the Fast applicator when we side dress corn, which is applying fertilizer between the rows of corn.
5. Tractor Dash
This is just part of the tractor, like your car dash. It shows fuel level, oil pressure, and temperature. It also flashes codes if anything goes wrong. It also keeps track of hours, service hours, and wheel slippage. The knobs for the hazard lights, headlights, four-wheel drive, and windshield wipers are located on the dash.
6. Planter Half-Width Disconnect
This has the ability to shut off half the planter. Our planter plants 12 rows at one time. If we get to the end of a field in a tight spot that doesn’t need another 12 rows, we can turn off half the planter and just plant with 6 rows.
