Grainswest - Tech 2025

Tech 2025 Grains West 30 The tractor cab experience continues to undergo rapid change. Designed to boost connectivity and streamline operations to a higher degree, Bayer has launched FieldView Drive 2.0, nearly a decade after its predecessor hit the market. The updated digital tool has greater processing power and connectivity through enhanced Bluetooth, according to Andria Karstens, digital success partner with Bayer. “Having more upgraded technology is always going to be a huge bonus even with simple things like the Bluetooth,” she said. The device also comes with 32 GB of storage to hold more prescription map data and a more efficient computer-to-cab communication system. In essence, it acts as a lightning-fast wireless transmitter. “We can use it as a transfer device versus needing to have a USB and go back to the office. If something needs updating, we can do that more on the fly, or someone at home can update it and send it to you. It gives us a lot more capabilities,” said Karstens. Notably, Field View Drive 2.0 does not need a cellular connection for the device to collect data. Once connected to WiFi, data automatically uploads to users’ cloud accounts for secure storage. “It’s the way you’re going to be able to most seamlessly collect and get that field information into FieldView,” said Karstens. “Once it’s in FieldView, there’s a whole suite of analysis tools that lets you identify if what you decided to do makes the most sense for your farm. You can tweak year over year to continue to improve economics and sustainability and make decisions.” For more information, visit climatefieldview.ca . FEATURE Revised data device FieldViewDrive 2.0 The joy of the stick Pac-Man fans, rejoice! Fendt AGCO has introduced a retrofit for its 500 to 1000 series tractors with Profi Plus with its ErgoSteer joystick. The blast from the past was ergonomically engineered to ease neck and shoulder strain and create less wear and tear on an operator’s forearm and wrist. Its design recently won an award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. The joystick takes only about 90 minutes to install and requires no software. While it doesn’t replace the wheel, it does serve to provide an extra in-cab function. The joystick has an autosteer button linked to the operator’s GPS. The speed sensitivity can be custom set from left to right, which can provide improved manoeuvrability for faster turns and lower diesel consumption. Without a change of hand position, a slight hand shift is all that’s required for forward-reverse motion. The joystick may also help newer, younger operators get comfortable with the cab. Launched a decade after its initial version, FieldView Drive 2.0 boosts connectivity and streamlines operations.