GrainsWest Tech 2020

Tech 2020 grainswest.com 31 The armrest also comes standard with nine programmable hot buttons, customizable to the operator’s preferences. Other straightforward but helpful changes the company offers to its AFS Connect Magnum operators include mounts for monitors and a glass door with no centre pillar for improved visibility. It features numerous USB charging ports as well as 12- and 120-volt outlets. AFS Connect Steiger operators enjoy 21 square metres (68 square feet) of glass for a panoramic view while its multi-function handle can run 85 per cent of tractor functions. As well, the automatic differential lock is designed to give greater control and reduce compaction. ROTTEN TOMATOES Brian Tischler farms grain north of Mannville and operates a Case Steiger series tractor. He is also the brain behind AgOpenGPS, an open-source software platform that allows farmers to customize machinery function. Tischler has operated autonomous tractors and has for decades worked with the latest new-and-improved equipment tech as it has become available. It’s why he smirks when he sees promotional material for today’s machinery. These messages hype what seem to be limitless possibilities for the tractor cab. “Really, what can they do?” said Tischler. “They can drive in a straight line. OK, we did that 30 years ago.” His firm conviction is that machinery technology continues to advance simply because it gives economy to large manufacturers to collect data and, in turn, maximize financial margins. “The collection of data, knowing how many pounds per acre farmers put down, when they did it, what their yield is, allows companies to critically price your product,” he said. He points to his first air seeder and how he would physically change its chain to vary the rate of product coming out of the tank. Today, the principle is the same, it’s just the delivery is different. In Tischler’s mind, this isn’t so much high-tech as it is a simple progression of technology. “Now, in a tractor cab, I can remotely change speed, but everything other than driving the roller is exactly the same,” he said. “In 25 years, we’ve gone from a chain to an extremely complicated sensor-based, output-based system that converts it to electric that now needs hydraulic to drive that shaft. But it’s the same roller from 1997.” Above all, Tischler cautions farmers not to be lured in by what seems to be cutting-edge technology, especially since many farmers may not need it or know how to best utilize it. “Technology looking for an application is an extremely dangerous thing because it’s easy to sell it as ‘needed,’” he said. “The trap we are in is we go to a farm show, see all this wild new technology, then we look for how to apply it on our farms. It’s a double-edged sword.” Photo:CourtesyofAGCO The AGCO Fendt Ideal combine steering systemwas created in response to customer demand for better ergonomics and visibility.