Guidance | Machine Sync | John Deere CA

Machine SyncAdvanced Automation

Confidently unload crops on the go through reliable and automated machine-to-machine synchronization during a harvest operation.
Reduce operator-to-operator interactions by allowing the harvester operator to control the follower machine's position during the unloading process.
Decrease the likelihood of machine collisions, especially in dark or dusty field conditions.
Increase harvest efficiency by sharing machine locations, coverage maps, and guidance lines between up to six machines working in the same field using In-Field Data Sharing, in conjunction with Machine Sync.

Features

Increase productivity by up to 8.3% while unloading on-the-go

S Series Combine with Hinged Draper header

Machine Sync makes unloading a self-propelled harvester safer, easier, and more efficient than the traditional, manual process. Machine Sync creates a wireless network connection between the harvester and the tractor pulling the cart. This technology enables the position and speed of the tractor to be synchronized precisely with the harvester, simplifying the process of unloading grain on the go for even the most experienced operators.

To build on reliable machine connection and synchronization, Machine Sync technology automatically guides an approaching cart tractor to a predetermined "home" point alongside the combine for unloading to safely take place. Creating different home points for individual tractors gives operators the flexibility to use different tractor grain cart and harvester configurations with confidence (such as grain cart and tractor sizes, and auger lengths).

The orange lines in the display simulation above, show the operational zone around the combine

The grain cart tractor that will unload the combine will stay within these parameters, reducing the risk of equipment collision, especially when visibility is compromised.

Speed and direction synchronization automation can begin once the tractor and grain cart enter the operational zone outlined above. When the tractor operator engages Machine Sync, the tractor travels towards the home point, and the two machines actively track and "sync" with each other.When synchronized, the grain cart tractor follows the exact movements of the harvester with no input from the grain cart tractor operator.

Machine Sync users can adjust the size of the default operational zone provided. Check out the “basic operating principles for optimal performance" section later in this sales manual, for instructions on how to complete this.

To disengage Machine Sync, the tractor operator simply takes control of the steering wheel or manually changes the tractor’s speed

We’ve established that Machine Sync allows two machines to actively track and follow the exact movements of one another during the grain unloading process. The next layer to this technology, is that the harvester operator (or any leader machine) can manually control the speed and lateral/parallel movement of the grain cart tractor (or any follower machine) as needed. Making small speed and directional 'nudges' to the grain cart tractor while the machine is harvesting and the unloading auger is engaged, results in an evenly filled grain cart with minimal spillage. To put it into perspective, a John Deere X1100 combine unloads for approximately 2 minutes every 7 minutes that the combine is harvesting in a high yield corn crop. The combine unloads corn at a rate of 5.3 bushels per second, which equates to an approximate $35 loss (assuming $6.50/bushel rate) each second the auger is not unloading into the grain cart. That can add up over the course of a day, week, or month if the precision and synchronization between harvest machines is absent.

Nudging is also a great feature because it prevents the harvester operator from having to adjust the speed of their machine, increasing the harvester’s productivity

Multifunction control lever for S600 Combines – button placement (1) and the nudge button (2)

Multifunction control lever for X Series and S700 Combines

On X and S Series Combines, the reconfigurable keys on the hydro handle that can be used to nudge the tractor forwards and backwards. Check out the “basic operating principles for optimal performance” section later in this sales manual, for instructions on how to update the combine’s hydro handle.

Minimize crop spillage when unloading

For SPFH and pull-type harvesters, Machine Sync can be used to create a U-shaped unloading zone. This gives operators the flexibility to use Machine Sync for unloading on the left, right, or rear of the machine as they continue to harvest the crop. Operators can save up to three home points when using the U-shaped unloading zone configuration, cutting down on the time spent changing or saving wagon locations based on the side of the machine the operator is unloading on.

Home points can be set on the Machine Sync run page on the in-cab display

Improve efficiency of harvest logistics

Paired with JDLink™ and In-Field Data Sharing technology, Machine Sync allows operators to view the position of all machines working in the same field, along with the grain tank fill levels of any combines that are harvesting the crop. This visibility allows grain cart drivers to see which combines need to be unloaded, minimizing the grain cart tractor operator’s wait time for unloading a combine, improving the entire harvest logistics operation. Furthermore, sharing coverage maps between all machines operating in the field allows grain cart operators to see what headlands have been harvested and if there are any areas that have been broken through that would allow for a shorter path to the combine that needs to be unloaded.

Listed below are the specific real-time insights visible to all machines within the same network:

Combine location and direction of travel
Grain cart location
Combine grain tank fill level
Combine unloading auger status
Coverage maps

Check out the pro-tips in the “basic operating principles for optimal performance,” section later in this sales manual, for proper In-Field Data Sharing setup.

The display screenshot above shows tracking coverage

Increase operator confidence

Machine Sync takes away the stress of unloading crop into a cart or wagon on the go

Whether it’s operating a combine, self-propelled forage harvester, or a pull-type harvester, unloading on-the-go is a highly skilled task that requires an experienced operator to execute at a high level. Machine Sync helps relieve the stress of ensuring the right position and speed is achieved between harvest machines throughout the unloading process, as it is all done automatically by the Machine Sync system.

Before Machine Sync and supplemental technologies, operators had to coordinate this (non-exhaustive) list of activities to ensure they were unloading the right combine at the right time:

Communicate between harvesters and unloading tractors over the radio
Exactly match the speed of the unloading tractor with the harvester (manually)
Be aware of any waterways or field contours that might interrupt the unloading process
Safely keep the right distance between the leader and the follower machines
Move the grain cart/unloading wagon just right to ensure even filling by manually adjusting leader or follower speed

By allowing this technology to become ingrained in an operation, the number of required tasks operators must think about and execute manually (and precisely) is significantly reduced, increasing operator confidence, in-field productivity, and overall operational efficiency.

Reduce soil compaction

Controlled traffic farming reduces soil compaction

Machine Sync supports controlled traffic farming where the leader and follower machines share the same guidance tracks. Using the same guidance tracks throughout each production step reduces soil compaction as all machines follow the same guidance tracks throughout the entire growing season.

Machines will stay on the guidance tracks even when disengaged from Machine Sync’s unloading operation, by continuing to engage AutoTrac™. It is particularly useful for harvesting operations, as shown above, as it prevents heavy machines from driving anywhere and everywhere throughout the field, causing compaction.

Controlled Traffic Mode can be found and turned on within the Machine Sync app’s Advanced Settings as shown below.