Fertiliser spreader section control

[Flat 10]

Read a lot about section control on fert spreaders- looks a good idea and a possibility on my next machine.
However what GPS input do they need from the tractor? Are they compatible with all makes? presumably they don't have their own receivers? Do lightbars give enough information? Or waste of time. Sorry for dumb questions

 

[clbarclay]

It depends on the particular spreaders control box and the GPS you have.

 

[Will Blackburn]

I have just got a geospread Vicon, which uses agco topcon output. There’s a common standard I think it’s nmea?

 

[Steevo]

As above depends on the system.

Some can have GPS built into them - KV/Vicon do I know. If not there is often an unlock code required for the GPS system (e..g Trimble/Topcon) you use, plus the fert spreader manufacturer will charge a licence key to upgrade their box to section control also. Personally I'd always opt to have a self contained GPS system run only on the fert spreader - that way you've only got one manufacturer in the mix and if you get a problem they can't blame each other....would also mean only one dealer mechanic involved too if you had a callout.

Priced it up recently and was told that all in it works out about 50% on top of a standard weigh cell machine to upgrade to section control. Seemed a lot but it would likely soon pay for itself.

 

[clbarclay]

Using KV/Vicon geospread as an example, when I got one here, it could be species with it's own control for the cab or as ISOBUS, connecting to any ISOBUS terminal.

The control box could work without any GPS if needed, but would accept the standard output from most GPS receivers. I understood it could still do geospread like that, but don't know the details.

The ISOBUS version needs a compatible terminal, such as those factory built into some tractors, or it needs a retrofit terminal. If you have a GPS already that has the right output, you could use that to send position information to a universal ISOBUS terminal like the KV Tellus.

I opted to upgrade from previous light bar system and got a new GPS system with an ISOBUS geospread, which combined ISOBUS and auto steering. Not a cheap option, but was cheaper than buying non ISOBUS GPS to do auto steering and a separate control box or ISOBUS terminal for the spreader. The move to auto steering has definitely been worth it.

 

[Steevo]

Best way to implement Kverneland Geospread

Hi We are about to buy a new spreader and like the KV Geo. It will be mounted on a JD6430 with manual spools and no screens. We don't have any gps or isobus equipment in the tractor. What do you think will be the most economical, flexible and easy system to buy? It must be possible to add...

thefarmingforum.co.uk

 

[Robt]

With ours (Sulky) it can be bought as an iso machine so comes with no control box and uses the tractor screen and GPS receiver.
it can be bought with a screen and you use your own receiver via an NMEA feed.
and can be bought with a screen and receive so a stand alone system.
Edit, in the essence of fairness. I think every manufacturer can offer this too!

 

[benny6910]

Sorry to jump in on somebody else’s thread but I have a vicon spreader running it through the isobus screen in my John Deere. If I wanted to go section control do I need to pay to unlock the spreader and the John Deere section control or could I just unlock the tractor?

 

[Will Blackburn]

Sorry to jump in on somebody else’s thread but I have a vicon spreader running it through the isobus screen in my John Deere. If I wanted to go section control do I need to pay to unlock the spreader and the John Deere section control or could I just unlock the tractor?

Yes, afaik, I bought the Vicon tellus terminal so I paid for the unlock on that rather than the tractor so moveable.
Plus the Data4 isobus screen is sh!t, so now we have a clearer touch screen for Massey guidance when using the isobus drill.

 

[Steevo]

Sorry to jump in on somebody else’s thread but I have a vicon spreader running it through the isobus screen in my John Deere. If I wanted to go section control do I need to pay to unlock the spreader and the John Deere section control or could I just unlock the tractor?

Is your spreader a Geospread spreader?

 

[benny6910]

Is your spreader a Geospread spreader?

No it’s just a ro edw but it does basic section control as I’ve used up my free trail period.

 

[Steevo]

No it’s just a ro edw but it does basic section control as I’ve used up my free trail period.

Ah, I see. As in "left" or "right" rather than parts of sections. I'm with you now....!