Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) technologies for Off-Highway Agricultural Vehicles: The Benefits of using State-of-the-Art Mobile Hydraulics Technology

摘要

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) based technology has revolutionized production agriculture on a site-specific basis otherwise known as Precision Farming (PF). Precision Farming practices imply the application of chemical inputs at the right amount, at the right location, and at the right time. GNSS-based PF technologies, such as hands-off precision steering, variable rate application, active control of implement; data acquisition and crop management, are some of the applications. These technologies deliver unprecedented levels of reliability and accuracy (e.g., signal availability at any time, sub-inch guidance accuracy, etc.) to offhighway agricultural vehicles. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) offer a broad spectrum of GNSS technology based solutions that are cost-effective. Engineered mobile hydraulics and electronic products benefit GNSS-equipped agricultural off-highway vehicles where state-of-the-art hydraulic solutions at the component or system levels are available. This tight system integration leads to: (1) Optimal space claim (2) Minimized parasitic energy losses because components are designed to work together efficiently (3) Ability to perform multiple work functions simultaneously with more precision and accuracy and, (4) electro-hydraulic control systems and software compliant hardware components which enable tweaking mobile hydraulics machine performance on the fly to change performance characteristics. State-of-the-art hydrostatic auto guidance steering technology solutions not only increase productivity and reduce operator fatigue, but also insure safety compliance.