HFG Combine Operator Training Schools – 2022

A couple of weeks ago we held our annual Combine Operator Training Schools over 4 days at our Chilbolton HQ.

With over 100 attendees present across the duration of the schools, we welcomed operators both new and old.

Both gained an insight into the John Deere S Series & T Series Combines with in-depth Classroom sessions and Machine walkarounds conducted by the Precision Ag team.

Farmers and contractors running multi-brand tractor fleets can now use John Deere’s AutoTrac^TM TIM (Tractor-Implement-Management) activation for the Gen4 Universal Displays. This means that the proven guidance system AutoTrac^TM can be used on all tractors with AEF (Agricultural Electronics Foundation)-certified TIM guidance capability. Existing well-known solutions for machine guidance on multi-colour fleets are AutoTrac^TM Universal 300 and Reichhardt GREENFIT. The new AutoTrac^TM TIM is a complementary offer that is fully integrated. The key benefit is that no further steering wheel- or controller components are needed.

This is a simple solution for farmers and contractors with mixed fleets who want to use a universal guidance system. To run AutoTrac^TM TIM, they need the AEF-certified Gen4 Universal Display (4240 or 4640) with AutoTrac^TM activation and a StarFire^TM 6000 or 7000 receiver.

More and more manufacturers provide their tractors for the AEF TIM interface. John Deere unlocks its steering system for tractors for other manufacturers through ISOBUS, which are AEF TIM guidance certified. Details on machine compatibility to fit John Deere AutoTrac^TM TIM can be found on the AEF Database.

As soon as AutoTrac^TM TIM is used, the system can be supplemented as follows: If the machine (regardless of brand) is equipped with a JDLink^TM modem, data can be exchanged wirelessly and free of charge with the John Deere Operations Center^TM. It enables workflows to be set up, planned, monitored and analysed in a single online portal. This also allows customers to use functions for precision farming, such as creating application maps. These can then be sent directly to the tractors in the field using John Deere AutoSetup.

With the AutoTrac^TM TIM activation, John Deere shows that openness to other manufacturers still plays an important role. In this way, the company enables customers with mixed fleets in particular to easily use John Deere’s solutions for agriculture.

With the trials and tribulations of COVID-19 preventing us from holding any in-person training events over the past 2 years, it was great to be able to welcome customers back last week for our first Precision Ag events of the year, held for the first time at Thruxton Circuit in their purpose-built presentation space.

Customers and their operators benefited from the knowledge and expertise of the Hunt Forest Group Precision Ag department. Led by Group Precision Ag Manager, Lawrence Matthews the Precision Ag team had an informative and detailed day planned for guests covering the benefits of the John Deere products available.

 The following areas were covered by the team :

An overview of Generation 4 Display

An overview of the 6000 series

MyJohnDeere – the differences between JDLink & Operations Center

An introduction to AutoTrac Turn Automation

A live demonstration of AutoTrac Turn Automation

A live session of Remote Display Access

All of the topics covered in our Training Schools are aimed at customers and their operators getting the best from their machinery and refreshing or educating them on the technology and its many uses and applications. It was also a great opportunity for operators to discuss any questions they have with the team and even potentially diagnose any problems.

Over the course of 3 days, the Hunt Forest Group team welcomed over 90 attendees. A  great return to face to face events and the perfect opportunity to answer our Customers’ technological questions. With more Training School events planned in the West Country this week, keep an eye on our social media accounts and the website events page for dates and details of our next Precision Ag training events.

Following our announcement on Wednesday 6^th January, regarding the cancellation of our Precision Ag training schools due to the current COVID–19 regulations. We would like to make you aware that we will soon be releasing some online training school dates that you will be able to attend remotely. This will give you a chance to get back up to speed with your Precision Ag equipment and make you aware of any changes in software ready to take on the season ahead.

It is with great regret that due to the current Government COVID – 19 safety guidelines that we have had to cancel our annual February Precision Ag training schools for 2021.

But please be assured that our Precision Ag team takes great pride in the support that they offer throughout your growing season. And we look forward to supporting you in every way we can. Some of these ways include phone support from 5 dedicated team members. Remote display access where available. JDLINK machine monitoring where available. And in field optimisation visits following all Government COVID – 19 safety guidelines. Please do not hesitate to contact our Precision Ag team for all of your product support needs.

We hope to be able to host our 2021 Combine training schools this year but we will keep you informed as we approach the summer.

ONE MONTH TO GO.

A new StarFire 20-2 software update is now available. This is a mandatory update for both StarFire 6000 and 3000 receivers.

The most important part of the 20-2 software update is that it positions the current StarFire 6000 and StarFire 3000 receivers to continue operating in the future. Changes coming with the 20-2 software update also prepare the StarFire network to support new satellite constellations and the next generation StarFire receiver.

These software updates must take place by 1st February 2021. Those receivers that have not been updated will not receive the StarFire correction signal and will only operate on EGNOS.

EGNOS WILL NOT SUPPORT AUTOTRAC.

Please contact a member of the Hunt Forest Group Precision Ag team if you have not yet had this mandatory update. They will ensure the update is done following all government safety guidelines.  We wish you a happy and safe 2021.

A new StarFire 20-2 software update is now available. This is a mandatory update for both StarFire 6000 and 3000 receivers.

The most important part of the 20-2 software update is that it positions the current StarFire 6000 and StarFire 3000 receivers to continue operating in future. Changes coming with the 20-2 software update also prepare the StarFire network to support new satellite constellations and the next generation StarFire receiver.

These software updates must take place by 1st February 2021. Those receivers that have not been updated will not receive the StarFire correction signal and will only operate on EGNOS.

EGNOS WILL NOT SUPPORT AUTOTRAC.

The Hunt Forest Group Precision Ag team will be in contact with you during the upcoming months to book your receiver in for its software update to help minimise any disruption to your business.

John Deere has recently launched pin code protection on StarFire 6000 receivers through the 19.1 software update.

New lockable brackets are now also available to deter thieves. Given the rise in thefts of receivers over the last few years, this is an affordable and effective way to protect your investment.

Have your StarFire 6000 receiver protected with the latest 19.1 software version 4.10J offering pin code protection, “pin code protected” sticker and a quick reference user guide – £50 + VAT

Have your StarFire 6000 receiver protected with the latest 19.1 software version 4.10J offering pin code protection, “pin code protected” sticker, StarFire 6000 locking roof bracket and a quick reference user guide – £99 + VAT

Contact our Precision Ag team to book your receiver in for the software update.

(All prices are + VAT and updates are to be completed at your local branch).