Already enabling a combine to guide a tractor and trailer alongside the harvester, John Deere’s Machine Sync is now also available on self-propelled forage harvesters and tractors.

The global navigation satellite system (GNNS) based synchronisation enables on-the-move exchange of machine data to automatically control the speed and travel direction of tractors and trailers.

The company reckons trailed potato, carrot and vegetable harvester operators will benefit from the technology, especially during night-time operations and long working days. Machine Sync is also claimed to deliver significant assistance and productivity gains during planting applications.

Awarded with an innovation award silver medal at Agritechnica 2011, and introduced in 2012, Machine Sync requires JDLink telematics, a StarFire satellite receiver and a Gen4 Premium display with automation activation.

Retrofitting of all of these is possible, but the company reckons most customers select all these ex-factory when ordering a new tractor and/or self-propelled machine.