Add-On Joystick Delivers Comfort And Safety

Add-On Joystick Delivers Comfort And Safety AGCO’s Fendt brand introduced the ErgoSteer retrofit kit to bring joystick steering to its FendtONE line of 500 to 1000 Vario series tractors equipped with Profi+ specifications. The kits come as two components: a replacement left armrest and a joystick portion that mounts above the armrest and plugs directly into the tractor’s CANBUS network port. Software updates aren’t necessary. The ErgoSteer joystick capabilities include a shuttle button to change directions and an auto-steer engagement to turn GPS functions on or off. It also features return-to-center positioning and a retraction steering mode. When activated, the machine drives straight ahead once the joystick is released. The direction of travel is changed at the steering joystick, including a stop-and-go function. “A sensitivity adjustment changes from 0 to 100, so it can be set aggressively and snappy or turned down for more precise slower movements,” says Fendt Sr. Marketing Product Specialist Blake Bullinger. As a safety feature, the joystick steering control is limited to speeds of 15 mph or less. Farmers still need to use the tractor’s steering wheel for road operation. The kit also adds driver comfort by allowing them to use proper seat posture in an ergonomically safe position rather than reaching and leaning forward to turn the wheel. “Instead of turning the tractor’s wheel three to four rotations, the joystick reduces it to 3 in. of travel. Any time we can increase efficiency and reduce operator inputs, it’s a good thing,” Bullinger says. He recommends that interested customers contact their nearest dealers for ErgoSteer pricing, availability and installation details. “It’s easy to get used to as well. If you’ve driven a skid-steer or a payloader, you’ll be right at home with it.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Fendt, 4205 River Green Pkwy., Duluth, Ga. 30096 (www.fendt.com/us).

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