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Implement Steering Solution Improves Field Accuracy
Autosteer solutions have brought a level of accuracy to seed and fertilizer placement, but trailed implements still drift off the desired guidance line due to factors such as terrain, soil conditions, tractor speed, and implement length and width. Ag Leader, a precision farming company, developed RightPath to address t
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Implement Steering Solution Improves Field Accuracy
Autosteer solutions have brought a level of accuracy to seed and fertilizer placement, but trailed implements still drift off the desired guidance line due to factors such as terrain, soil conditions, tractor speed, and implement length and width. Ag Leader, a precision farming company, developed RightPath to address these shortfalls.
When pass-to-pass accuracy isn’t optimal during seeding, plants overlap unnecessarily, or large gaps are left, lowering crop yields and promoting weed growth.
Ag Leader believes steering the tractor properly is only part of the accuracy story and is currently adding implement steering to help complete the process.
Towed implements drift off the desired line as they’re only controlled by the tractor’s forward momentum. Even on flat ground, implements can drift up to 10 in. Sidehills, bends and curves increase these numbers.
“Many growers are moving toward more accurate GPS solutions, specifically with planters,” says Ag Leader Product Sales Specialist Logan Handsaker. “RightPath is our next phase in steering solutions geared towards solving problems not addressed by just keeping the tractor on the line.”
The RightPath system features a GPS receiver mounted on the implement, working in tandem with the tractor, to direct the implement onto the desired path.
The technology enables farmers to plant seeds accurately relative to previous strip-till or NH3 applications, achieve consistent guess rows in all conditions, plus reuse the same guidance lines during subsequent field activities.
“Essentially, we’re steering the vehicle off the line the user has created to keep the implement lined up properly,” Handsaker says. “We’re driving to the left and right, overcorrecting at times to keep the towed equipment on the correct line.”
To use RightPath, both the vehicle and implement require Ag Leader’s GPS 7500; however, only the vehicle requires TerraStar-C, TerraStar-X, or RTK. This allows operators to select the most suitable GPS correction for their specific needs. RightPath works with Ag Leader’s InCommand Go displays throughout the year and is compatible with SteerCommand Z2 and SteadySteer.
“With passive implement steering, we’re always reacting to the terrain and then making corrections. It’s challenging, but we’ve completed extensive testing and field time to confirm solid results. Currently, we’re accurate in achieving plus or minus 3 to 4 in. away from the guidance line.”
RightPath equipment is manufactured in Ames, Iowa, and will be available to farmers in late fall of 2025.
The GPS 7500 receiver retails for $2,295 with an unlock fee of $2,495. Approximately $750 of miscellaneous components, brackets, and cables is required. No recurring subscription fees are necessary.
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Ag Leader, 2202 S. Riverside Dr., Ames, Iowa 50010 (ph 515-735-7000; support@agleader.com; www.agleader.com).
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