To read full article:  http://machinecontrolonline.com/content/view/7857/209/

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/cygnus/oemoh_20111112/#/4

From left:  Albert Zahalka (TPA), Serge Deliederkerke (Matermaco), Gerard Zweers (Vormec), Oscar Bloem (Mechatrac), Stefaan Forret (Matermaco), Bas Mulder (Mechan Partners), Wim Hengeveld (Mechatrac), Dick Melissen (De Vor), Stefano Rosato (TPA).

Topcon Precision Agriculture machine control technology and products and its OEM (original equipment manufacturers) were a huge draw at the world’s largest AG trade show – Agritechnica 2011 in Hanover, Germany.

The agricultural machinery and technology show featured more than 2,600 exhibitors in 24 exhibition halls and more than a million square feet of floor space.

Topcon’s booth was deemed “very impressive” and “awesome” in online conversations, and various attendees made note that major equipment manufacturers – AGCO (Massey Ferguson, Challenger, Valtra), Amazone, Same Deutz-Fahr and Krone – were displaying multiple Topcon systems and machine control technology at their exhibits.

The Agritechnica show ran Sunday Nov. 13 through Saturday, Nov 19.

This allows existing users of both the NORAC UC5 boom leveling system and the Topcon X30 control console to be able to have the systems functioning together. UC5 users benefit through having another terminal option in the Topcon X30.  Existing X30 users benefit in the ability to add a NORAC UC5 system to their sprayer and operate the system from the X30 console, without the need for a separate interface for the boom leveling system.

“We are very excited to be adding the Topcon X30 console to the list of virtual terminals and panels that are compatible with the NORAC UC5, the most advanced spray height control system in the industry,” said Danea Armstrong, vice president of global sales for NORAC Systems International.

The UC5 is an ISOBUS certified system that uses ultrasonic sensors to control boom height by monitoring ground surface or top of crop, depending upon crop conditions and operator preference. The NORAC UC5 uses no mechanical contact sensors to control boom height. The UC5 also has Roll Control™ capabilities for most sprayer models, allowing for increased boom stability, even in the most challenging terrain.

Michael Bourke, TPA global sales director, said, “The compatibility is a direct benefit to both companies and to our end user customers. The X30 provides the most advanced, quick and accurate controller on the market, while NORAC’s spray height control system is cutting edge technology.”

About NORAC
NORAC Systems International Inc. strives to improve the competitiveness of agriculture through precision measurement. Founded in 1974, NORAC pioneered the use of ultrasonic sensing in the development of control equipment for the agricultural industry. The ultrasonic technology has transformed the use of chemcial application equipment. For more information visit our website at www.norac.ca.

About Topcon Precision Agriculture
Topcon Precision Agriculture is a business unit of Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. (TPS). TPS designs and manufactures precise positioning products and solutions for the global surveying, construction, agriculture, civil engineering, mapping and GIS, asset management and mobile control markets. TPS’ parent company, Topcon Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange – 7732), was founded in 1932.

The Topcon system is fully integrated into the Pantera sprayer. The System 150 automatic steering and section control are compatible and have been tested with the Pantera to meet exacting AMAZONE standards.

The core of the Topcon System 150 is the AGI-3 GPS receiver. The dual-constellation GNSS receiver utilizes signals from both GPS and GLONASS satellite systems. Topcon GNSS receivers will also be able to receive other satellite constellations (including the European Galileo system) when they become operational.

The AGI-3 is not only a GNSS receiver, it contains inertial sensors and steering controller, plus includes integrated terrain and slope compensation for easy incorporation with existing steering components on the vehicle. With optional RTK-GPS, an accuracy of +/- 2 cm can be achieved.

Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer GmbH & Co. KG, located in Hasbergen-Gaste, Germany, is a manufacturer of agricultural machinery branded AMAZONE. Core products, renown for superior quality and innovative design, include tillage implements, seeders, fertilizer spreaders and field sprayers. More than 125 years in business, the family-owned enterprise has grown to a major player in agriculture with more than 1,600 employees and exporting to over 70 countries.

Topcon Precision Agriculture is a business unit of Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. (TPS). TPS designs and manufactures precise positioning products and solutions for the global surveying, construction, agriculture, civil engineering, mapping and GIS, asset management and mobile control markets. TPS’ parent company, Topcon Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange – 7732), was founded in 1932.

Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer GmbH & Co. KG, located in Hasbergen-Gaste, Germany, is a manufacturer of agricultural machinery branded AMAZONE. Core products, renown for superior quality and innovative design, include tillage implements, seeders, fertilizer spreaders and field sprayers. More than 125 years in business, the family-owned enterprise has grown to a major player in agriculture with more than 1,600 employees and exporting to over 70 countries.

Be sure to visit the CropLife IRON voting page to cast your vote for System 350 today!

http://www.croplife.com/equipment/poy/?storyid=3575

The voting deadline is Nov. 4, 2011 and the winning Product of the Year will be announced in December.

CropLife IRON Magazine ©Meister Media Worldwide
CropLife and CropLife IRON serves distributors, ag retailers, and custom applicators in the United States by keeping them up to date on crop protection, seed technology, precision agriculture, business management, and equipment and technology.

Why System 350 was nominated by CropLife IRON Magazine
“Autosteer technology reduces expensive swath overlap and collects valuable information that can help increase work efficiency and reduce input costs. The System 350 takes those benefits to an unprecedented level to further increase productivity.”

Topcon Precision Agriculture (TPA) has announced an agreement with SAME DEUTZ-FAHR (SDF), to produce a new product line for SDF dedicated to precision agriculture.

Topcon is a business unit of Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS), and SDF is one of the leading manufacturers of tractors, combine harvesters, engines and agricultural equipment.

The agreement provides for cooperation between Topcon and SDF’s engineering department to develop state-of-the-art precision farming products. The products will be designed for SDF tractors and combine harvesters and marketed with the brand Agrosky™ via SDF’s distribution network. Agrosky is SDF’s brand of precision farming products.

The partnership will allow the entire range of SDF products to be equipped with precision farming devices, ranging from automatic steering, with precision from +/- 2 cm, to the most sophisticated machine control systems.

Albert Zahalka, president of Topcon Precision Agriculture business unit, said, "Our products represent the company’s history of 80 years in the precise positioning business, our overall commitment to excellence, and the integration of our technology for measuring and precision geolocalization systems with electro-hydraulic control of agricultural machines.

“It is our commitment to SDF to provide superior accuracy and reliability with every component we provide.”

In particular, according to Franco Artoni, SDF’s sales, marketing and after sales executive director, “Precision agriculture is becoming increasingly important, especially in the countries of Western Europe where SDF is present on a grand scale.  Our company has always believed investment in Research & Development to be strategic and this is without doubt an area of great potential. From the partnership with Topcon we expect to be able to offer our clients precision farming systems that are cutting-edge in the market, always in line with their requirements and technological processes which, in this sector, are constantly changing."

Ivan Di Federico, chief strategy officer for TPS, said, “Automatic steering and productivity measuring and control software are a natural development for machinery that is ever more sophisticated, but also increasingly easy to use and very cost-effective. Our precision systems minimize risks and improve the performance of both tractors and combine harvesters.”

The new Agrosky SDF products for tractors and combines will be officially presented at Agritechnica 2011.

About Topcon:
Topcon Precision Agriculture is a business unit of Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. (TPS). TPS designs and manufactures precise positioning products and solutions for the global surveying, construction, agriculture, civil engineering, mapping and GIS, asset management and mobile control markets. TPS’ parent company, Topcon Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange – 7732), was founded in 1932.

About SDF:
Based in Treviglio, Bergamo (northern Italy), SAME DEUTZ-FAHR (SDF) is one of the world's leading manufacturers of agricultural tractors, combine harvesters, farm machinery and engines. SDF products are manufactured and marketed under the SAME, Deutz-Fahr, Lamborghini and Hürlimann brands. 

Tractors range from 30hp to 270hp and combine harvesters from 120hp to 450hp.  In 2010, SDF employed some 2450 people worldwide and recorded sales turnover of €855 million, generating an EBIT of €20,1 million.

The group holds a 25.1% stake in DEUTZ AG, an independent and world-leading manufacturer of diesel engines, listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Mark Contino, vice president of product marketing, said, “Joe is a highly accomplished marketing professional with extensive business-to-business experience, plus he has a wealth of knowledge in the precision agriculture business."

He said Robertson’s background in product branding, development of marketing plans and creativity in development of product collateral materials will “be invaluable to the future endeavors of TPA’s efforts in the Americas and around the world.”

Albert Zahalka, president of TPA, said, “Joe is known throughout the agriculture marketplace as a consummate professional. With his extensive background and experience, he brings a skill-set to the company that will benefit Topcon, its dealer network and customers.”

Robertson’s experience includes vice president of McCann-Erickson advertising agency in San Francisco, and the Lois/USA agency in Chicago. Additionally, he has served as manager of communications for Novariant, Inc., of Fremont, California, where he managed all communications for its AutoFarm division.

Contino said, “Joe’s skill sets in the areas of marketing strategy, planning and budgeting, branding, trade shows and events and channel communications and promotions, will prove invaluable to Topcon’s efforts in the precision agriculture marketplace.”

Robertson said he was “looking forward to promoting the Topcon brand and its specialized precision ag products and services. TPA’s product lineup is recognized throughout the world for offering true solutions to the precision agriculture market.”

Advancements in technology and the industries they serve are often attributed to the dreams and persistence of a few innovative visionaries. 3D machine control and positioning is no exception, and has long recognized Rick Davidson as one of its fundamental pioneers.

In 1980, Rick worked for Spectra Physics, then based in San Jose, California. When Spectra Physics acquired LaserPlane Corporation, Rick moved to Dayton, Ohio. LaserPlane had a long tradition of innovation, including Robert Studebaker’s invention of the “LaserPlane” (another great story for another article), so the merger nurtured Rick’s ideas because he was surrounded with kindred spirits. Rick Davidson

This would be a good time to make a disclaimer of sorts. I am writing this article, as I understand the facts, based on interviews, web research and my 27 years in the business. Many others have contributed to the success of pioneers like Rick Davidson. That collateral talent has immense passion and drive for these technologies. So please forgive me if I do not mention all of those supporting and other very significant roles. It is my intention to pay homage to the contributions and the life of Rick Davidson.

http://machinecontrolonline.com/content/view/7530/136/

“The idea is that global positioning becomes like a utility,” he said. “For instance, when you turn on a light electricity makes it work, or when you turn on the water, it is clean and usable. Imagine there being no issues with compatibility or to understand your position on Earth — it’s just there, on and ready to use. This is where the technology is headed, and that makes the future look very exciting for the GPS business.”

Flashforward six years, and while some things have been sorted out, others have grown more complex. Ambitious individuals who saw an opportunity to provide RTK signal service to their regions set out to build their own systems, often in partnership with growers and other businesses in the area. Manufacturers set out to build RTK networks in cooperation with their dealer-networks. Some growers felt big enough to do it on their own.

http://www.topconpositioning.com/news-events/news/press-article/untangling-gps

http://croplife.com/clmag/?storyid=3398

Effective immediately, Ewout Korpershoek, formerly managing director of Topcon Europe Positioning (TEP), will join the Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) senior executive team as chief marketing officer responsible for all marketing and product management functions at TPS and TEP.  He was also named chairman of the TEP board of directors.  He has been a member of TPS’ strategic management team and executive committee since July 2010.

Korpershoek has also been appointed to the executive committee of the positioning business unit of Topcon Corporation where he will be in charge of global marketing.

Tony Hirayama, currently CEO of Topcon Positioning Iberia / InlandGEO and a director of TEP, will become the new managing director of TEP.  Hirayama will also remain in his current positions.

“Ewout is a tremendous leader,” said Ray O’Connor, president and CEO of TPS and managing executive officer of Topcon Corporation. “His management of TEP has seen it through both rapid growth and an austere economy. Ewout’s vast experience, creativity and keen judgment have provided the solid foundation for success.

“I have asked him to be our first chief marketing officer, reporting directly to me, using his talents to lead and unite TPS and TEP in the critical areas of marketing and product management.  Combined with his new responsibility for global marketing on the Topcon executive committee, we now have the opportunity to serve our many markets with a unified message and the strongest products worldwide,” said O’Connor.

“There is no one in the Topcon executive management team that has more diverse leadership experience than Tony Hirayama,” O’Connor said. “His years at TPS, then at headquarters, then in Australia and Europe with precision agriculture, and as a director of TEP make him ideally equipped to lead TEP as we continue to add new markets and growth opportunities.”

In his new position, Korpershoek will manage the first steps of true globalization of Topcon marketing and product management. Under his leadership the TPS and TEP marketing, product management, and training teams will integrate their talents and resources to harmonize the Topcon brand message and customer experience in the western hemisphere.

“I am very excited to have this opportunity,” Korpershoek said. “This integration has been an objective of both TPS and TEP for a long time and I’m honored to be asked to lead it. I’m also very happy that Tony will be my new partner at TEP. He is a distinguished and dedicated leader and I will depend on his global perspective very heavily as we move forward.”

About his appointment to managing director, Hirayama expressed his gratitude to Steve Hirano, Topcon executive officer and general manager of the global positioning business unit, and O’Connor. “I appreciate the trust that Mr. Hirano and Ray have given to me.  It is a great honor to take on this new role and big responsibilities at TEP.  We have a big challenge under the current unpredictable economy in Europe.

“I am thankful for the solid course that has already been established within TEP, and the opportunity to work closely with Ulrich Hermanski and Jan van der Weijden as we lead the TEP team to continue the growth that it has experienced under their direction.”

Korpershoek, who joined TEP in 1991, will remain a resident of the Netherlands, but spend extensive time working at TPS.  Hirayama, who joined Topcon in 1985, will relocate to the Netherlands in the near future, but continue to spend time in Madrid at Topcon Positioning Iberia / InlandGEO as required.

With more and more farmers adopting guidance and automatic steering the search for a reliable, accurate and affordable satellite correction signal has never been more critical. Faced with this challenge a group of progressive farmers from around Booleroo, located at the Southern tip of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia got together to see if they could find a regional solution.

http://www.topconpositioning.com/news-events/news/press-article/base-station-key-self-help-gps-group

Mike Gomes, director global OEM solutions with Topcon, is also seeing how consumer items such as portable computers, iPads, iPhones, Motorola Zoom, etc., are impacting customer expectations and driving a new wave of user interface technology into the precision ag business.

Topcon has responded to this trend with the new X30 console, which features “double touchscreen” technology and graphic user interface, says Kevin Cobb, director of agriculture product management. “This display has a 12.1-inch highly visible multi-touch screen with a simple-to-use interface that allows drivers to have both a customizable dashboard of information as well as up to three mini-view windows for simultaneous on-screen visibility of rate control, section control, and other operations,” Cobb describes.

http://www.topconpositioning.com/news-events/news/press-article/cabs-join-data-stream

Top photo pictured from left:  Mark Contino, Mick Yamazaki, Ray O’Connor, Mark Bittner.

Topcon Precision Agriculture announces the new SGR-1 receiver with TruPass™ advanced positioning technology for more accurate, stable pass-to-pass accuracies in dynamic agriculture applications.

This new, low-cost receiver utilizes 32 channels to track signals from GPS, GLONASS, SBAS (satellite-based augmentation system) EGNOS and WAAS (wide area augmentation system), as well as L-band OmniSTAR.  The position update rate is 10Hz upgradeable to 20Hz.

Kevin Cobb, director of agriculture product management, said, “The SGR-1 receiver features faster satellite acquisition and simultaneous processing of GPS and GLONASS signals. This receiver technology is perfect for highly accurate pass-to-pass performance in agriculture applications.”

The SGR-1 provides accurate radar speed emulation for improved slow speed seeding and spraying operations and features serial and CANbus communication capabilities.  The unit’s compact and rugged design has earned an IP66 water and dust protection rating.

Kevin Cobb, director of agriculture product management, said, "HiPer AG is a versatile component for precision farming operations and the most advanced and compact receiver available in the precision ag market. The integrated one-piece unit incorporates a GPS receiver, radio communications and batteries."

He said, "The HiPer AG is a next generation replacement of the HiPer Lite as a portable base station for high accuracy RTK applications and is designed for simple setup and operation with Topcon's Systems 150, 200, 210, 250, or 350."

HiPer AG is a dual-frequency, GPS+GLONASS receiver that provides access to more satellites at any point in time for more consistent and reliable positioning in all field conditions.

As a multi-function, multi-purpose receiver, HiPer AG can receive and process signals from both GPS and GLONASS satellite constellations and can utilize corrections via L1/L2 C/A, P-Code and carrier data (as well as WAAS/EGNOS signals), in addition to private carrier correction providers such as Omnistar to improve both accuracy and reliability of points and positions.

The HiPer AG features include multi-path mitigation and co-op tracking, plus under-canopy and low-signal strength reception. Cobb said, "The HiPer AG receiver will prove Topcon's industry-leading performance in signal reception, and the overall positioning integrity required for consistent and repeatable high accuracy auto-steering, precision application and land leveling."

Other features include:
-- Innovative, cable-free, compact design;
-- Complete GPS and GLONASS satellite system tracking;
-- Advanced digital radio communications system;
-- Integrated Bluetooth® wireless technology;
-- Powerful 40-channel GNSS board operating at up to 20Hz; and
-- Rugged, field-proven design.

System 210 uses Topcon's Agriculture GPS+ System (AGS) technology that is a "time-tested control system that operates on the X20 multi-function, touch-screen controller," according to Kevin Cobb, director of agriculture product management.

With the "new System 210, an operator can gather field surveys in minutes right from the cab," Cobb said,"or let Topcon's AGForm-3D survey and design software calculate best-fit slopes and reduce yardage."

System 210 features include dual-constellation GPS plus GLONASS satellite reception, for maximum accuracy and 24/7 operating capabilities. It operates in conjunction with AGForm-3D land-leveling, surveying and field design software to aid in solving surface drainage problems and improving irrigation efficiency.

The software allows operators to break fields into multiple sections to reduce yardage, shorten hauls and minimize topsoil cuts.

The system includes the MC-R3 controller, HiPer AG mobile RTK base station and PG-A1 antenna and is available in either single or dual-scraper configurations. The MC-R3 features a special built-in panel that provides status lights and function keys for "easy performance verification and system checks," Cobb said. The unit also includes multiple data ports, robust processing capabilities, and additional valve drivers, which allows for increased machine control capabilities."

The HiPer AG mobile base station provides GNSS corrections for high-accuracy Z-axis positioning for land leveling. The one-piece, cable free unit incorporates a receiver, radio, antennas, and rechargeable battery.

Dual-constellation antenna options include the PG-A1 with integrated ground plane and micro-center technology which reduces multipath errors or the CR-G3 dome with internal choke ring for high performance in more demanding environments.

In the boom-and-bust economy that has characterized the global agriculture marketplace for the past several years, one thing has remained constant:  Farm owners and operators that invested in advanced technologies put themselves in a position to charge full-speed ahead to maximize crop production and save money in every area of the crop cycle today … and in the future.

Albert Zahalka, president of Topcon Precision Agriculture, can clearly define the necessity of farm operators adopting the information-is-power philosophy – tying in all phases of crop production with specialized machine automation and software systems designed to take a project from the planning stage to field to post-production analysis.

The economic message from Zahalka never changes: Invest in advanced technology! Now!

Dr. C. Jason Smith, Ph.D., co-founder of Discipline and Write, a New York technical writing cooperative, recently interviewed Zahalka about the trends in the global precision agriculture marketplace.

Smith: In your role with Topcon, you are adamant about the necessity of global farm operators adopting and adapting machine control and asset management technology at every step of the farming operation. Is your message getting through to farm operators?

Zahalka: Absolutely, and the message won’t change today … or in the future. Farmers not feeling an overwhelming competitive rush and a need to invest in new technology that transforms every single crop into a digital farming operation are putting their future in jeopardy.  Is that a harsh and non-compromising statement?  Absolutely.  But, that doesn’t make it any less true.

The large agribusinesses, the large farms, were the first adopters – because the cost of some of these precision agriculture systems, the very sophisticated, highly accurate systems, is expensive for a small farmer.

But now, in spite of the cost of some of these systems, the largest customer base now is small farm operations; increasingly they are going for full-blown systems, not basic steer-by-wire systems.

Smith: So, what is behind this rapid uptake of precision agriculture technology?

Zahalka: Today, precision agriculture is about three key elements:

1. Saving time
2. Cost savings
3. Enhancing the environment

The secret to success in farming – from planning to preparing the land, from planting to harvest and collecting and analyzing data – is how to get the most work done in the least amount of time and save money while doing it.  That’s a truism that will not change regardless of the area, price of supplies or crops at harvest or geographical location.  Saving time and money is what is important.

At Topcon Precision Agriculture, the first design priority of every instrument we design and manufacture is to enable farmers to save time and money with minimal negative effect on the environment, all while providing vital and accurate information at every juncture of the farming cycle.

Smith: Is there any exception to farmers investing in advanced technology?

Zahalka: Not really, not in the scope of being as productive and profitable as possible.  For a farm operation to be truly successful, an operator must have a fighting chance to generate the highest possible yield and keep costs low.  The only way to do that efficiently is by applying technology whenever possible.

Smith: Why is embracing technological advances so important in today’s farming operations?

Zahalka: It’s the difference in winners and losers.  I believe if you are not doing everything you can to increase yields and save money and time, your farming operation is in decline, stagnating … or dying.  A great many farms have been declining or, at best, stagnating over the past several years.  But farmers that invest in technology to save time create opportunities to be more productive and will see their bottom line increase.

In any business, dropping more money to the bottom line is a good sign of a progressive, forward-thinking operation.

Effective management of time and resources produces optimum results.  Manage time by saving it, use technology to your advantage, be more productive, make more money.  That is the formula for a successful business regardless of the business you are in.

Smith: What technology is available that can create a competitive advantage for farmers today?            

Zahalka: Just about anything you can think of is already available.  The future of farm operation applications is here.  Topcon’s new System 350 for global precision agriculture featuring the new all-in-one X30 control console sets the industry standard for performance in virtually every conceivable area of farming operations.

In the areas of guidance, rate control and information, the X30 provides an unprecedented array of options.  From variable rate control to a configurable alarm system, from job reports to auto field recognition, and from creation of multiple boundaries to job reports, the X30 is the perfect – and total – solution for any size farming operation.

But that’s just the start of the technology revolution.  What about data collection and analysis?  With Topcon Tierra you have available real-time data via a web portal allowing you to keep track of every machine on every farming location regardless of where it may be.  Imagine: From any location, you can keep track of every piece of machinery, know where it is at any given moment and monitor and manage an entire fleet of machines on criteria you set.

This technology is truly amazing, and it is today’s reality that can save a company money every single day on every single step in the farming operation.

Again, it is another example of technology saving time and money and increasing productivity exponentially.

The campaign is designed to promote the role of Topcon's precision positioning technology in the farming industry throughout the world. The slogan "Topcon Precision Active" is a statement about "what Topcon Precision Ag products do ... make farm machinery precision active in every phase of the farming cycle – planning, planting, growing, harvesting," Causey said.

"Farm owners and operators who have adopted precision agriculture as a way to save time, operate more efficiently, be environment-friendly, obtain a higher accuracy, higher yield and reduce costs are 'precision active,'" he said.

More and more original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are delivering equipment and machines with Topcon precision ag technology installed and ready to go. That's 'precision active,' and that's what we are promoting through this campaign," Causey said.

Topcon customers can promote their equipment as "Precision Active" with decals for their vehicles and equipment. The decals are available at Topcon agriculture dealers throughout the United States and Canada.

Topcon is also promoting its "Precision Ready" campaign for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to show that the machinery can be easily upgraded with Topcon machine control products.

Causey said, "Global OEMs are facilitating the adoption and integration of advanced machine features and functionality."

For more information, locate your local TPA dealer at topconpa.com.

The advanced software features a "unique and powerful capability for non-planar surface designs," said Kevin Cobb, director of agriculture product management. "AGForm-3D allows an operator to create optimal design surfaces by choosing either single or dual planes, or non-planar surfaces. This capability provides greater flexibility and cost savings for earthmoving projects."

He said, "The software provides 3D, plan and profile views of the existing topography to help you choose the best design." Additionally, "it allows an operator to break the field into multiple sections to reduce yardage, shorten haul distances and minimize topsoil cuts."

AGForm-3D also provides "handy tools to calculate distances, slopes, areas and volumes," Cobb said, "which are very helpful to determine export volumes for roads and levees or monitor grading progress. Images are displayed in the plan view as well as profile view; summary or comprehensive reports can also be printed."

"AGForm-3D is an ideal field survey program for use with Topcon's System 210 land leveling and machine control," he said. Using AGForm-3D on a laptop or tablet computer, it's "a simple matter to design the field, then transfer the file to the control for automatic GPS control," Cobb said.

System 350 industry's most versatile controllerTopcon Precision Agriculture (TPA) announces the new System 350 for global precision agriculture featuring the new all-in-one X30 control console.

Albert Zahalka, TPA president, said, "With all new hardware and a revolutionary new interface, Topcon's System 350 truly sets the industry standard for performance in virtually every conceivable area of farming operations."

He said the features include:

• Large (12.1 inch) multi-touch screen, readable even in bright sunlight;
• Powerful 1.6 GHz central processor;
• IP67 rated, withstands the harshest of environmental conditions;
• New Topcon interface with extensive features, including up to three mini-view windows, user definable dashboard view, interactive keyboard, and detailed information displays;
• High accuracy autosteering, up to 2 cm when used with Topcon AGI-3 receiver/steering controller;
• 32-section auto-control;
• Multiple guideline settings, including straight, adaptive curve and center pivot; and
• Detailed job summary reports for data tracking and multi-year analysis.

Simple icon-based management of multiple simultaneous precision farming tasks: autosteering settings, variable rate application for single and multi products, autosection control, data logging, mapping, and implement setup.

In the areas of guidance, rate control and information, the X30 "provides an unprecedented array of options," Zahalka said. "From variable rate control to a configurable alarm system, from job reports to auto field recognition, and from creation of multiple boundaries to job reports, the X30 is the perfect - and total - solution for any size farming operation."

The system's ISO virtual terminal interface provides direct configuration capabilities for a majority of the industry's standard plug-and-play controllers, including AGCO, Case International Harvester, John Deere, DICKEY-john, Great Plains, and TeeJet, among others.

Zahalka said, "There is no system on the market that's easier to set up and operate than the System 350 with X30. Its modern design, large touch screen, icon-based user interface and multiple applications and features provide the future of precision farming operations ... today!"

Go to 

Topcon, with headquarters in Livermore, California, recently unveiled its System 350 machine control system, which utilizes the new X30 control console and its AGI-3 receiver for autosteering functionality.

DICKEY-john, based in Auburn, Illinois, serves the agriculture, off-road equipment, public works and analytical instrumentation industries worldwide. They will be adding Topcon’s revolutionary X30 machine control display as a next-generation console to their current product line-up. The X30 is a virtual terminal that offers complete compatibility, not only with DICKEY-john sensors, monitors and control systems, but also any ISO 11783 compliant product.

Ray O’Connor, Topcon president and CEO, said, “DICKEY-john is a globally recognized company with an exemplary reputation for its expertise in planting and application control. The company is well known for their reliable sensor technology and dedication to customer service; the X30 will be a strong addition to their industry recognized product line. We are excited to work closely with this first-class company on mutually rewarding programs and projects.”

DICKEY-john’s vice president of marketing, Art Tsubaki, stated, “Topcon’s strength in technology, such as ruggedized virtual terminals, GPS and steering technology, provides another product option for our customers. Our ISO tradition and expertise, in combination with the X30, provide a great platform for OEM and aftermarket opportunities.”

The X30 console has a large (12.1 inch) display with an icon-based user interface, dashboard and interaction keypad for ease of use.

Its prominent features include:
-- Compatibility with DICKEY-john control ECU’s
-- Autosteering using the Topcon AGI-3 receiver
-- ISO virtual terminal compatible
-- Manual guidance via lightbar system
-- Coverage mapping, as-applied maps
-- Import of XML prescription maps
-- 24 languages available

Topcon Precision Agriculture is a business unit of Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc. (TPS). TPS designs and manufactures precise positioning products and solutions for the global surveying, construction, agriculture, civil engineering, mapping and GIS, asset management and mobile control markets. TPS’ parent company, Topcon Corporation (Tokyo Stock Exchange – 7732), was founded in 1932.

DICKEY-john Corporation is a privately-held division of TSI. Since 1966, DICKEY-john, based in Auburn, IL, has designed, manufactured, marketed and supported products used in the agricultural and public works industries. Key products include sensors, monitors and control systems for farming tractors and implements, city/state snow & ice control vehicles and analytical instrumentation for grain moisture and constituent testing for global customers.

David Frick, Australia sales manager for TPA said, "The farmer and dealer have been at the forefront of Topcon's planning, with cost and performance in mind.  Through modern engineering, we have managed to reduce cost along with cabin clutter, whilst still providing the end user the best console within agriculture at an affordable price.  Broad acre farmers will enjoy all the X20 ability whilst having an upgradeable steering assist solution."

Two new products, Topcon's SGR-1 receiver and the PS-4 ECU, are components of the ProSteer 4 system.  The SGR-1 provides accelerated satellite signal reception to speed up operations and the PS-4 electronic control unit (ECU) provides terrain adjustment, making the system versatile for a wide range of conditions. 

Features of ProSteer 4 include:

• Mounts on roof to reduce cabin clutter
• Upgrade receiver as needed
• Rugged construction
• Simple installation

Topcon's new AG CON.NET modem provides NEXT G cellular connections for CORS RTK correctional signals.*
*Modem available only in Australia.

Go to ProSteer 4 page...

The new facility will be the operations center for distribution and support of TPA products and software for all European agriculture business, according to Carlos Monreal, TPA vice president of global agriculture. In addition to his global duties, Monreal is directly responsible for TPA's European operations.

Monreal is the former president and CEO of InlandGEO, and is also president of TPI. In his new role, he will be in charge of sales, service support and technical staff members.

Albert Zahalka, senior vice president of TPA, said, "No one knows the European agriculture market better than Carlos. His work with InlandGEO, and his intuitive business sense and knowledge of the agriculture industry trends and needs by customers and potential customers is a win-win situation for the company and end-users."

Robin Pick is the new TPI agriculture product manager. Stefano Rosato has been named TPI's key accounts and marketing manager and Dr. Matthias Sausen and Lars Nielsen are regional agriculture sales managers. Regional technical managers include Jaime Monreal, Marko Lamprecht, Jesper Bekhoj and Samuel Piou. Javier Villar will be project manager.

David Hart has been named as Technical Services Group (TSG) manager. Other managers within TSG include Serafín Lopez-Cuervo (support), Ricardo Hormigos (repairs and warranties) and Roberto Infante (technical services).

Tony Hirayama, former president and CEO of TPA, who currently holds several positions with Topcon Corporation in Tokyo, has been named CEO of TPI. David Mudrick, CFO of TPS, will be chairman of the board of directors.

Other members of the board will be Ray O'Connor, president and CEO of TPS, Ewout Korpershoek, managing director of Topcon Europe Positioning and Ivan Di Federico, TPS chief strategy officer.

Albert Zahalka, senior vice president
Topcon Precision Agriculture

Synopsis

Precision agriculture, combining high-accuracy GNSS technology, sophisticated software, machine guidance and metering systems, crop analysis systems, weather monitoring and telematics, is changing the face of agriculture around the world. It allows farmers at all levels, ranging from small family-run operations to large agri-businesses, to achieve significant improvements in farming efficiency. Benefits include increased yields, savings in time, higher productivity, reduced pollution, lower water use and precise applications of nutrients, seeds and water.

Precision agriculture technology overview

Precision agriculture had its beginnings back in the 1970s, when contractors began using laser controlled graders and scrapers in broad-acre applications, such as cotton and wheat farming, where vast, flat areas had to be accurately leveled and irrigated.

A major step forward occurred just 15 years ago, when in 1995 the United States’ GPS constellation NAVSTAR was made available for non-military use for the first time.

Initial accuracies were only within tens of meters, but fairly quickly the technology developed until today farmer operators can achieve accuracies to within two centimeters.

The construction industry was one of the first to see the benefits of this technology in large civil construction projects, and much of the early research and development went into this industry, with its high-volume demand.

However, it wasn’t long before this technology began to be offered to the farming sector.

Early systems were based around on-screen mapping, in conjunction with a light-bar visual guidance system, which visually showed an operator where to spray, till, or plant.

The technology we have progressed to today allows operators, controlling a wide range of farming machines and implements and with little or no user intervention, to achieve an accuracy of within two centimeters – something which is actually unique to precision agriculture systems developed by Topcon.

A key element in achieving these sorts of accuracies – combined with some very sophisticated software and engineering – is the use of two or more satellite constellations: the US GPS system, and the Russian GLONASS system. When satellite signals from multiple constellations are used, it’s referred to as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).

With GPS and GLONASS, users have access to more than 40 satellites – and Topcon was the world’s first manufacturer to be able to access both the GPS and GLONASS signals for precision positioning in the surveying and construction fields.

Additional satellites are expected to come online in the next several years as two other systems – Europe’s Galileo and China’s Compass – become operational.

Receivers such as Topcon’s G3 receiver system have been designed specifically to access all available satellite signals, now and in the future.

Why is this important? It’s simple: the more satellites a GNSS receiver can access, the greater the accuracy and ability to operate in hilly or mountainous terrain or close to tree lines.

And with the majority of suppliers to the precision agriculture market still only using the US GPS satellites, there is a definite advantage to farmers in being able to access multiple networks and larger numbers of satellites.

They can work 24/7, they get fewer “dropouts” (when satellites are behind trees, hills or other physical features of the landscape) and they can achieve greater accuracy – saving time and money, and thus increasing profits.

However, this technology’s ability to access GNSS networks is only part of the story.

Today’s most sophisticated precision agriculture systems integrate GNSS technology’s less than two-centimeter accurate positioning capability with a vast array of guidance systems, sensing devices, metering systems, and weather stations to provide farmers with unprecedented control over their land preparation, seeding, application and watering, and harvesting.

And because the machines just about drive themselves, there’s no longer a need for highly skilled operators – an important factor in remote areas where it’s often a challenge to find or recruit trained operators.

The impetus for much of this technology has come from a perhaps surprising source: two large Southern Hemisphere countries where successful agriculture poses some major challenges – Australia and South Africa.

With vast, dry regions being farmed, often under frequent drought conditions, need – rather than cost savings and productivity – has driven initial development of some of the world’s leading precision agriculture systems.

A good example of the development of this technology in the Southern Hemisphere is the history of the Australian-based KEE Technologies.

Over a period of 25 years, KEE had developed highly innovative display and variable rate control technology, based around sophisticated software to control sprayers and application rates.

KEE had been very successful in selling its systems to farmers in Australia and South Africa, and was looking to make the leap to North and South America, Europe and other regions.

However, KEE had access to only single-network GPS signals – and then only through third-party suppliers.

In 2006, KEE was purchased by Topcon Positioning Systems, to form Topcon Precision Agriculture. This new division of Topcon combined KEE’s display and variable rate control technology with Topcon’s highly accurate GNSS-based guidance and general machine control technology.

In terms of take up of this technology among farmers in developed economies, Australia and South Africa are global leaders in the marketplace, but their United States counterparts are quickly closing the gap.

The large South American economies such as Argentina and Brazil, as well as Europe are readily accepting the new precision agriculture technologies.

Today, precision agriculture is about three key elements:

1. Saving time
2. Reducing cost
3. Environmental stewardship

These three elements are the building blocks for the rise in the precision agriculture market.

Saving Time

The latest precision agriculture technology delivers significant timesaving opportunities, whether it’s a family-owned farm or a large corporate agriculture business.

Typically on family farms, everyone is stretched for time – so saving time on larger-scale jobs frees farmers, their families and staff up for other “must-do” jobs, as well as more free time to give them a better quality of life.

On large agribusiness enterprises, timesavings translate into higher productivity and increased yields. And because of the scale of these operations, the return on investment can be very rapid indeed.

Reducing Cost

The latest precision agriculture technology offers significant opportunities for cost savings across a whole range of farming activities, including:

1. Reduced requirements for seed, nutrients, pesticides and other chemicalsTasks are done right, first time, every time, any time (24/7)
2. Water management
3. Higher productivity 
4. Reduced fuel usage.

As an example, very-large farms – such as in the American Midwest, Canada, Australia, Brazil or South Africa – where an operator jumps in the tractor in the morning and, by mid-afternoon has reached one end of a farm field and is only just coming back.

When you’ve got a field length of many miles, imagine being just six inches out every mile: consider the amount of seed wasted on unprepared land, tilled land wasted if it’s not seeded, or the potential to burn the crop if you put double the fertilizer on one strip, not to mention the cost of the inputs.

And unlike in construction, where if a job’s not done right, it can usually be redone, in agriculture the consequences of an error can be more critical.
If you double seed, if you put on the wrong amount of fertilizer or pesticide … the consequences can be very expensive – and not readily apparent until it’s much too late.

Water management is another area where there will be increasing opportunities for cost savings, especially as water becomes a scarcer and increasingly expensive commodity in many regions of the world.

Precision land leveling technology allows a farmer to accurately level or slope the land and control the amount of water arriving at any particular point.

This increases the efficiency of irrigation with far more accurate absorption rates. Precision land forming also allows the farmer to improve drainage and eliminate low wet areas.

Environmental Stewardship

Precision agriculture technology is playing a significant role in reducing the environmental impacts of farming.

On the one hand, it reduces pollution and runoff, through lower chemical use, minimal overspray, better targeting – because sprays, nutrients, etc., are only used where they are needed.

“Prescription farming” is the new catchphrase for this unprecedented ability to save time, chemicals and money on any farming operation.

A perfect example of the latest technology is Topcon’s CropSpec, with its on-the-go crop canopy sensing, so that chemicals are only applied as needed.

Combine this technology with a weather station, and farmers can ensure they only spray when the conditions are right (whether day or night) – for example, avoiding spraying when wind conditions are not suitable.

Crop canopy sensing offers further opportunities for saving money. In the past, too many farmers have seen profits go “blowing in the wind” through wasted fertilizer, pesticide or water when applying to areas where it is not needed.

With below two-centimeter accuracy, particularly using the latest electric steering technology, the farmer travels on exactly the same track each time; that translates into significant fuel saving with maintaining that single track over many miles of plowing, seeding or spraying. And, the land benefits because less soil is compacted by the equipment wheels.

Further benefits of precision guidance include far more accurate tilling and seeding, so that less soil is disturbed, because farmers are only tilling the exact areas needed.

This also translates to lower time, energy and resource inputs. Machines and implements are precisely controlled to run on exactly the same swathe spacing, so there are no gaps or overlaps.

What does the future hold for precision agriculture?

There are a few key developments, mostly still in their infancy stages, that are truly going to change the face of farming around the world.

User interface improvements: A big factor for farmers will be massive improvements in ease of use of technological innovations.

While all manufacturers develop and promote products designed to achieve essentially the same thing, every manufacturer uses different operator interfaces.

With some systems it is essential to read the manual to figure out how to use it; with others, the system is so intuitive that ease-of-use is apparent, so that operation is possible without having to ever look at a manual.

Telematics: Another big change coming is in the field of telematics – which allows users to remotely monitor critical operating conditions and status of machines – whether in a field five miles away, or on the other side of the world.

Telematics brings together advanced GPS or GNSS technology, wireless communication, and web-based equipment management software to give farmers constant access to key data about all their equipment: operating parameters, location, fuel consumption, speed and direction, potential maintenance issues, and more.

Very soon, farmers virtually anywhere in the world will have access to total farm management systems – from field preparation to harvest – with all specified data monitored around-the-clock.

The addition of telematics to farm operation gives farmers the ability to manage their business from inside their home, wirelessly via computer from a piece of farm equipment, or from a location anywhere in the world (even when they are on vacation!).

All pertinent and specified data available to run their businesses will be literally at their fingertips.

Autonomous operation: Autonomous machine operation, often more popularly (but not entirely correctly) known as remote control, is something we will definitely see in the agricultural industry.

It’s already being used in the mining industry where – as with agriculture – users have access to large-scale sites in which they can fairly easily exclude people from locations where autonomous equipment is operating.

Having said that, autonomous equipment is required to include an array of safety systems to eliminate the risk of accidents if people do stray into a work area.
This is an area in which the global agricultural industry will lead this particular business innovation revolution. The safety issues are much easier to manage and the recognizable benefits and financial returns are apparent.

Autonomous operation combines such technologies as GNSS-based precision guidance, electric steering systems, infrared sensors, gyros and inertial sensors, automated metering, and precise monitoring technology.

Bringing it all together

In the future, farmers will be increasingly reliant on accurate, dependable statistical information, which will then feed into integrated precision agriculture systems to deliver outstanding productivity and crop yields.

In the not-too-distant future, we’ll have a farmer sitting in his farmhouse, looking at his computer and saying to his wife, “Marge, we are going to do the planting today.”

Then he will press the “planting” button and his tractor (or tractors) will come out of the shed, head off to the fields and begin planting the right seed in the right location, in the right quantities for optimum growth, all with minimal human intervention.

And if there’s a problem or a machine breakdown, the farmer will be instantly alerted.

And as those crops grow and mature, we’ll have sprayers and watering equipment driving along in the farm field. It will see that one plant is not as green or thriving as well as the next, so it will apply a shot of water or nutrient as required.

That vision is still a little way into the future – but it is clearly the direction precision agriculture technology is going.

A wide range of off-road vehicles are supported for this autosteering system, utilizing either direct interface through CANbus or ISObus, or the high-performance AES-25 Electric Steering. The system is designed specifically for parallel autosteering operations.

The X20 console provides farming operators with technological tools to combat the increasing cost of fuel, chemicals and fertilizers and the need to ensure improved  environmental control. It is a completely integrated controller with modular extensions designed to control every aspect of agricultural system management including, spraying, seeding, spreading, fertilizing, autosection control, variable rate control and the all new CropSpec crop canopy sensor.

Orders are now being accepted for the new system.

The new kits are available for standard row crop tractors, articulating tractors, track tractors, sprayers, combines and windrowers.

Available kits include: CIH, Fendt, John Deere, New Holland, Buhler, RoGator, Gleaner, and MacDon

This new RTK module includes both an internal, spread-spectrum 915 MHz modem for receiving data from a radio base station and a US GSM cell modem for receiving data from cellular data networks such as CORS or TopNET.

CORS networks provide a tremendous cost saving alternative for operators needing RTK correction and the number of available networks is increasing.  Since these capabilities are now built into the AGI-3 RTK system, users do not have to purchase additional hardware or modules in order to use CORS networks or GSM.

GSM functionality can be activated by purchasing a data plan and SIM smart card from a GSM service provider.

Existing AGA3677 RTK modules cannot be upgraded to include GSM support. For current users choosing to upgrade by replacing with the new AGA3928 module, firmware installed on the GX-45 console must be version 2.02.18 and version 3.3A5 on the AGI-3 receiver.

CropSpec is currently available for delivery to the global agriculture market in limited numbers with mass market introduction in early 2010. TPA is a business unit of Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS).

Working with Topcon's core competency in optics and in cooperation with Yara International (the world leading manufacturer of nitrogen-based fertilizers), Topcon engineers designed CropSpec as a powerful crop canopy sensor. The Topcon system utilizes a two-sensor system (left and right side of the cabin) that allows a farm operator to monitor plant conditions and apply fertilizer and other inputs only as needed.

"This system will help revolutionize and simplify variable rate applications," said Michael Gomes, director of agriculture business development. CropSpec sensors measure spectral reflectance using light from pulsing laser diodes focused on the plants. The reading can be correlated to measure chlorophyll content, which is closely linked to nitrogen in the plants. Scanning the crop creates a map to indicate relative canopy vigour.

The information can then be analyzed to determine crop areas that need treatment, construct prescription maps for later application, or immediately provide variable rate application enabling variable rate application in real time.

CropSpec, Gomes said, "allows farmers to perform real-time analysis of crop needs and meet those deficiencies immediately as they are traveling through the field. In other words, variable rate fertilizer applications are performed at the same time actual nitrogen readings are taken, based upon crop need."

Used with Topcon's X20 console (System 200), CropSpec links to Topcon's Maplink program, the industry's leading variable rate control (VRC) program for liquid sprayers or granular spreaders. The sensors measure nitrogen levels and Topcon's X20 controller executes that prescription immediately, controlling the output of fertilizer in one pass.

"This provides the benefits of variable rate application," Gomes said, "in a simple one-step process, reducing the complications typically associated with VR and can reduce both cost and waste associated with blanket fertilizer application.

"The return on investment of CropSpec is extraordinary," Gomes said. "It is possible to pay for the technology in a single growing season from the savings in fertilizer costs, coupled with the benefits of providing the correct amounts of fertilizer where it is needed most.

"The sensing method is non-contacting, non-destructive, and provides consistent and repeatable readings, enabling the comparison of data from week to week or year to year," he said.

CropSpec enables farm operators to work day or night with an "ease and versatility unmatched by any other technology," Gomes said. The compact system mounts on the tractor roof out of harm's way, eliminating the need for a boom-mounted sensor, reducing the potential for sensor damage as the machine is operating within the field.

CropSpec features two basic operation modes: a read/record mode and a fully automatic mode giving the operator a number of choices about how the variable rate application is determined from the sensor readings. Other features of the CropSpec system include a greater sensor to crop distance (2-4 meters) and a larger sensing footprint that covers more crop area per pass. Rather than viewing the crop from directly overhead, CropSpec's oblique sensor view, in combination with the large footprint enables more stable measurements in row crops at earlier growth stages.

CropSpec is coming to market after an extensive 18-month product qualification and competitor comparison testing. This global testing program consisted of systems being tested in the world markets by recognized industry leaders and scientists and at the Topcon agricultural test sites in Livermore, California; Concordia, Italy; and Adelaide, Australia.

TPA is the only precision agriculture manufacturer using its own test facilities that allow not only controlled and repeatable testing, but also hardware and software tests and validations on various tractors models and implements.

"Topcon can run these qualification tests 24 hours a day on three different continents at the same time," Gomes said.

Topcon continues to "push the boundaries of agriculture technology and is continuing to produce high-accuracy equipment to assist the farmer with crop management to maximize farm profits," he said.

More information on CropSpec is available on the TPA website at:
www.topconpa.com/products/application-control-systems/system-200/cropspec

Rod Haarberg, North American TPA sales manager, said, "Marty's experience in the precision agriculture industry and knowledge of applications will be key in the continued development of the agriculture business in Canada and will be of great benefit to all Canadian dealers."

He said Cook, who has more than four years experience dedicated to the precision agriculture business, will work out of Winnipeg, Manitoba and will coordinate directly with the Topcon Precision Ag offices in Olathe, Kansas.

Topcon Precision Agriculture (TPA) has released a new electric steering product, the AES-25.

Rhett Schildroth, TPA engineering director, said, “The AES-25 is an accurate steering system that does not intrude into the operator’s working area or alter the steering wheel position. There are no external components that could interfere with normal day-to-day operation within the cab.”

The AES-25 is fully compatible with Topcon’s new System 150 or the field-proven System 200 (X20 console).  The patented new system provides “supreme performance and control previously thought possible only with hydraulic systems,” Schildroth said. “The AES-25 is much more than assisted steering, it’s an advanced solution for all platforms from basic steering to those striving for high-accuracy results.”

Combined with System 150 or System 200 (X20), the AES-25 provides solutions from basic autonomous through real-time kinetic (RTK). Schildroth said, “This allows the farmer to start with the accuracy needed for particular jobs, then step up to RTK with confidence they will achieve full 2cm accuracy. With Topcon’s multiple satellite capabilities, inertial sensors, and full terrain compensation, the AES-25 offers unparalleled positioning and control.”

System 200 (X20) features GPS+ capability, using signals from both GPS and GLONASS satellites. System 150 with G3 technology receives signals from all available satellites. More satellites means higher accuracy, maximum uptime, and 24/7 round-the-clock operation.

Schildroth said, “Not only does the AES-25 give precise steering control, but provides a viable alternative to hydraulic steering systems. For the farmer who wants a simple console but precise steering performance, System 150 with the AES-25 provides row crop steering without hydraulics.  With a quiet, high-torque motor, the AES-25 provides silent operation and reverse steering, an exclusive feature within electric steering systems."

The AES-25 provides:

• Quick, simple installation;
• Easy transfer from machine to machine; and   
• Automated tuning.

For existing owners of X20 consoles with any GPS make or model, the AES-25 provides high accuracy auto guidance. Using the ProSteer ECU and cabin harness, an optional wheel angle sensor can be added for greater stability in challenging conditions (another Topcon exclusive).  The entire system can be truly customized for any farm operation.

“Topcon continues to push the boundaries of technology, and is continuing to produce high-accuracy equipment to assist the bottom line for the farmer,” said David Frick, TPA Australian national sales manager. “I can guarantee you we stand behind our products, which ultimately means we stand behind the farmer. This rugged product gives you options and accuracy, and that means value.”

View the product page.

Topcon Positioning Systems (TPS) today announces a strategic partnership between TPS and AGCO Corporation, Your Agriculture Company, (NYSE: AG), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment. The partnership will provide high-performing machine control, machine management and precision farming technology products and services to the global agricultural machinery market. Innovative and industry-leading products will reach the market faster by combining AGCO's equipment, customer base and agricultural industry knowledge with research and development from TPS.

"The AGCO and Topcon partnership is a strategic initiative designed to help AGCO deliver on its vision of providing high-tech solutions for professional farmers feeding the world," said Martin Richenhagen, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AGCO. "The strength of AGCO's brands of agricultural equipment combined with Topcon Positioning Systems' proven technology products will provide numerous benefits to farmers looking for the latest products to make them more effective, efficient, environmentally responsible and ultimately, more profitable."
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System 150 is a complete autosteering solution with multiple constellation capability, allowing the use of GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. The receiver includes completely integrated inertials and steering control for fast, smooth response. Flexible accuracy options include WAAS, EGNOS, Omnistar VBS/XP/HP and RTK. 

The console features a 5” high visibility screen with day/night modes and on-screen indicators for area applied, speed, row, and satellite information. Other functions include automatic coverage mapping and optional variable rate control with autosection control for up to ten sections.

System 150 is lightweight and portable and features simple on-screen setup, making it simple to move from vehicle to vehicle.

This 32 page high-quality catalog represents Topcon's extensive range of products and technologies that increase the productivity of the world's farmers.

Download catalog (PDF, 9.5MB, letter size)