PTx Trimble launches autonomous retrofit grain cart solution for small farms

05-09 | Autonomous/semi-autosteering systems | News

The OutRun autonomous grain cart in action, demonstrating its seamless integration with John Deere tractors during harvest. – Photos: PTx Trimble

The OutRun autonomous grain cart solution, introduced by PTx Trimble, offers a cost-effective, easy-to-install system compatible with mixed fleets, promising improved harvest efficiency. This new technology enables both small and large farms to streamline operations, reduce labor needs, and ensure timely harvests.

PTx Trimble, a joint venture formed earlier this year by AGCO and Trimble, has unveiled OutRun, the first commercially available autonomous retrofit grain cart solution. Announced at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, OutRun is set to transform the way farmers manage their harvests, with full production release expected in 2025. Farmers in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri will have the opportunity to become beta customers in 2024.

How OutRun works

The OutRun system is a self-contained retrofit kit designed to automate grain cart operations on John Deere 8R or 8000R tractors equipped with IVT (Infinitely Variable Transmission). This system allows the grain cart to be staged or called for unloading without requiring an additional driver. The combine operator can also send the grain cart to a predefined truck unload zone for manual unloading. This automation significantly reduces the need for multiple operators, improving efficiency and reducing labor requirements during the busy harvest season.

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All necessary navigation sensors are brought together as a unit and mounted on top of the cabin roof.

First customer feedback

Andrew Sunderman, General Manager of PTx Trimble, highlighted the OutRun solution’s ability to address a critical challenge for farmers: late harvesting, which can result in significant yield losses. “Every year, one-third of all acres in the Midwest are harvested late, costing farmers thousands of dollars in lost yield. OutRun allows an operator to run both the combine and the grain cart, optimizing labor and ensuring timely harvests,” Sunderman explained.

Test customer Corey Goodhue, who trialed the technology earlier this year, praised its practical benefits: “This tool is ideal for anyone facing challenges with getting crops out and staffing issues. Removing the need for a skilled operator in the grain cart frees up resources for other critical tasks. It’s a great fit for our operation, and I’m excited to fully implement it.”

Release in 2025

The OutRun retrofit kit will be available as a paid beta during the 2024 harvest season in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri. PTx Trimble plans to expand the product’s availability across the Midwest in 2025. The initial cost is comparable to a new guidance system, with ongoing annual and usage fees, though specific pricing details have not yet been finalized.

Considerations

While PTx Trimble’s OutRun solution offers significant benefits, farmers should consider the initial investment, comparable to a new guidance system, as well as the ongoing usage fees.