Tractor autonomy functions, connection with implements still to follow
After cultivating a grain stubble, which went well, it took some effort before the autonomous Fendt 716 could start sowing cover crops at the farm of NPPL participant Bart van Loon.
To operate properly, front weights were needed. The safety device had to be moved further forward due to those weights, and because of the seed hopper at the front. In the absence of a front PTO, a hydraulic motor with oil supply had to be installed on the seed hopper.
NPPL Demo Tour
The test at Bart van Loon’s farm is part of the NPPL Demo Tour, in which 8 participants explore how tractors can operate autonomously. The 2024 demo tour is a follow-up to last year’s tests. Each participant gets the autonomous tractor for about 2 weeks to try out. The Fendt 716 is equipped with the iQuus system from GPX Solutions.
Leaving the machine? Not yet
In the video, Bart van Loon assesses the chances of the iQuus system enabling the tractor to operate unmanned. He found tha the machine works, but he still finds the system too expensive and incomplete to start using it immediately.
