Imagine you're playing a video game where you drive a large tractor across fields, but instead of having to steer all the time, you've got a magical map that drives the tractor automatically on its own. That's very much what an autosteering system works on real tractors! The principle behind an autosteering system for a tractor is, fortunately, quite simple but its effects are miraculous. In this blog, we will dive deep into the common components of a tractor and an autosteering system and how they work together to drive farming productivity.
Farming Tractor
A tractor, regardless of type, is typically outfitted with big tires, a strong engine, steering controls, and other tools. Each mechanical part works in tandem to make the tractor function efficiently for farming activities. The tractor is more than simply a vehicle; it's an efficiency booster for high productivity in agricultural practices.
Specifically, the large chunky tires allow a tractor to easily traverse muddy and uneven farm fields, like giant boots made for the earth. At its heart is an engine that powers the tractor through heavy jobs such as tugging and lifting. In the cab, there's the seat and steering wheel, where the operator sits and controls the tractor, much like driving a car.
Attached to the tractor is often the hitch, a special part at the front or rear of the tractor. The hitch makes the tractor incredibly adaptable as it can attach other equipment like trailers or plows. Many tractors also have a power take-off (PTO), a dedicated shaft that transfers the power from the engine to other connected machines to help with tasks like seeding or harvesting.
Autosteering System
An autosteering system, in essence, is a computer-controlled system that uses signal receivers, sensors, and cameras to capture exhaustive details about the environment around the tractor and create a guidance map of the surrounding terrain for smooth navigation. With such a system installed, a tractor can automatically steer along optimal paths, minimizing human errors and enhancing the precision of agricultural operations.
Most autosteering systems share a remarkable similarity in their major components, with minor components or accessories varying slightly. Here, we take the FJD AT2 Auto Steer System as an example. Mechanically, the AT2 consists of several components to make it a powerful system for precision farming.
- GNSS receiver: Receive satellite signals to determine the tractor's exact position on the ground. It provides navigation guidance for tractors to drive precisely across farmlands. GNSS typically includes GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, and other constellation systems.
- Inertial measurement unit (IMU): Provide motion sensing during operations. It is integrated into the GNSS receiver in the AT2 model and plays a pivot role in compensating terrain – allowing your tractor to travel along a straight path even on sloped areas. An IMU generally includes accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, depending on the heading requirement.
- Control terminal: Act as the brain of the system. It is a touchscreen display where the operator inputs commands and monitors the real-time status to make adjustments as necessary. Through the control terminal, everything is visualized for informed decision-making.
- Electric steering wheel: Interface directly with the tractor's steering mechanism. It receives guidance from the control terminal to adjust the steering angle accordingly, achieving dynamic control of a tractor based on the driving conditions.
- Angle sensor: Measure the rotational movement of a tractor's tires. It is generally connected to a mechanical rotational port of the tires, ensuring the adjustments made by the electric steering wheel are precise and the vehicle is kept on the intended path.
Together, these components work seamlessly to provide precise and efficient control over a tractor's movement. As these systems gain popularity, they beckon farmers to envision a future where farming is not just about toil and soil, but about working smarter in harmony with machines.
How They Work Together?
When selecting an autosteering system for your tractor, you first need to understand that there are two types of working mechanisms: one is regulating the oil flow through hydraulic valves to control the steering, the other is generating force in the form of torque applied on the electric motor's shaft. Though the underlying steering mechanism is different, both the hydraulic and electric autosteering systems can achieve automatic steering for tractors.
When an autosteering system is installed on a tractor, it fundamentally transforms the tractor into a more efficient vehicle. Taking the AT2 auto steer system as an illustration, upon starting the tractor, the AT2 initiates communication with satellites through the GNSS receiver, which collects satellite signals to determine the tractor's exact position and its direction on the ground with accuracy down to 2.5 centimeters. Then, the AT2 processes this signal data with advanced algorithms and creates an optimal path for the tractor, aiming to minimize overlaps or skips for maximum coverage of the field.
By sending precise commands that adjust the steering wheel, the AT2 engages with the tractor's steering mechanism to change the torque of the electric motor to propel the tractor in the desired direction. When the tractor encounters a rugged land, the AT2 detects and quantifies the tilt of the tractor via the angle sensor. It then compensates for these variances by dynamically adjusting the steering inputs. In this way, the AT2 ensures that the tractor stays on its intended course despite the ground irregularities. At the end of rows, the AT2 can also automatically drive the tractor to turn around to the adjacent rows for continuous workflow.
By installing such an autosteering system in the cab, the tractor enables farmers to execute agricultural tasks with unparalleled accuracy, from planting seeds at consistent intervals to applying agrochemicals in exact amounts. This isn't just a dream; it's a reality made possible by integrating an autosteering system with a tractor. If you're still not using autosteering systems on your tractors, you need to start thinking about making the transition. In addition to the AT2, FJD also offers a wide range of autosteering systems to suit your type of tractor.
Learn more about FJD autosteering kits at here.
References:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_motor
2. https://www.hars.com.tr/en/working-principle-and-engine-structure-of-tractors
3. https://www.exro.com/industry-insights/torque-and-speed-relationship-the-fundamental-challenge-of-e-mobility