Case IH telematics solution unlocks suite of valuable data for farmers seeking efficiency, productivity edge

Farmers are always on the look-out for solutions to boost business efficiency and productivity, and now Case IH has launched a new product that promises to be a “game-changer” for many farming operations. 

The CM100 and CM110 are cost effective, entry-level aftermarket telematics modems designed to connect older, non-connected, or mixed-fleet equipment to the Case IH FieldOps™ platform, including trucks and vehicles.

Case IH’s digital farming platform, FieldOps is an all-in-one mobile and web solution designed for farmers to connect, view and manage their operation – driving on farm efficiency and profitability. FieldOps provides real-time access to agronomic, machine, and operational data, connecting farmers to their machines, fields, teams and partners, like dealers and agronomists. 

“These tracking units have such a wide appeal for all sorts of operations, providing an easy-to-use solution for monitoring important fleet telematics like fuel usage, engine hours and vehicle location in non-connected machinery,” said Case IH Precision Field Specialist Troy Blair.

Wagga Wagga hay contractor Paul Bailes has fitted three CM100 units to his tractor fleet and says the data has transformed how he manages his business.

“I got the first unit in July of last year for a tractor that didn’t have its own screen to give me live updates on fuel usage. So putting the CM100 in opened up a lot of parameters for me. I can see my live fuel usage, as well as information like engine oil and transmission temperatures,” Paul said.

“From a business point of view, I’m able to see what my fuel burn is to correct my hectare rate or hourly rate for that tractor. It gives a total usage for that job, so you know exactly how much you’ve spent in fuel. You can also factor in servicing costs, operator costs and work out exactly what you need to charge for a job to ensure it’s profitable.

“With the cost of fuel so high, you just can’t afford any more not to know just how much you’re using. It’s critical information for running a successful business.”

Paul’s business specialises in mowing, raking, baling and silage operations. He runs four tractors - a New Holland TG285, New Holland T7030, Case IH Optum 270 and Case IH JXU95 – and a variety of other equipment including a New Holland BigBaler 1290 Plus.

With this level of machinery investment, he welcomes another feature of the CM100 technology.

“It gives me a GPS location for the tractor, which I can geofence, as a security precaution if I have to leave a tractor at a job overnight. If someone was to move it, I'd get an alert. It just provides that extra peace-of-mind that you know where your machinery is and what’s happening with it at any given time,” Paul said.

He said the information is also useful when someone else is behind the wheel of the tractor. 

“This would be a benefit for businesses with two or three different workers, because you can see how they're driving the tractor. You can see live the engine loads, the engine revs, the ground speeds. You can get a gauge of how your worker is treating your equipment,” Paul said.

“And in terms of productivity, you can get a breakdown when you do a report through the CM100 of key on, key off - so you know when they're actually there working. How much idle time, how much travelling time, and how much work time. The reporting feature is really handy, being able to go back and see what the tractor’s done over a period of time.

“I was impressed with what that first unit I put in offered so I invested in another couple and have really seen the benefits. Having all this information at your fingertips, wherever you are, is such a game-changer when it comes to decision-making and running the business that I do, I wouldn’t be without it.”

For more information on CM100 and CM110 solutions, contact your local Case IH dealer.