In full canopy crops, and when time is of the essence, applicators know it can be tricky to navigate rows without damaging them. Even with GPS guidance and a careful operator in the cab, crop damage during sprayer applications can happen. That’s why in-field visual guidance technology is changing the way growers make applications.
A new way to make applications
On average, crop damage causes two percent in total profit losses in a normal season — which makes razor-thin margins even tighter. Thankfully, visual guidance technology can help reduce crop damage while increasing application accuracy and productivity.
By using a series of cameras and sensors to help navigate rows, visual guidance technology helps operators guide sprayers to ensure proper application and reduce incidental crop loss. This contributes to faster sprayer operation as well as fewer skips and overlaps.
Visual guidance leads to improved performance
The benefits of visual guidance technology go beyond reduced crop damage and improved operator performance. Operators have also reported lower fatigue, faster acre coverage and other results that allow them to focus on overall performance of the machine:
- Reduced operator fatigue: Constantly monitoring machines to avoid damaging crops can make for a long workday. Visual guidance technology reduces operator fatigue by allowing them to focus on other aspects of making applications.
- Higher speeds and greater in-field efficiency: Thanks to more accurate row navigation, applicators can operate at higher speeds without worrying about excessive skips and overlaps. This means operators can cover ground faster and get far more done in a single workday.
- Simple but effective performance: Whether the operator in the cab is a novice applicator or a seasoned veteran, visual guidance technology is easy to implement. Auto-guidance features mean that operators will automatically benefit from increased accuracy and speed from the moment they pull into a row until exiting that row.
- Improvements over standard GPS guidance: While traditional GPS guidance offers many benefits to producers looking to make precise applications, visual guidance technology improves upon old systems. Instead of simply guiding equipment through rows, visual guidance technology proactively adjusts to avoid profit-reducing errors during operation.
VSN technology leads the way
VSN® visual guidance technology from Raven Applied Technology offers growers a new way to maximize in-field productivity. An onboard camera attachment, VSN uses a non-contact stereo vision camera to help operators navigate crop rows, allowing them to focus on other aspects of application control.
With the VSN attachment installed, operators have been shown to cover up to 20 percent more acres per day while reducing residual crop damage. A quick one-time installment along with simple operating instructions means growers will see near-instant results after installation.
Compatible with tried-and-true Case IH sprayers
A recent innovation, Raven VSN® visual guidance technology is available for installation on all Case IH Model Year 2016 Patriot® series sprayers and above, as well as the Trident™ 5550 liquid/dry combination applicator. Contact your local Case IH dealer to schedule and perform a VSN installation today.
