GrowNotes

Spray application manual

Module 12: GPS systems

12.4: Integration of GNSS/GPS with the spray rig

Published 24 January 2025 | Last updated 20 January 2025

Once you have decided which GPS/GNSS level of accuracy is required for your operation, you need to consider how the GPS auto-steer system will steer and control your spray rig. The steering kit, the spray controller and the GPS/GNSS receiver on the roof of the cab are all controlled and connected by an in-cab screen or monitor. 

There are many brands to choose from, starting from simple devices that don’t record any information or perform any tasks except guidance, through to large touch screens that operate section control and record all of your spraying activities. 

Common popular brands include offerings from John Deere, AGCO/Trimble, New Holland/Case IH/Raven, TOPCON, and AgLeader. There are also a number of low-cost options entering the market, such as FJDynamics

Choosing an appropriate screen

As an operator you may wish to consider the following when deciding on the most suitable in-cab screen for your GPS/GNSS guided spraying activities.

  • Do you want to control each boom section or individual nozzle? If so a bigger screen with inbuilt features will be a better investment in the long term.

  • Is your cab already cluttered with screens? If so, then consider one of the high-end options as you may be able to include some of the functions currently done by the other screens/controllers already in your cab.

  • Do you have a manufacturer preference or have existing screens in other machines? It certainly simplifies things when they are from the same manufacturer.

  • Touch screen or buttons? This is personal preference – both can fail over time.

  • Having trouble seeing? Make sure you get a good size screen that is readable in daylight.

  • Do you want to utilise full auto-steer? If not then you can use a smaller, lower-cost screen and follow the light-bar instead. Obviously auto-steer is preferable as it reduces driver fatigue and enables you to better focus on the job at hand.

  • Do you want to collect data about the spray job in the screen? The lower-cost, smaller screens often only show a coverage map of the current job and don’t save or record any of the activity. Bigger screens can now record a large amount of information about the job including operator, weather conditions, chemicals applied, rates, speed etc.