DECATUR, Ill., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) introduced today extended precision agriculture capabilities with the release of the Trimble(R) AgGPS(R) FmX(TM) integrated display version 2.0. Version 2.0 offers affordable and innovative options for broader applications, allowing a wider range of farmers to be more efficient and productive. These new capabilities demonstrate Trimble's commitment to developing innovative precision agriculture solutions that help farmers offset the rising costs of fertilizer, fuel, seed and other crop inputs.
The announcement was made today at the Farm Progress Show, the nation's largest outdoor farm show.
Priced from US$5,995 MSRP, the FmX is a multi-function, touch screen controller with built-in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers to address specific farmer needs in machine guidance, including control of the tractor and the implement behind the tractor. The FmX integrated display version 2.0 adds functionality for use with the new AgGPS TrueGuide(TM) implement guidance system, the EZ-Steer(R) assisted steering system and the LB25 lightbar.
AgGPS TrueGuide Implement Guidance System
The new TrueGuide system allows a tractor, equipped with Trimble Autopilot(TM) and an FmX display, to pull an implement along a more accurate line without additional steering hardware. TrueGuide measures the position of the implement relative to the AB line, a guidance path that is generated for the equipment to follow through the field, and moves the tractor left or right to guide the implement to the line. Applications for TrueGuide include tongue-pulled implements such as large planters, tillage, strip till rigs, grain drills, or any implement pulled by a single hitch-point on the tractor.
On average, an implement without guidance moves +/-12 inches on flat ground and on slopes as much as 3 feet downhill, resulting in overlap and wide guess rows even when the tractor is accurate. Adding TrueGuide to the Autopilot significantly improves implement position. For example, on flat ground 8 inch drift can be reduced to better than 3 inches and on slopes 3 foot drifts can be reduced to 8 inches or better. Adding TrueGuide to the FmX costs US$750 MSRP for an unlock code and US$395 MSRP for the cable kit. The activation of the second receiver in the FmX would also be required.
EZ-Steer for the FmX Integrated Display
Trimble's assisted steering system is commonly used by farmers with the EZ-Guide(R) 250 and EZ-Guide 500 lightbar guidance systems. The easy-to-install EZ-Steer wheel-mounted device is now available for the FmX as a choice for farmers who do not require the high accuracy of the Autopilot system, but still want assisted steering with increased functionality, variable rate capabilities and a larger touch screen display offered by the FmX. The EZ-Steer kit sells for US$3,695 MSRP.
LB25 Detachable Lightbar
The detachable LB25 lightbar is 6.5 inches long--small enough to place anywhere in the cab without obstructing the view--and can be used to help monitor implement alignment. The kit sells for US$350 MSRP and comes complete with lightbar, cables, brackets, hardware and instructions.
"TrueGuide, EZ-Steer and the LB25 augment the FmX with additional mid-range, cost-effective options as part of our 'good, better, best' product philosophy, allowing farmers to choose the right level of accuracy for their particular farming needs," said Erik Arvesen, vice president and general manager for Trimble's Agriculture Division.
Availability
The FmX integrated display version 2.0, TrueGuide implement guidance system, EZ-Steer for the FmX and the LB25 detachable lightbar are available now through Trimble's Agriculture reseller network. For more information, call 1-800-874-6253 or visit www.trimble.com/agriculture to find a Trimble reseller.
About Trimble
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location--including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.
For more information, visit Trimble's Web site at www.trimble.com.
GTRMB
SOURCE Trimble
Web site: http://www.trimble.com/
