Hugh Ritchie has been using the power of his in-tractor GPS to efficiently map his farmland and generate optimum drainage plans. He is gaining significant benefits from both improved surface drainage and buried tile drains.

High accuracy tractor guidance system displays automatically record data from GPS and various machine controllers, meters and monitors. An accurate (+/- 20mm) auto-steer system typically consists of a GPS receiver and radio antenna mounted on the vehicle roof, a display or console within the cab, electronics to a steer assist or hydraulic steering system and a base station.

Trimble’s Field Level software is set up in the FMX console in Hugh’s tractor. Designed with assistance from drainage contractors in US and UK, Field Level is the key to very cost effective tile laying. The software surveys the paddock as the tractor drives along a planned drain line, the GPS measuring surface elevation to within 5cm. Field Level calculates the optimum design to fit the desired slope from the top end of the drain to the outlet. Guidance keeps the tine foot in the right place.

The software is also used to capture position and elevation data to create accurate 3D maps for surface drainage. Using the tractor as a survey tool, Hugh maps his paddocks then exports the data to OptiSurface which calculates best cut-and-fill plans to guide water to desired points in the paddock. The generated cut-and-fill plans are sent back to the tractor which guides either a scraper or levelling blade to shape the land.

Hugh will talk about his experiences at LandWISE 2014 – Ever Better: Farmers. land and water in Palmerston North on 21-22 May