The agricultural sector is on the cusp of a transformative leap forward with the introduction of the OutRun autonomous grain cart solution by PTx Trimble. Unveiled at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, this innovative technology promises to revolutionize harvest operations for farms of all sizes, offering a streamlined, cost-effective, and labor-efficient approach to managing grain carts.
PTx Trimble, a joint venture established earlier this year by AGCO and Trimble, has developed OutRun as the first commercially available autonomous retrofit grain cart solution. This cutting-edge system is designed to be compatible with mixed fleets, making it accessible to a wide range of farming operations. With full production slated for 2025, farmers in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri will get an early look as beta customers during the 2024 harvest season.
The OutRun system is a self-contained retrofit kit that automates grain cart operations on John Deere 8R or 8000R tractors equipped with IVT (Infinitely Variable Transmission). This technology allows the grain cart to be staged or called for unloading without needing an additional driver. The combine operator can also direct the grain cart to a predefined truck unload zone for manual unloading, significantly reducing labor requirements and improving operational efficiency during the critical harvest period.
All necessary navigation sensors are integrated into a single unit mounted on the cabin roof, ensuring seamless communication between the combine and the grain cart. Using radio technology, the OutRun kit maintains communication within a 1-mile (1.6 km) range, optimizing synchronized operation. This setup not only enhances harvest efficiency but also mitigates the risk of yield loss due to late harvesting—a common challenge in the Midwest.
Andrew Sunderman, General Manager of PTx Trimble, emphasized the importance of timely harvests. “Every year, one-third of all acres in the Midwest are harvested late, costing farmers thousands of dollars in lost yield. OutRun allows an operator to run both the combine and the grain cart, optimizing labor and ensuring timely harvests,” Sunderman stated.
The practical benefits of OutRun have already been recognized by early testers. Corey Goodhue, a test customer, shared his positive experience: “This tool is ideal for anyone facing challenges with getting crops out and staffing issues. Removing the need for a skilled operator in the grain cart frees up resources for other critical tasks. It’s a great fit for our operation, and I’m excited to fully implement it.”
The OutRun kit is not only technologically advanced but also cost-effective and scalable. The initial cost is comparable to a new guidance system, with additional costs based on usage. This flexible pricing model ensures that farms of all sizes can achieve a positive return on investment. Installation of the kit on existing John Deere tractors requires about 1.5 days for two people, and is performed by PTx Trimble dealers, with the installation cost included in the system’s price.
As PTx Trimble prepares for the full production release of OutRun in 2025, the agricultural community is abuzz with anticipation. The introduction of this autonomous grain cart solution is poised to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by farmers today, from labor shortages to the timely harvesting of crops. While the initial investment and ongoing usage fees are factors to consider, the potential benefits of improved efficiency and reduced labor needs make OutRun a promising addition to the modern farm’s toolkit.