Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
PRODUCT NEWS<br />
what’s up, Doc?<br />
The AutoDock header<br />
docking system from<br />
Agco Corporation is<br />
now available<br />
Above: Currently, AutoDock is only<br />
available for Agco headers but will be<br />
made available for third-party headers in<br />
the future<br />
The AutoDock header docking system is the industry’s<br />
first automatic system for connecting and disconnecting<br />
combine heads; a technology that manufacturer Agco says will<br />
ultimately save farmers vital time in the field.<br />
The option is available on all DynaFlex 9300 Series draper<br />
heads and 3300 Command Series corn heads for Fendt Ideal<br />
combines that are equipped with AutoDock drivelines and<br />
adapters for the multi-coupler attachment.<br />
Already, the AutoDock technology has created a buzz in the<br />
agricultural world having been recognised as one of 50 winners<br />
in the AE50 awards by the American Society of Agricultural and<br />
Biological Engineers (ASABE).<br />
The AutoDock header docking system works uses guide pins<br />
and hydraulic actuators to automatically connect the drives<br />
on both sides of the header and all mechanical, electrical and<br />
hydraulic systems with a single point couple, while mechanically<br />
latching the header in place only takes five seconds.<br />
This process eliminates the job of manually lifting and<br />
attaching, or detaching, the drivelines, which normally takes<br />
upwards of two minutes each time.<br />
Instead, operators manoeuvre the combine to the header,<br />
lifting the header to the combine and then simply push the<br />
attach icon on the touchscreen control panel.<br />
Agco senior tactical marking manager Kevin Forth says the<br />
technology can save farmers countless hours over the course of<br />
a season.<br />
“<strong>Farm</strong>ers need to make every minute count during harvest, and<br />
using AutoDock can save several hours of harvest time over a<br />
season for operators who change heads frequently,” says Forth.<br />
“One touch of the in-cab control terminal starts the five-second<br />
AutoDock process, eliminating trips for the operator from the<br />
cab to the combine head.<br />
“Changing headers is not only time consuming, but it can be<br />
a dirty, tiring job. Staying in the cab lets the driver avoid contact<br />
with the dust, chaff and hydraulic oil that comes with handling<br />
header connections manually.”<br />
Other processes, such as adjusting the combine for header<br />
width and setting the sensitivity for the header height control,<br />
have also been solved through AutoDock, which automatically<br />
configures the appropriate setting to use once the operator<br />
selects the specific header.<br />
The AutoDock system can be ordered as an option for all Fendt<br />
Ideal combines including DynaFlex 9300 series draper heads and<br />
3300 Command Series corn heads.<br />
DynaFlex 9300 series headers come in five cutting widths<br />
ranging from 30–50 feet (9–15m), while the 3300 command<br />
series corn heads are available in chopping and non-chopping<br />
models with 30-inch (76cm) row spacing in eight, 12 and 16-row<br />
configurations.<br />
16 Trade<strong>Farm</strong><strong>Machinery</strong>.com.au THE TRACTOR YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND
Change language