Trailed implements are known for drifting off the guidance line, even when farmers utilize autosteer. The result is inaccurate placement of inputs and inconsistent guess rows. Ag Leader is introducing RightPath, a passive implement steering solution, to alleviate these problems.
Accuracy drives yield. Putting the right seed in the right location with the right fertilizer is critical and has led to the wide adoption of technology like autosteer. However, if the pass-to-pass accuracy isn’t perfect at planting, the crop is vulnerable to damage in subsequent passes, which drags down yield.
“We are specialists at steering vehicles, especially with products such as SteerCommand Z2 and SteadySteer. They also have built-in features like boundary guidance and TurnPath. Yet, steering the tractor accurately is only part of the story,” said Matt Pifkin, Ag Leader Product Manager. “The position of the implement is as important, if not more important, as the position of the tractor.”
Why implement drift is a problem
Because the implement is only controlled by the tractor’s forward motion, it drifts from side to side. In many cases, an implement can drift off the intended guidance line up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) or more, even on flat ground. The size and speed of the tractor, the length and width of the implement, as well as varying terrain and soil conditions influence drift. As a result, numerous issues can occur:
1. Planter drift on sidehills and curves can lead to crowded rows reducing yield or large gaps that promote weed growth.
2. Yield suffers when the seed isn’t placed into nutrients correctly.
3. Farmers can’t use guidance lines for autosteer in the next field activity.
4. Irregular and inconsistent guess rows can make it challenging to spray and harvest, while also leading to crop damage and yield loss.
“Farmers are demanding more precision for planting as well as tillage, especially when the ag economy is in a downturn, and they must maximize every input. Farmers are unable to do that if those inputs are in the wrong spot,” Pifkin said. “They not only need accuracy at the tractor but also at the implement. This is what Ag Leader is delivering with RightPath.”
The RightPath difference
A passive implement steering solution, RightPath keeps implements centered on the guidance line. This not only ensures precise input placement but also increases operational efficiency throughout the growing season, while minimizing crop damage, yield loss, and operator challenges.
Hence, RightPath enables users to:
1. Place the implement, and therefore rows and inputs, in the right place.
2. Plant seed accurately relative to a previous operation such as strip-till or NH3.
3. Achieve consistent guess rows in all conditions including curves and uneven terrain.
4. Re-use the same guidance line in the next field activity.
5. Reduce stress and fatigue.
While both the vehicle and implement require Ag Leader’s GPS 7500 to utilize RightPath, only the vehicle needs to be equipped with TerraStar-C, TerraStar-X, or RTK. This gives an operator the flexibility to choose the right GPS correction for different operational needs.
RightPath is designed to operate through Ag Leader’s year-round InCommand Go displays. In addition, RightPath is compatible with both SteerCommand Z2 and SteadySteer, Ag Leader’s integrated and assisted steering solutions.
“Ultimately, RightPath ensures the implement is on the guidance line for precise input placement,” Pifkin said. “ Ag Leader delivers a product that will be economical and is easy to add to any implement.”
RightPath will be available in late fall 2025 through a single purchase unlock, and there will be no recurring subscription fee.
