GPS again

Yes the small flashing light/talking ones get their limited data from roadside boxes. The YQ gets it over one of the national paging networks. After about 3 minutes from switch on has data for the entire network. There is also the facilty for brief incident description along with News and Weather info. There was, maybe still is, a facilty for text pager messages to be sent to an individual YQ unit from ordinary phones but the interface was very slow and clunky to use.

Nope, Massey Ferguson, Fendt and Challenger....

Much better than New Holland!!

Graham

Definitely!

I own a 7490 DynaVT. Marvellous piece of kit. I believe I am due an engine flash file soon and some linkage stops to attach to the hitch.

Huw

As it happens, I've just spent the weekend on one of those ploughing. They are good! Have to say though, I prefer the fendt. What made you choose that over the competition, its useful to have other peoples opinions when trying to sell something.

Graham

It took me a while to find the headland management system on my 7490. It is hidden in the left hand dash display and allows a time delay to be set for engine rev changes to those set in memory when the links are raised and lowered. This, combined with the automated PTO control allows the PTO to be engaged before revs rise and revs to fall when the links are raised, or any combination you wish for. It is easy to use but will never be found by some drivers, especially considering that I don't believe it to be mentioned in the rather sparsely detailed operators manual. It is all I need. I suspect that the more sophisticated systems which control the timed spool valves and a whole sequence of other things are seldom used even if they can be automatically set into the tractor memory. The problem is that headland turns are never constant for long. Well not around here anyhow.

However, The D3 terminal as I have seen it on paper is bound to be another small step forward. As it is I am more than happy with what I have got, which is the existing datatronic with trailed implement control [which is not used] and the super system for semi-mounted implement management.

I forgot to mention another of my favourite features which is the default torque converter mode which allows such smooth yard work and starts from junctions. It is also brilliant that this can be switched off for field work if I feel like it.

Huw

I think it comes in a seperate manual for D2, but i may be wrong.

It is all I need. I suspect

Thats the thing with headland management, the turns shouldn't need to be the same, as you say they never are. The Fendt system doesn't manage the turn, it manages the in's and outs. I.e. you set it recording, drop into work change whatever you are going to change, speed etc, then stop recording. When you get to the other end you start recording, slow down, turn lift up turn plough, then stop recording and turn the tractor round. Hit start for the previous sequence, the plough drops, diff engages, speed increases, revs increase etc. Get to the other end and hit the lift out sequence and so on. Trust me once you get to grips with it, it makes life a lot easier. The fendt system (not sure on D3 yet) allows you to store upto 13 functions onto each of 4 buttons which can then be stored into the memory. This can then store a further 3 lots of 4x13, so the scope is huge. It not only records the sequence, but stores the state of the tractor at that time, i.e. flow rates, engine speeds, forward speeds, drop rates etc etc. It sounds complicated, but it isn't, all you do is ask it to record and it then records all the things you do, like a cassette recorder, simple. So in simple terms you can record and save sequences involvig any part of the tractor bar direction changes, lights and the radio!!

I'm told that D3 works in the same way, which will be a massive selling point if it does.

With the new system the above things you mentioned are redundant, since the new system does it all together. No programming, nothing, it just memorises what you do. This isn't a small step, if its even half as good as the fendt system it will wipe the floor with everything else on the market.Mark my words, the competition will be playing catch-up and adopting similar systems of their own, simply because its so easy to use. Drivers that use the system tell me that they have discovered all manor of uses for headland management since its so simple to set up. On the fendt for example, you can programme a mini sequence with a loader that on the push of one button it will tip the bucket at you desired speed, then crowd it back to its original position. Not a great example I admit, but you get the idea.

It is good. I passed on you're last e-mail to my bosses, they asked me if I could have got your phone number, so that if we have a customer interested in a 74 you might have a word with them?? Would be very grateful it you were able to see your way clear to doing this. If not, I don't mind and won't be offended.

Graham

g.r.gleed[removethis]@btinternet[thistoo].com

I don't think it is part of DII but is a fairly well hidden part of the left hand dash display controlled by the column touchpad. I seem to be the only one to have found it LOL

Sounds good but in my particular case it would be of little advantage because the days mine does arable work in a year can be counted on two hands. Nevertheless, I am sure there will be even more 'surprise and delight' features in the DIII which will make it worthwhile to most power users.

Aha. As I thought. Suprise and delight :-) I've used a NH headland management and it is so complex to set up that I am sure hardly anyone would bother with it.

I'll get back to you.

Huw

Hmmm not sure then. Doesn't exactly sell its self to users then :o)

You may be right, but as I said, being really easy to use, would allow you to think of more uses, not necessarily in arable functions. Besides, it looks as if it will make spool and hydraulic setup easier, which has to be a plus, cos I find it a bit of a pain on D2 (compared to competition).

Drivers that use the system tell me that they have discovered all manor of

JD, Case and many of the others are all extraordinarily complicated to use, and as you point out most don't use it. PROFI and many others hail Fendt's as the benchmark. Have yet to use the MF system in anger, but I'm told it is very similar to the fendt system. Really hope it is cos it will result in a really strong tractor.

Cheers matey

Graham