02/01/06 But does it drive itself?

It seems as technological advances continue to enter into the combines, tractors, and farm machinery used in agriculture today, that life for the producer and machine operator gets just a little bit easier. Think Global Positioning System units. Sure, G.P.S. has become more commonplace in farm machinery, including drivable machinery, as a tool for more precise rows cultivated, or more accurate application of sprays and chemicals. But the recent introduction of a product has paved the way for even more accuracy, greater efficiency, and more importantly, increased driver safety. MARTINEZ: The EZ assisted steering product is just revolutionary in its design and its intent to provide highly accurate hands free steering in the farm place. And yes, you heard Mike Martinez of Trimble Navigation Limited correctly. The Ag G.P.S. EZ Steer produced by Trimble allows for hands free steering, thanks to state of the art G.P.S. technologies such as in field computing in mapping, variable rate, and land level functionality. And Martinez says one reason why the EZ Steer was named by AgriMarketing Magazine as its 2005 Product of the Year is because it finally resolved the problems that hampered previous models of G.P.S. navigation. MARTINEZ: I would say any type of automated steering has been a bit under the eye of the users out there for a little bit. But now with this entry-level type assisted steering product that's actually providing very good performance, the market's just opening up and reception has been very good, and we're just astounded at the amount of acceptance from end user farmers and owner-operators or even corporation type farms. The EZ Steer system is designed to improve operator safety by decreasing driving fatigue, and improve efficiency not only in navigation, but giving the operator better oversight on application of chemicals and spray booms. Having said all that, the EZ Steer is not just called that because it allows machine operators to take their hands off the wheel for a prolonged period of time. MARTINEZ: The main concept was to develop this product to be able to be installed in fifteen minutes or less, be able to be learned to operate in fifteen minutes or less, and be able to move it around from vehicle to vehicle in your different aspects of different farming operations all year round. And Martinez adds the EZ Steer was meant primarily for older model tractors, but will work with any tractor with power steering. For more information, go to Trimble's web site, www.trimble.com.