Case IH, STEYR and New Holland Agriculture equipment is now compatible with the Galileo satellite network

CNH Industrial, a global leader in the capital goods sector, has enhanced the robustness of the precision agriculture systems for its global agricultural brands, Case IH, STEYR and New Holland Agriculture, by adding Galileo signals to their reference network solution.

During November’s EIMA International Agricultural and Gardening Machinery Exhibit in Bologna, Italy, Case IH, STEYR and New Holland announced that their equipment will now be Galileo-capable, enhancing the robustness of the RTK correction services.

This RTK guided auto-steering and its related technology ensures a fast, dependable signal and sub 1.5 cm repeatable accuracy in all conditions, regardless of field location. However, until now, farmers have had to depend on non-civilian American GPS or Russian GLONASS signals when driving in the field. “Enhanced RTK accuracy through the incorporation of signals from the Galileo satellites is a core way in which we can help Case IH tractor and combine users be innovative and competitive as they seek to help develop sustainable agricultural practices to feed an ever-increasing world population in an environmentally responsible way,” says Dan Stuart, Product Marketing Director EMEA Case IH.

For Maxime Rocaboy, Product Marketing EMEA at STEYR, the benefits of the enhanced RTK correction services are quite clear: “Use of the Galileo satellite navigation system, which is extremely accurate and available almost everywhere, enables a whole new range of options for farmers and contractors. It gives them detailed information on their land and crops like never before and realises all the potential benefits of the STEYR auto steering systems.”

The addition of Galileo signals also helps minimise the risk of signal failure, which is one of the major reasons why the Case IH, STEYR and New Holland CNH Industrial RTK networks are integrating corrections from Galileo satellites. “By improving positioning and timing information, consistency of signal coverage is enhanced and a robust and reliable signal for accurate pass-to-pass repeatability is ensured,” says Alessio Quatraro, Product Marketing Manager EMEA at New Holland Agriculture. Michael Mahieu, CNH Industrial RTK network analyst, “This benefits farmers by minimising downtime and assist in consistent and efficient use of seed, fertiliser and crop protection products through parallel passes with minimal overlap, thereby maximising a crop’s potential.”

The addition of Galileo signals means a higher number of available satellites when using RTK corrections, making the service even more robust – especially under challenging circumstances such as working under trees, in forestry or in orchards. The company is currently testing and validating Galileo correction signals for its RTK corrective service, which are expected to be available on the market starting in January 2019.

Galileo drives European competitiveness

The use of GNSS technology, including Galileo, is opening new business models and opportunities in the agricultural sector. GNSS-based precision farming gives farmers an unprecedented level of knowledge about their crops, livestock and operations while making the sector more efficient, economically competitive and environmentally sustainable.

According to the European GNSS Agency (GSA), Galileo provides improved positioning and timing information, with significant positive implications for many European farmers. “Galileo is well-positioned to enhance the GNSS performance, allowing users to benefit from an improved monitoring of the distribution and dilution of chemicals, improved parcel yields thanks to customised treatment and more efficient property management,” says Joaquín Reyes, who has prepared the the so-called User Consultation Platform, Agriculture panel, in Marseille early December where Precision Agriculture plays a central role. CNH Industrial participated in this event along with other leading tractor and machinery manufacturers.

EU Space Week

CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNHI / MI: CNHI) is a global leader in the capital goods sector with established industrial experience, a wide range of products and a worldwide presence. Each of the individual brands belonging to the Company is a major international force in its specific industrial sector: Case IH, New Holland Agriculture and Steyr for tractors and agricultural machinery; Case and New Holland Construction for earth moving equipment; Iveco for commercial vehicles; Iveco Bus and Heuliez Bus for buses and coaches; Iveco Astra for quarry and construction vehicles; Magirus for firefighting vehicles; Iveco Defence Vehicles for defence and civil protection; and FPT Industrial for engines and transmissions. More information can be found on the corporate website: www.cnhindustrial.com 

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