New Raven RS1 guidance technology is helping farmers reduce downtime and maintain productivity during critical spraying windows
Australian farmers are upgrading guidance systems to reduce time lost to dropouts during spraying and spreading and keep operations moving through tight work windows.
New Holland’s Raven RS1 system is being adopted by growers looking to simplify how they use precision agriculture technology and improve performance, by combining steering, guidance and connectivity into a single integrated platform.
The RS1 system, used in conjunction with the IntelliView™ 4 Plus display, delivers consistent steering accuracy at both high and low speeds, helping maintain performance across a range of applications.
It is designed to work with ISOBUS-compatible implements, allowing growers to connect and run newer balers, spreaders and attachments through the same system, and reduce the likelihood of needing further upgrades as their operations evolve.
For growers, the ability to retrofit newer technology to existing machinery is a key advantage, enabling access to current precision agriculture capability while maximising the value of their fleet.
Agricultural Equipment Holdings’ (AEH Group) Precision Farming Manager, Nathan Wright, said the shift reflects increasing demand for systems that deliver consistent performance under real operating conditions.
“We’re seeing more growers move to integrated systems that simplify their setup and deliver more reliable performance in the paddock,” Nathan said.
Central west NSW grower Michael Murphy, based near Parkes, recently retrofitted the RS1 system to an older New Holland T7 used for spraying and spreading.
He had experienced repeated dropouts with his previous guidance system during spraying that were disrupting operations, slowing progress across paddocks and reducing productivity at his mixed farming enterprise.
“Previously, I could be spraying and it might drop out two or three times a paddock, and each time it could take 10 minutes to reboot,” Michael said.
“That makes it hard to plan your work. Now it’s much easier to keep things moving."
The RS1 upgrade also included the IntelliView™ 4 Plus display, providing a larger and more responsive in-cab interface.
“The screen is also bigger and clearer, and easier to use on the run,” Michael said.
In broadacre applications, guidance performance plays a critical role in maintaining accuracy and protecting crop outcomes, particularly during spraying operations.
“Smoother engagement and more stable guidance makes the machine more predictable and easier to operate at higher speeds,” Nathan said.
“It helps the machine hold its line more accurately, which is important for reducing unnecessary crop damage and maintaining consistency across the paddock.”
Major improvements in satellite tracking capability are also helping reduce interruptions during operation, particularly in varying or more challenging conditions like beside a tree line. In some spots over 40 satellites could be used.
“Older systems were limited in satellite tracking, particularly in more difficult conditions,” Nathan said.
“The RS1 is able to track significantly more satellites, which reduces downtime and allows operators to keep working with fewer interruptions.”
To find out more about an RS1 and IntelliView 4 Plus display upgrade, talk to your local New Holland dealer.