New System Expands Variable Rate Application Capacity and Individual Row Input Control

 

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec. 3 - Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) today introduced its Field-IQ(TM) crop input control system designed to offer farmers a variety of ways to control their inputs by using the Trimble® AgGPS® FmX(TM) integrated display or the AgGPS EZ-Guide® 500 lightbar system.

The Field-IQ system combines input control capabilities into one comprehensive, modular system, including map-based planter row unit shutoff for seed and liquid fertilizer, variable rate seeding, variable rate liquid fertilizer, variable rate spreading and real-time variable rate nitrogen application. The Field-IQ system reduces the need for complex calibrations -- farmers can simply purchase the components they need, set up, test and begin operations.

 The modular functionality of the Field-IQ system allows growers to:

Automate Individual Row Control for Seed
Reduces overlap and overcrowding, helping growers use less seed while improving yields. Use the new, easy-to-install Tru Count Meter Mount(TM) air clutch to shut off seed row units.

Automate Individual Row Control for Liquid
Easily shut off liquid fertilizer for individual rows with new Tru Count LiquiBlock(TM) valves. These valves connect to Tru Count air clutches, sharing the same air source, allowing growers to simultaneously shut off seed and liquid.

Perform Variable Rate Application
Vary the rate of seed, granular material or liquid fertilizer application using Rawson variable rate drives to provide precise control. No lag at the beginning of a pass so seed, granular material or liquid fertilizer is applied at a steady rate at the start of each row.

Control up to 48 Sections
Automatically control planting and precise seed placement for up to 48 individual rows with the Field-IQ system.

Record Coverage and Mapping Automatically
The FmX integrated display or the EZ-Guide system records where the grower has been and what activities have been performed, eliminating the need to manually turn on and off application and logging.

Perform Real-Time Variable Rate Nitrogen Application
The Trimble GreenSeeker® optical sensing system registers the amount of nitrogen needed by the plant, then automatically prescribes the right amount of nitrogen for the sprayer to deliver it on-the-go.

"Precisely controlling inputs allows farmers to save on seed and material inputs while enhancing yield. Field-IQ puts automatic shutoff and variable rate application capability within reach of farmers who previously thought the technology was too complex or expensive," said Erik Arvesen, vice president and general manager for Trimble's Agriculture Division. "Designed to combine a broad range of capabilities into one flexible, modular system, Field-IQ allows farmers to choose the capabilities they need now and add new input controls as their operations grow."

Field-IQ is expected to be available in January 2010 through Trimble's Agriculture reseller network. For more information, call 1-800-874-6253 or visit www.trimble.com/agriculture to find a Trimble reseller.

About Trimble
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location--including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978, Trimble is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif.

For more information, visit Trimble's Web site at www.trimble.com.