Väderstad introduces prescription map tillage and E-Services for TopDown and Opus

For model year 2024, the combination cultivator TopDown 400-700 can be equipped with the gateway, sensors, and updated electronics. This gives the ability to gain full control of the machine via the iPad-based control system Väderstad E-Control, as well as operating the machine via the tractor ISOBUS terminal.

We have seen a demand from farmers to further optimize their tillage operations. By being able to adjust the machine settings to the conditions of the field, it is possible to optimize agronomy and working results. Wolfram Hastolz, Director of Tillage Product Management at Väderstad, states that the introduction of E-Services to TopDown is the key to this.

The introduction of E-Services to TopDown enables the machine to automatically adjust settings on the go using a prescription field map. The farmer can now program how the individual working elements - discs, shanks, levellers, and packer - should behave at specific spots on the field based on soil type or other field characteristics before going to the field. The prescription map is then inserted into the tractor ISOBUS terminal, which connects to the Väderstad E-Control system to take control of the machine.

The next step after variable rate application of seed and fertilizer is to apply the same thinking to tillage. Here, savings can be unlocked using the rule "as much as necessary, as little as possible." Some of the benefits include diesel savings and improved soil health, as well as the possibility to increase working speed and reduce wear. Additionally, this enables an autonomous farming future, according to Wolfram Hastolz.

Using the iPad-based control system Väderstad E-Control, the operator will also be able to gain full control of the machine directly from the tractor cab. With the touch of a button, the driver can set the individual working depth or intensity of the discs, shanks, levellers, or packer on the go. To assist with the field work, four pre-set buttons can be used to store different machine configurations.

The control system is designed to support the driver in optimizing the tillage operation while also enhancing the user experience. With the pre-set buttons, the farmer can store their most common machine configurations. For example, they can use pre-set 1 for standard field work, pre-set 2 for tramlines, pre-set 3 for tough areas, and so on. When one working zone is changed, the others will automatically compensate to maintain their individual selected depths, says Wolfram Hastolz.

With the notion that field work can be hectic and unexpected situations may occur at times, the TopDown can be switched to manual setting and traditional control if, for example, the tractor needs to be quickly changed unexpectedly.

Väderstad TopDown 400-700 can be ordered with E-Services as an option beginning October 2023. The machine will premiere at the international tradeshow, Agritechnica, in November 2023. Production will start in the beginning of 2024.