Farmers who are signed up to a new “digital ecosystem” being rolled out this year by Claas will be able to add tractors and other machines to their account simply by scanning a QR code using a mobile device app.

The Claas Connect project will bring all the group’s current digital services into one Cloud-based platform, and add new features and functions with the aim of simplifying machine management and precision farming operations.

According to Rob Fillingham, who heads the new digital business division at Claas UK, all users’ existing data related to Claas machines will be transferred to the new platform from October this year.

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It will incorporate today’s telematics functions and provide access to the Claas Parts online shop and part numbers, with orders sent digitally to the users’ dealer for checking before dispatch.

The new platform will also show all current data licences in one place and feature streamlined and more accurate access to digital operator manuals based on a specific machine’s serial number.

Generating maps

On the precision farming front, Claas Connect will enable guidance A-B lines and prescription maps to be generated in the farm office and wirelessly transferred to the Cemis 1200 isobus terminal, with “task completed” documentation automatically uploaded by simply driving out of a field.

A five-year Machine Connect licence will be included in the purchase of new equipment (and will be transferable with any machines sold on), after which a renewal fee will be due.

A separate licensing structure will be introduced for the new Farm Connect data analysis and interpretation add-on, which comprises Fleet Connect for multi-make machinery records and Field Connect for crop-related data.

In future, Autonomy Connect will be added to the platform, providing an app for creating autonomous operation tasks that tractors and purpose-built robot power units will undertake in future.

Claas is busy developing and testing autonomous functions that would ease the operator’s workload on existing tractors and exploring while also exploring fully driverless operation with industry partners.