Even for an experienced tractor driver, getting the silage trailer completely full without losing some over the top can be tricky. But fear not, the machinery companies are about to automate this part of the driver’s job too.

Claas and New Holland both have systems that use digital cameras underneath the spout to scan the top part of the trailer and identify where in their field of vision the spout end is. If one part of the trailer gets too full, the spout automatically compensates.

As well as eliminating the tedious job of watching the trailer over your shoulder, it means that night work is that much easier. Presumably it won’t be long until combines and corn cart drivers enjoy the same level of automation too.