Implement Guidance

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Tracker-IV-GPS-Implement-Guidance-2

GPS-Shadow-System-Implement-Guidance

Implement Guidance

The advent of the global positioning system (GPS) ushered in a new era in agricultural production. Precision seed and nutrient placement enabled by GPS led to modern tillage techniques such as strip-till, which have had a profound effect on crop health and yield.

Orthman brings all the benefits of sub-inch accuracy to drawn and mounted implements with two unique, direct guidance systems, the GPS Tracker® IV and the flexible, GPS Shadow Tracker®. Don’t assume your tractor’s GPS alone is enough. Let Orthman help you upgrade your implements now to enjoy the benefits of true precision agriculture long into the future.

Why is implement guidance important?

During a five-year study, implement guidance was shown to dramatically improve crop yields by precisely placing the seed and fertilizer closer to each other in separate field passes.

Field Pass #1

Strip-till precision placing fertilizer with GPS Tracker IV implement guidance system.

Field pass #2

Planting with GPS Tracker IV implement guidance system to precisely place seed over the fertilizer.

The chart below shows that yields were up to 13 percent higher when seed and fertilizer were placed with sub-inch accuracy compared to the crop planted at an eight-inch offset, and 5 percent higher when compared to the four–inch offset.

GPS TRACKER® IV

Use GPS to precisely guide any implement with sub-inch accuracy

Developed to provide industry-leading precision guidance for drawn and three-point mounted row crop units, Orthman’s Tracker IV system easily mounts onto the implement and is fully compatible with John Deere and Trimble guidance systems. Available with two, three, four or six ground-engaging steering blades, the Tracker IV design features a single hydraulic cylinder that pivots all the blades simultaneously for consistent implement-tracking correction. The Tracker IV is available in 20- to 40-inch row spacing’s to fit your operation.

Here's how it works


1. GPS antenna senses implement position relative to path and sends corrective steering information from controller
2. Tracker steers blades according to signal from controller until implement path is corrected
3. Once on the correct path, the steering blades hold the implement position based on GPS antenna position
4. Tracker actively senses position continuously to make small adjustments to keep implement on correct path


1. Hydraulic steering cylinder precisely controls blade movement
2. Fully-protected position sensor housing endures harsh operating conditions
3. Blade connecting tie rods ensure exact steering angle
4. GPS antenna sends implement position information to controller
5. Heavy-duty frame made from 3/8-inch wall, 5x7-inch, high-strength steel tubing
6. Shear bolt blade protection offers defense against underground obstacles

Benefits of sub-inch implement accuracy


Year over year repeatability of fertilizer and seeding applications
Helps eliminate crop damage associated with implement drift
Reduce inputs by reducing seeding and chemical overlap
Reduce operator fatigue, labor and fuel costs

Deere-Orthman DR planters

Orthman Mounted 1tRIPrs, Cultivators & BedListers

John Deere 24 Row 30″ 1770NT & 1775NT CCS Planters

Case 1250 & 1255 24 Row 30″ Central Fill Planters

[Custom mounting options also available]

GPS SHADOW TRACKER®

An independent blade system for greater mounting flexibility

Based on the same operating principles as the Tracker IV, the Shadow Tracker includes a single cylinder and blade that can be mounted in combinations of up to four-blade systems depending on the size of the implement and field terrain. Specifically designed for the planting operation, the Shadow Tracker system consists of a GPS mast mounted to the toolbar, with hydraulic lines connecting the tractor and individual units.

Here's how it works

One master module sends information to the GPS controller with the remaining units controlled hydraulically by the master unit, “shadowing” its movements as it is controlled by the GPS controller. Steering blades hydraulically pivot to place the implement in the proper position.


1. Hydraulic steering cylinder precisely controls blade movement
2. Fully-protected position sensor housing endures harsh operating conditions
3. Hydraulic connection between units allows for mounting on folding and floating wing sections
4. Shear bolt blade protection offers defense against underground obstacles
5. Simple hookup to single tractor SCV

Both the GPS Tracker IV and GPS Shadow Tracker seamlessly guide implements to unprecedented lateral accuracy. Orthman’s patented ground-engaging steering blade systems are industry leaders in providing this level of accuracy, and both systems may be used on a variety of implements for operational flexibility.

Benefits of sub-inch implement accuracy


Year over year repeatability of fertilizer and seeding applications
Helps eliminate crop damage associated with implement drift
Reduce inputs by reducing seeding and chemical overlap
Reduce operator fatigue, labor and fuel costs