News for Fendt fans and technology fans

[Hoss1]

This is an excerpt from today’s Successful Farming newsletter:

“Introducing A Combine With No Steering Wheel - Instead of a steering wheel, the machine will be equipped with the new Fendt IdealDrive introduced at the 2020 Commodity Classic. IdealDrive is a joystick steering system option that gives the combine operator a clear view of the whole header.”

The article states that combines can be ordered with the IdealDrive system starting May 2020. So, obviously, this has been in the works for some time, but this is the first I’ve heard of it.

This would sure make an interesting FS19 mod or perhaps an option for future FS series.

[Hoss1]

My apologies... I posted this in General Discussion and realize that it may be better put in Off Topic.

Moderator(s), please feel free to move if appropriate.

Edit don_apple: topic moved.

[Deadeye]

Interesting, but not really ground-breaking in my eyes. I don't run combines. I'm more into the construction side of the equipment world. Loaders and graders have had joysticks for steering in some models for a little while now. Sometimes it's too touchy, and sometimes I'm sure it's nice.

In a practical sense though, what does that really gain the operator? Is it imperative that the operator see the center of the head as he's combining? Certainly this new feature comes with a hefty price. I imagine even if this idea becomes mainstream, it will take a long while to catch on. Like I said, I'm never ran a combine. Maybe there's something I'm missing. Still though, interesting idea.

[iwan073]

Why interesting for Farming Simulator?
It’s not like my DualShock controller will feel any different just because this combine has a joystick instead of a steering wheel.

[juf.de]

Just saw it in Brian's Farming Videos, there the saleman stated that it will give the operator a better view on the header in general and the inlet into the harvester specifially, as the sterring console has been moved to the left site of the seat.

[Hoss1]

They claim it will also “decrease operator fatigue”, especially when making 180-degree headland turns. On average, it takes around 4 to 5 turns of a steering wheel in the headland turn.

[Deadeye]

All of this is understandable I s'pose. I can tell you with full confidence though, that joystick controls aren't always what they're cracked up to be. They are sometimes not as precise as we'd like, and sometimes they are very sensitive.

[Farmercaseih]

I'm so not sure how well a joystick would work trying to follow rows of corn on headlands.

[Hoss1]

I'm so not sure how well a joystick would work trying to follow rows of corn on headlands.

That’s a good question! I get the point about better header visibility, but personally, I’d take a steering wheel any day.

[Illinois Farmer]

I just saw a picture of an American claas lexion with a hosrch seder in the back. It is design to plant cover crop right after harvest.

[Dairydeere]

I’ve only ever driven one combine in my life (two of you count on someone’s lap) and I think that the wheels are pretty good, I wouldn’t be able to handle joysticks fo how much I struggle with WASD on a keyboard. Same with choppers

[valentind63]

Interesting, but not really ground-breaking in my eyes. I don't run combines. I'm more into the construction side of the equipment world. Loaders and graders have had joysticks for steering in some models for a little while now Stockage Mobile. Sometimes it's too touchy, and sometimes I'm sure it's nice.

In a practical sense though, what does that really gain the operator? Is it imperative that the operator see the center of the head as he's combining? Certainly this new feature comes with a hefty price. I imagine even if this idea becomes mainstream, it will take a long while to catch on. Like I said, I'm never ran a combine. Maybe there's something I'm missing. Still though, interesting idea.

Maybe you could help me with the choice of interlocking pavers.

[Deadeye]

Interesting, but not really ground-breaking in my eyes. I don't run combines. I'm more into the construction side of the equipment world. Loaders and graders have had joysticks for steering in some models for a little while now Stockage Mobile. Sometimes it's too touchy, and sometimes I'm sure it's nice.

In a practical sense though, what does that really gain the operator? Is it imperative that the operator see the center of the head as he's combining? Certainly this new feature comes with a hefty price. I imagine even if this idea becomes mainstream, it will take a long while to catch on. Like I said, I'm never ran a combine. Maybe there's something I'm missing. Still though, interesting idea.

Maybe you could help me with the choice of interlocking pavers.

While I would like to help, I'm very uninformed when it comes to pavers. The most work I've ever done with blacktop is laboring. Its not something I do very much of.