How to Set Up and Calibrate ActiveYield on Your John Deere S700 Combine

ActiveYield, available on John Deere S700 combines, is designed to make automatic yield calibration simple and reliable. This technology enables your machine to continuously calibrate yield measurements as you harvest, meaning no more manual calibration—saving time and enhancing accuracy.

Follow this step-by-step guide to get the best results from your ActiveYield system.

What is ActiveYield?

ActiveYield automatically calibrates the mass flow sensor by using load cells installed in the grain tank.
The system continuously estimates the change in grain weight, then compares it to the data from the mass flow sensor.
Adjustments are made on-the-go to minimize error and provide real-time, accurate yield information.

Step 1: Turning On ActiveYield

On your combine’s monitor, go to the Menu.
Select Calibrations and Procedures.
Choose ActiveYield from the menu.
Ensure ActiveYield is turned ON.

When active, calibrations will run automatically. You’ll see:

The number of accepted samples (right side of the display).
The last accepted load.

Step 2: Monitor Your Quality Indicator

After 4–5 accepted samples, check the Quality Indicator.
This display shows the confidence in calibration. A full indicator means the system is working as it should.

Step 3: Making Corrections (Optional)

If elevator scale measurements show consistent error (e.g., readings always 1% high):

Go to Advanced Settings (arrow at the top).
Enter a correction factor (e.g., “-1” to lower readings by 1%).
You can also reset back to factory default calibration.

Step 4: Essential Calibrations for Best Results

For maximum ActiveYield accuracy, perform these additional calibrations:

A. Moisture Sensor Temperature Calibration

Select Begin Calibration.
The system displays current temperature.
Adjust if needed to match actual conditions.
Best to do this after the machine sits in a stable temperature (not outside in the sun).
Select Save once satisfied.

B. Mass Flow Vibration Calibration

Select Begin Calibration.
System lists setup requirements:
- Machine in park
- Header attached
- Separator and header turned ON
- Engine at high idle (wide-open)
Select Next and run for about 1 minute.
System will notify you when complete.

This calibration teaches the machine its “zero yield point” by accounting for vibration when no crop is passing through.

Recommended each time you switch headers.
At least once per year per head.
Header should be slightly above the ground, not resting.

Step 5: Begin Harvesting & Monitor Performance

Harvest normally after calibrations.
Let ActiveYield run calibrations automatically.
Watch the quality indicator and, if needed, adjust the correction factor to match elevator scale data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to manually calibrate yield every season?
A: No—ActiveYield performs calibration automatically. However, routine vibration and moisture sensor calibrations are recommended for best accuracy.

Q: How do I know if ActiveYield is working?
A: The combine’s display will show a quality indicator. A full indicator = high confidence in calibration.

Q: What if my combine’s yield readings are consistently too high or too low?
A: Use the correction factor in Advanced Settings to adjust readings to match elevator scale numbers.

Q: When should I recalibrate mass flow vibration?
A: Every time you change headers, and once per year per header for optimal results. Always calibrate with the header slightly above the ground.