How to Start and Monitor a John Deere Autonomous Tractor

Before the tractor can begin autonomous work, the operator must complete the in-machine setup, exit the cab, inspect the area around the machine, and use Operations Center Mobile to verify that all start requirements have been met.

 

 

This guide follows the process shown in the video and adds important information about safe startup, monitoring, stopping work, camera views, remote settings, and Remote Display Control.

Before You Start

Autonomous operation starts with preparation in the machine and in John Deere Operations Center. Confirm the tractor, implement, field boundary, guidance plan, and work setup are ready before you enter the field.

Before leaving the cab:

• Configure the tractor for the planned autonomous task.
• Verify the correct field, work plan, guidance information, and implement settings are selected.
• Make sure the machine is in a safe starting location.
• Exit the cab and move clear of the machine.
• Walk around the tractor and implement to check for people, animals, tools, debris, or obstacles.
• Confirm that no one is under, behind, or immediately around the tractor or implement.

John Deere states that its autonomous tractors use advanced cameras to provide a 360-degree view, identify objects, and determine whether an area is safe to travel. The machine can stop and notify the remote operator when it detects an obstacle or mechanical issue.deere+1

Start Autonomy in Operations Center Mobile

Once the machine is set up and the area is clear, use the Operations Center Mobile app to begin autonomous operation.

1. Open Operations Center Mobile on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Select the autonomous tractor from the machine list or map.
3. Verify that the app shows the tractor is ready for autonomous operation.
4. Confirm that you meet all startup requirements shown in the app.
5. Remain within the required distance of the machine. The operator shown in the video stays within 1,500 feet of the tractor before initiating autonomy. This proximity requirement helps ensure the operator can visually inspect the surroundings and confirm the area is safe before startup.farmprogress
6. Confirm the machine area is clear. Look underneath and around the tractor and implement before starting. Do not begin autonomous work if a person, child, animal, object, or other hazard is near the machine.
7. Select Start Autonomy in the app.
8. Slide the start control across the screen to confirm the command.
9. Listen for the machine’s horn signal. The tractor will sound the horn to indicate that it is preparing to move.
10. Allow the tractor to complete its startup and obstacle check. Once the area is clear, it will begin the planned work.

John Deere’s published autonomy workflow describes the process as transporting the machine to the field, configuring it for autonomous operation, then swiping in the mobile app. The tractor starts, scans for obstacles, provides an all-clear indication when appropriate, and begins the planned task.deere

Monitor the Tractor While It Works

Once autonomy is active, Operations Center Mobile allows you to review the machine’s work status from your phone or tablet.

From the machine screen, you may be able to view:

• Whether autonomy is actively working
• Machine location and field progress
• Active work information
• Alerts and notifications
• Machine or implement status
• Live camera views, when available
• Selected implement settings

John Deere says Operations Center Mobile can be used to monitor an autonomous tractor from a smartphone or tablet and provides alerts when the machine identifies an obstacle or mechanical issue. Live video access can provide a real-time view of what the tractor is doing.deere

Stop Autonomous Work

If you need the machine to stop, select Stop Work in the Operations Center Mobile app.

Use Stop Work any time you need to investigate an alert, inspect the tractor or implement, respond to changing conditions, or pause the operation for safety. Do not approach the machine until it has stopped and you have confirmed it is safe to do so.

If the tractor detects a potential obstacle or other concern, respond to the notification, assess the situation in person when needed, and correct the issue before resuming work.

Use Live Camera View

Live camera view can help you check conditions around the autonomous tractor without immediately traveling to the machine.

Use the camera view to:

• Monitor the tractor’s current activity
• Check the field environment around the machine
• Review implement operation
• Help assess an alert before traveling to the field
• Verify machine position and progress

Camera views are a helpful monitoring tool, but they do not replace an in-person inspection when a safety concern, obstacle, implement issue, or machine alert requires attention.

Adjust Remote Settings

Depending on your machine, implement, permissions, and software configuration, Operations Center Mobile may allow you to review and adjust certain remote settings.

To adjust an available setting:

1. Open the machine details screen in Operations Center Mobile.
2. Review the displayed machine and implement information.
3. Select Adjust Remote Settings.
4. Make the needed change.
5. Review the updated value before sending it to the machine.
6. Select the option to send the change to the tractor.

Only adjust settings when you understand how the change will affect machine performance, implement operation, and job quality. If you are uncertain about a setting, contact your local Koenig Equipment Precision Ag team before changing it.

Use Remote Display Control

Remote Display Access and Remote Display Control can help you review the in-cab display from a phone, tablet, or computer. In the video, the operator uses Remote Display Control to zoom in and select display functions as if they were in the cab.

Remote Display Access allows an authorized user to view the machine display remotely. Remote Display Control can allow an authorized support person to assist with display setup, adjustments, and troubleshooting with the operator’s consent.deere+1

To use Remote Display Control:

1. Open the machine in Operations Center Mobile.
2. Select the Remote Display Access or Remote Display Control option.
3. Connect to the machine display, if the option is available and permissions are enabled.
4. Review the display information and settings.
5. Make only the changes necessary for the current operation.
6. Confirm the updated settings are correct before continuing autonomous work.

Remote access availability depends on compatible equipment, JDLink connectivity, software configuration, and the appropriate Operations Center account permissions. John Deere notes that Remote Display Access and Remote Display Control require the proper machine setup and account access.deere+1

Safety Reminders

• Complete the required in-machine setup before attempting to start autonomy from the mobile app.
• Inspect the entire area around, beneath, and behind the tractor and implement before startup.
• Stay within the app’s required proximity range when initiating autonomous operation.
• Wait for the horn signal and machine safety check before the tractor begins moving.
• Never assume cameras or automation remove the need for safe operating judgment.
• Stop work and inspect the machine if it encounters an obstacle, sends an alert, or performs unexpectedly.
• Do not approach the machine or implement until it has stopped and the area is safe.
• Refer to the operator’s manual for your exact tractor, implement, and autonomous system before operating. 

Need Help With John Deere Autonomy?

Koenig Equipment’s Precision Ag team can help you prepare your machine, set up Operations Center, understand remote monitoring tools, and get more value from your John Deere technology. Contact your local Koenig Equipment location for support with autonomous-operation setup, JDLink connectivity, display configuration, or remote access.