Skip to content
Contact Us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

How to Use Headland Boundaries and Adaptive Curves on a John Deere Gen 4 Display

Headland boundaries and Adaptive Curve guidance can help you place rows consistently around irregular field edges and corners. This is especially useful when planting corn, working around end rows, or returning to a curved pass later in the field.

The process shown here uses John Deere Generation 4 guidance functions. Screen names and available options can vary slightly by display software, machine configuration, and activation level.What Are Headland Boundaries?

A headland boundary appears on the Gen 4 Display as a yellow dotted line inside the exterior field boundary. It marks the area reserved for end rows or turning space and gives you a visual reference as you work around the field.

 

 

For example, if you create an 80-foot or 120-foot headland boundary, the yellow dotted line helps you see where that headland area begins. This can be helpful when opening a field corner and planning row placement so your passes line up the way you intend.

When to Use Adaptive Curves

Adaptive Curve guidance is designed for following a manually driven curved path. Once you record an initial pass, the display creates parallel paths that can be used to guide the machine through the rest of the field.

Adaptive Curves can be helpful for:

  • Following curved end rows or headlands
  • Planting around irregular field edges
  • Working along contours
  • Managing corners where straight guidance lines do not fit the field shape
  • Creating repeatable passes around a field perimeter

Unlike a straight track, an Adaptive Curve records the shape of the path you drive. Drive the initial recorded pass carefully, since unintended movement can become part of the guidance path.

How to Create an Adaptive Curve
  1. Open the Guidance application on the Gen 4 Display.
  2. Select Set Track or Select Track.
  3. Create a new track, then choose Curve Track and Adaptive Curve.
  4. Name the track clearly. Use a name that identifies the field area or job, such as “End Rows 2026,” “North Headland,” or “West Terrace.”
  5. Press the Record button before driving the path you want to follow.
  6. Drive the desired route, keeping the machine and implement positioned where you want future passes to follow.
  7. Stop recording if you leave the normal working pattern. For example, pause or stop recording before driving to refill seed, avoid an obstacle, or travel across an area you do not want included in the guidance line.
  8. When the desired curve or end-row section is complete, select End Session and confirm by selecting OK.
How to Switch Back to a Straight Track

After completing an Adaptive Curve section, you can return to a straight guidance line without deleting the curve.

  1. Select End Session to finish recording the Adaptive Curve.
  2. Select OK to confirm.
  3. Select Set Track.
  4. Choose the saved straight track you want to use, such as the line that follows a road, field edge, or main planting direction.

This allows you to use an Adaptive Curve where it is needed, such as around end rows or corners, and return to a straight track for the rest of the field.

How to Return to an Existing Adaptive Curve

You do not need to create a new Adaptive Curve every time you return to an existing end-row path.

  1. Open the Set Track menu or use the Swap Track feature.
  2. Select the existing Adaptive Curve from the list.
  3. Choose the track you previously created, such as “End Rows 2026.”
  4. Verify that the correct guidance line is active before beginning work.

Using clear, descriptive names for your guidance tracks makes it easier to switch between straight tracks and Adaptive Curves throughout the field.

How to Add Another Segment to an Adaptive Curve

When you return to an existing Adaptive Curve and want to record an additional section, make sure the display is back in recording mode.

  1. Select the existing Adaptive Curve track.
  2. Press the Plus Segment button.
  3. Confirm the display is recording before driving.
  4. Drive the new section of the path you want to add.
  5. End the recording session when finished.

Important: Selecting an existing Adaptive Curve does not automatically begin recording a new section. If you do not select Plus Segment, the display will not save the additional path you drive.

Best Practices for Headland Boundaries and Adaptive Curves
  • Create and verify the exterior field boundary before relying on a headland boundary for row-placement reference.
  • Choose a headland width that provides enough turning room for your tractor, implement, and field conditions.
  • Use clear track names that identify the location, operation, or season.
  • Drive the first Adaptive Curve pass slowly and accurately, especially around corners, terraces, waterways, and obstacles.
  • Pause recording before traveling to a refill location or making movements you do not want repeated in the guidance line.
  • Verify the active track before engaging AutoTrac.
  • Remember that the yellow headland boundary is a visual reference for planning passes and turn rows. It does not replace safe operating practices or awareness of field obstacles.
Need Help With John Deere Guidance?

If you need help setting up headland boundaries, creating Adaptive Curves, managing saved tracks, or confirming your John Deere display is ready for your operation, contact your local Koenig Equipment Precision Ag team. We are here to help you build a guidance setup that supports accurate, repeatable fieldwork.