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John Deere Harvest Automation: Getting Started Checklist

A step-by-step guide from Koenig Equipment to set up and operate John Deere Harvest Automation for a productive and efficient harvest.

John Deere’s Harvest Automation integrates advanced digital and machine technologies to streamline your harvest process and improve field efficiency. This guide from Koenig Equipment walks through every step to get started, from digital setup to in-cab preparation, ensuring successful operation throughout the harvest season.

Download the step-by-step-guide here > 

Pre-Season Preparation

  • Create a Digital Account:
    Set up a John Deere Operations Center account to manage farm operations, connected equipment, and harvest data through one online platform.

  • Download and Set Up Mobile Apps:

    • Operations Center Mobile: Enables remote management of field activities.

    • Equipment Mobile App: Helps manage and maintain your equipment fleet.

  • Add and Verify Equipment:
    Include combines, implements, and headers (with accurate offsets) in your account to build a complete, connected list of your machines.

  • Activate Licenses:
    Use License Manager in Operations Center to activate your Ultimate or Premium Combine License for the G5 Display. Koenig Equipment can assist with activation if needed.

  • Set Up Your Fields:

    • Assign clear field names and locations for all fields to enable accurate job tracking.

    • Create boundaries and headlands—these help equipment stay on track and increase precision.

  • Create Guidance Tracks and Work Plans:

    • Set up guidance lines for each field and review any existing AutoPath lines.

    • Build harvest work plans and send them to equipment—work plans help operators get started quickly upon entering a field.

 

In the Cab: Before Harvesting

  • Install Machine Sync Antennas:
    Ensure all combines and grain cart tractors are equipped with Machine Sync, enabling automatic positioning and speed control during on-the-go unloading.

  • Update Display Controller Software:
    Check that display software and tractor updates (including for grain cart tractors) are current to access the latest features.

  • Activate JDLink:
    Use JDLink for wireless sharing of work plans and performance data between your equipment and the Operations Center (for supported equipment).

  • Enable Data Sync:
    This auto-populates in-field displays with setup data—saving time and improving accuracy.

  • Accept Work Plans:
    Operators can view and follow accepted work plans directly from the cab; machines must be inside their field boundaries to activate plans.

 

Harvesting: Key Automation Setup

  • Display and Equipment Setup (For Premium without Work Plans):
    Import and apply setup files to the display, including client, farm, field, and year information. Verify that combine models and header offsets are correct.

  • AutoTrac and AutoPath Setup:

    • Enable AutoTrac Turn Automation for precise end-of-pass turns.

    • Set up AutoPath for full-field guidance using crop row data from the first pass of the season.

  • In-Field Data Sharing:
    If multiple machines will harvest the same field, use In-Field Data Sharing to synchronize maps and track real-time performance.

  • Combine and Controller Preferences:

    • Select suggested combine settings from the John Deere fleet database.

    • Set up hydro-handle button assignments and auto header controls for faster automation control.

    • Set home points and network settings for Machine Sync, enabling easy activation when unloading on the go.

  • Guidance Tracks and Automation Engagement:

    • Choose AutoPath tracks (if available).

    • Turn on AutoTrac and verify that all system indicators show readiness for engagement.

 

Customizing Harvest Preferences

  • Set Speed and Load Limits:
    Through the Harvest Automation page, input maximum ground speed and engine load limits to guide combine automation.

  • Map and Legend Personalization:
    Adjust predictive yield map colors in the display for clearer visualization of yield ranges.

  • Unloading Mode:
    Select the appropriate unloading mode (“Variable” is recommended for the best performance).

  • Verify Status Indicators:
    Ensure the ground speed LED indicator is green—otherwise, check diagnostics for guidance. The system only engages when all requirements are met.

 

Setting Quality and Productivity Targets

  • Set and Confirm Acceptance Limits:
    Define grain loss, foreign material, and broken grain thresholds according to desired grain quality. Setting too restrictive thresholds can reduce productivity.

  • Grain Loss Calibration:

    • Use the Grain Loss Calculator on the Equipment Mobile app to measure actual loss.

    • Confirm settings with the Harvest Automation page tool, adjusting based on in-cab results.

  • Grain Quality Verification:
    Visually inspect grain samples or use live camera feeds to confirm that quality settings meet expectations. Adjust acceptance limits as needed for best results.

 

Before You Begin Harvesting

  • All required software, field setups, and machine configurations should be complete.

  • Work plans and automation features should be activated and verified in the field.

  • Operators can follow in-cab instructions or contact Koenig Equipment for setup help or troubleshooting at any point in the process.

 

Our team is ready to support all setup, training, and troubleshooting needs for John Deere Harvest Automation, ensuring the best possible harvest performance each season.