Mechanical weed control between the rows is always a sensitive issue: You have to find the right mix between operating speed and distance to the row. In order to avoid early fatigue of the tractor driver and to allow ideally that the soil profile is completely tilled (in conjunction with a fingerweeder), Einböck has developed the ROW-GUARD. The camera steering system guides row-crop cultivator with absolute precision, even at high speeds. The setting of the row configurations (row spacing, number of rows, etc.) is simply done from the tractor cab. The image is scanned to find the higher concentrations of green pixels relating to the crop rows and, using prior knowledge of the row configuration, overlay a matching grid onto the image. This information is then utilized to bring the equipment onto the exact row centers via a hydraulic side-shift. The system is used in various green crops, regardless of row spacing, number of rows, etc.

Increased working accuracy, efficient weed control and extremely high operating speeds of up to 15 km/h (depending on the conditions in the field) are among the biggest advantages of the system. The tractor driver will appreciate this system: The driver tires less quickly, because the attention is only focused on keeping the right track – the accurate shift to the row is done by the ROW-GUARD.

Because the ROW-GUARD looks at multiple rows it maintains high accuracy at all times even in high weed infestations. The two lenses have a different exposure setting, thus shadows have only a minimal impact (even in strong sunlight). The total displacement path of 500 mmcompensates even larger track deviations. The lower link quick couplers on the rear side of the side-shift frame simplify attachment to the row-crop cultivator.