An advanced guidance system developed for New Holland T4 FNV speciality tractors has won a Technical Innovation award ahead of November’s EIMA International farm machinery exhibition.

Alongside this new vision-based system, New Holland was also recognised for two other innovations: the Seed Terminator for the CR combine range and the CropSpeed system featured in the latest FR forage harvesters.

The Advanced Vision Assisted Guidance system was designed to address the shortage of skilled operators faced by many speciality crop producers. It helps reduce workloads for these growers and their staff by managing steering movements within rows and at row ends, along with rear implement control.

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CR Seed Terminator and FR CropSpeed systems have won awardsCR Seed Terminator and FR CropSpeed systems have won awards This LiDAR-based system is especially useful in situations where GPS-based solutions may not be practical. It offers increased safety and comfort by reducing operator fatigue, allowing closer attention to machine operation. The technology is expected to help retain experienced operators by reducing repetitive tasks and providing significant support to less skilled workers. Greater precision also lowers environmental risks and improves performance by optimising the use of fertilisers and crop protection products based on real field conditions in orchards or vineyards.

The system relies entirely on LiDAR sensor technology and uses simultaneous localisation and mapping algorithms, meaning there is no GPS component and no risk of signal loss from canopy coverage, netting, or nearby obstacles. It can recognise row ends and includes a path planner for headland turns, offering different path options. A collision check feature alerts the operator if conditions at the headland are not suitable, helping avoid potential collisions with trees, plants, or other objects.

This guidance system also enables the use of perception-based implement control, allowing automation of various tasks for different implements. For example, with a trailed sprayer connected via ISOBUS, it can automate left and right section control at row ends or account for any missing trees or plants in the row.

Carlo Lambro, brand president of New Holland, said: that the award ‘underlines our commitment to investing in and advancing automation technology’.

Meanwhile, the CropSpeed system, new for model year 2025 FR Forage Cruisers, helps operators maximise their machines’ potential by significantly lowering the risk of blockages.

The Seed Terminator system, integrated into the CR combines’ wide body (22in) rotors ­– such as the CR8.90/9.90 –was developed by the Australian firm of the same name.

It uses multi-stage hammer mills housed in a barrel to destroy weed seeds from the cleaning shoe, preventing them from germinating on the ground.

This feature allows farmers to reduce herbicide use and tackle resistant weed seeds during the harvest process. A key advantage of this technology is its progressivity, which can be adjusted from the cab according to the level of weed infestation in the field.