News Releases

AutoFarm® and MacDon™ Announce GPS AutoSteer for MacDon-built SP Windrowers

FREMONT, CA - November 4, 2008 - The leaders in GPS steering and SP windrower technology are pleased to announce the release of AutoFarm GPS AutoSteer for MacDon-built Self Propelled Windrower Tractors.

The two companies have collaborated to produce a GPS steering system in a custom-designed kit that provides a factory-installed look for MacDon-built machines. The new system takes full advantage of the superiority of AutoFarm design and technology in hands-free GPS steering.

Product Manager for MacDon tractor and hay products, Richard Kirkby says, “The focus of this program was to develop an AutoSteer system that further enhances the leading edge technology incorporated into MacDon's M series swathers. With all the additional productivity features of AutoFarm's GPS AutoSteer in our swathers, it looks like we've got a big hit on our hands. This is the first hands-free steering system for swathers that really delivers high accuracy, repeatability and reliability while maintaining a clear operator environment.”

Wade Stewart, AutoFarm Field Marketing Manager adds, “The collaboration with MacDon has been an outstanding team effort. We have fully integrated our GPS AutoSteer into the hydraulic system of MacDon's swathers to produce high accuracy, repeatable, hands-free steering with the only physical component inside the cab being our color touchscreen display. MacDon is even equipping all of their 2009 M Series units with our remote engage feature in a button conveniently mounted in the speed stick handle for easy access.”

Key features and benefits of AutoFarm AutoSteer on MacDon-built swathers include:

• AutoFarm AutoSteer operates on WAAS, OmniSTAR (DGPS) or RTK correction signals at speeds up to 11 MPH to significantly speed up harvest productivity
• Hands-free steering dramatically reduces operator stress and fatigue
• High-accuracy AutoSteer produces a continuously full header for more acres per hour, reduced fuel consumption and consistently uniform windrows for easier, faster baling or chopping
• Producing windrows of uniform, equal widths results in more even and predictable drying of crop material, and faster baling, chopping or combining by reducing load fluctuations
• AutoFarm's renowned fast line acquisition gives quick line up on the next pass, a major time saver with large width headers like MacDon's D Series drapers or the high speed R series disc headers
• Using GPS AutoSteer for windrowing allows subsequent operations (balers, forage harvesters, combines) to use the same heading which increases productivity while also providing stress relief for the operators of those machines
• AutoFarm AutoSteer software allows swathers to work straight A-B lines or degree headings, curved paths or pivot circles - to fit any shaped field
• Modular design of the AutoFarm AutoSteer system allows fast, easy transfer to different tractors, sprayers or combines using optional switch kits

AutoFarm hands-free GPS steering is designed for MacDon-built M and 9000 Series Windrower Tractors and is scheduled to be unveiled November 5, 2008 at Agri-Trade in Red Deer, Alberta. The factory installed remote engage will be standard on all 2009 models, optional on prior year models.

About AutoFarm
AutoFarm, a division of Novariant Inc., is the premier solutions provider for precision positioning and intelligent control systems. AutoFarm manufactures and markets Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and precision agriculture solutions for automatic steering and leveling based on its experience in advanced aviation landing systems. AutoFarm can be found on the web at www.gpsfarm.com or reached at +1-877-947-7327.

About MacDon Industries Ltd.
MacDon Industries Ltd. is a family owned and Canadian based manufacturer of harvesting equipment specializing in the production of pull-type and self-propelled windrowers and specialty and pick-up headers for combines for world markets. MacDon disc, auger and draper products are commonly used to harvest a wide variety of cereal grains, oilseeds, grass seeds, rice, soybeans, hay, forage and specialty crops such as peas, lupins and lentils. MacDon can be found on the web at www.macdon.com or at 1-204-885-5590.