John Deere launches Hands-Free Baling automation system

John Deere has announced the introduction of Hands-Free Baling, an integrated automation system designed to streamline the baling of cornstalks and straw. The technology combines the company’s AutoTrac guidance with Weave Automation on 1 Series Round Balers to create a coordinated workflow.

The system automates several critical tasks, including following windrows based on previous combine passes, weaving for consistent bale formation, and managing tractor speed and gate operations for wrapping and ejecting bales. It also includes AutoTrac Turn Automation to execute repeatable turns on headlands.

Internal testing indicates that this coordinated solution can provide up to 8.4% more productivity in terms of bales per hour and up to 4.4% improved fuel efficiency compared to manual baling.