Agricultural and Construction Vehicle Electronics

Application of electronics to agricultural and construction vehicles is shown to be motivated by two basic needs — increased productivity and improved protection. Increases in productivity include gains in both machine performance and operator efficiency. Improved protection includes prevention of expensive machinery failures and more effective safety systems to protect the operator. Reasons for needed improvements in productivity and protection are first described, then several examples are given of current electronic systems used in both agricultural and construction equipment. Finally, future electronic systems are considered and many examples of anticipated next-generation agricultural and construction developments are detailed.