THE latest piece of electronic gadgetry from Claas can help drivers get the most out of their harvester.

Known as the Claas Electronic Machine Optimisation System, or CEMOS, the monitoring system was awarded a gold medal at last year's Agritechnica expo in Germany.

CEMOS enables a driver to fine tune the harvester's functions to achieve optimal efficiency and crop throughput.

The system can evaluate 50 separate operating settings that manage 11 key parts of the harvesting process.

Once the information is processed, CEMOS can then recommend the best settings for the harvester and provide step-by-step instructions to the driver via a control terminal in the cabin.

Landpower Australia product manager Steve Reeves said CEMOS was like having an on-board technician.

"It helps operators, even the most experienced, to get the most out of their combine harvester at all times," Steve said.

"The whole process occurs in real time, allowing the driver to manage the settings through the day as crop and weather conditions change."

Steve said CEMOS also relieved driver stress, which could be a factor when operating large, complex machinery for long periods, such as during harvest.

The CEMOS on-board monitoring system is part of a suite of technology that forms Claas' overall package of precision agriculture knowhow.

The package includes remote monitoring systems, a range of GPS and auto-steering systems and farm-management software.

Steve said the development of larger machinery is now peaking and Claas is working hard to increase efficiencies through management of information.

"Precision farming tools should be part of a bigger system that improves productivity and profitability, not just methods of collecting isolated pieces of information," Steve said.

Claas has also recently launched another piece of clever technology with its Auto Fill system for the Jaguar 900 forage harvester series.

Auto Fill is a camera-based system that reduces stress on the operator of the forage harvester and on the driver of the vehicle which works along side the forage harvester for unloading.

A camera is mounted on the discharge spout of the Jaguar which allows the fill level to be monitored and the material to be distributed evenly into the loader wagon.

For more details, phone Steve Reeves on 0409 139 968.