At the Agrishow in Sao Paulo, Brazil, PTx Trimble, established as a joint venture between AGCO and Trimble in 2024, introduced its latest precision agriculture technology, the NAV-960 guidance controller. Designed to elevate the performance of autoguidance systems, the NAV-960 represents a generational upgrade to the PTx Trimble’s earlier NAV-900 model. With improved GNSS tracking, higher processing power, and a ruggedized build, the new controller is positioned to meet the evolving demands of both current field operations and future advancements in farming technology.
Advanced Capabilities Designed to Improve Accuracy and Field Efficiency
The PTx Trimble’s NAV-960 incorporates a series of enhancements that enable farmers to manage increasingly complex and demanding fieldwork. A key improvement is the newly engineered GNSS engine, which is capable of tracking more satellites than its predecessor. This translates to increased positional accuracy and reliability, even in environments with limited satellite visibility such as near infrastructure or along tree lines.
The device is also equipped with enhanced inertial sensors, contributing to better vehicle guidance and up to 50 percent improvement in line-following performance compared to the NAV-900. According to the PTx Trimble, the device, when paired with Trimble’s CenterPoint RTX or RTK correction signals, delivers centimeter level accuracy, supporting high-precision applications across various types of operations.
Built for Harsh Agricultural Conditions
Durability is another feature of the NAV-960, which features a patented industrial design with a solid aluminum base. The controller is IP66-rated for resistance to water, dust, and vibration, making it suitable for extreme weather conditions such as searing heat, freezing cold, and heavy rain. This robust construction ensures the device remains operational across diverse farming environments and seasons.
Next-Level Processing for Faster and Smarter Field Operations
At the core of the NAV-960 is a new quad-core processor that enables faster data processing, improved steering control, and support for more complex applications such as water management and remote output. The processor’s advanced capabilities ensure responsiveness and performance during time-sensitive operations like planting and harvesting.
The PTx Trimble’s NAV-960 also incorporates onboard Trimble ProPoint technology and IonoGuard, designed to mitigate performance degradation caused by solar activity. This ensures consistent uptime and accuracy, particularly during solar events that would otherwise disrupt GNSS signals.
Seamless Compatibility with Existing Systems
In line with PTx Trimble’s commitment to a retrofit-first, mixed-fleet strategy, the NAV-960 is fully compatible with existing GFX series displays, including the GFX-350, GFX-1060, and GFX-1260. This compatibility extends to the use of existing cables, allowing for an upgrade path that minimizes additional investment or operational disruption. Integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity enhance support services and facilitate remote diagnostics, enabling faster resolution of service requests.
Key Feature Enhancements Over Previous Generation
The NAV-960 introduces a comprehensive set of enhancements over its predecessor, the NAV-900. These upgrades include a newly designed industrial housing that offers improved resistance to environmental stressors, ensuring durability in challenging field conditions. The device features advanced GNSS capabilities, allowing for expanded satellite tracking and support for correction signals such as HAS and CLAS, along with compatibility with the E6 and L6 frequency bands. At its core, a quad-core processor significantly boosts data processing speed and operational responsiveness.
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Integrated ProPoint and IonoGuard technologies provide added stability and uptime, particularly during solar disturbances. The inclusion of improved inertial sensors enhances vehicle control and positioning accuracy. Designed for versatility, the NAV-960 supports a wide range of precision farming applications, from basic guidance systems to advanced autosteering solutions, and offers onboard Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to streamline technical support and future service interactions.
Operational and Economic Benefits for Farmers
The PTx Trimble’s NAV-960 is engineered to deliver measurable gains in productivity and cost savings for farmers. By reducing overlap during field operations, the system contributes to lower input usage. Enhanced machine utilization and less downtime help reduce operational delays and minimize idle time, contributing to improved overall profitability.
Labor efficiency is also addressed through automated and precise vehicle guidance, which reduces operator fatigue and the likelihood of mistakes during long working hours. These improvements are particularly valuable during intensive planting and harvesting periods, when operational efficiency has a direct impact on output and cost control.
Supporting a Wide Range of Farming Applications
Whether applied in broad acre farming or high-precision specialty crop management, the NAV-960 is adaptable to a variety of use cases. From entry-level steering setups to advanced autopilot configurations, the controller offers scalable performance suited to different operational requirements. Its compatibility with Precision-IQ and integration across the PTx Trimble ecosystem ensures a cohesive experience for growers seeking a unified guidance solution.
The launch of the NAV-960 guidance controller marks a continuation of PTx Trimble’s strategy to deliver adaptable, field-ready technology that aligns with the demands of modern agriculture. With its enhanced positioning capabilities, rugged design, and seamless compatibility with existing systems, the NAV-960 provides a path forward for farmers aiming to improve productivity, reduce operational complexity, and maximize returns on technology investments.
