Leading provider of GPS systems for agriculture, Patchwork Technology, has recorded the highest ever sales of its class-leading BlackBox implement control system for the 2013/14 financial year.
The period saw total units up by 26% on the previous year as farmers continue to recognise the significant benefits which come as standard on the Patchwork BlackBox system.
Patchwork Commercial Director, Sue Davies said: “It has been an incredibly successful year for us as the popularity of the BlackBox continues to grow. Against a backdrop of a challenging economic climate, a record year for a British manufacturer is hugely positive news for the UK agriculture industry.
“Many factors have contributed to its popularity. Since day one it has been feature rich, easy to use and provided excellent value. We have also offered UK-based lifetime support on every unit we have ever sold and this makes a massive difference to British farmers. When compared to products with like-for-like features, BlackBox consistently comes in at a lower price than others on the market but can match the performance of any of the higher priced competition.”
BlackBox Go and Advance models from Patchwork are true 4th Generation GPS systems which bring essential cost saving features at a more manageable price than comparable models. Each unit sold is also covered by lifetime UK-based support.
Underpinning the range is Terrain Compensation which is included as standard on both models. This is a crucial feature on GPS systems for agriculture and is fundamental to accuracy. GPS effectively sees the world as level ground, so any slope distorts the true position of the tractor and its implements at ground level. The steeper the gradient, the higher the inaccuracy.
As little as a 3-degree slope will create an error of 13.08 cm. By 10 degrees the error is a hugely significant 43.41cm. Terrain Compensation automatically calculates and allows for this error, eradicating the inaccurate data being received by the GPS and presenting the driver with an accurate picture of the true position on the ground.
Furthermore, custom fitting kits and built-in section control technology ensures the BlackBox systems are compatible with, and able to control, a vast range of implements including drills, planters, sprayers, spreaders and steering from most leading manufacturers. This genuinely marks the transition from guidance and steering through to implement control, which is where the major cost savings can be made for farmers and contractors alike.
