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This paper reviews the development of an electrical diagnostic presentation adopted for John Deere products worldwide. Deere has adopted IEC 617 electrical symbols and incorporated them into a standard presentation format to simplify and improve the communication of electrical information to dealer technicians who service John Deere equipment. The diagnostic presentation is designed to provide the end user, the service technician, a common method for diagnosing electrical problems. It utilizes a combination of diagrams prepared by product engineering and service groups. Engineering is responsible 1) for developing a functional schematic diagram to explain the operation, function and interaction of the electrical devices, and 2) for developing a wiring diagram to show the harness flattened out with connectors and devices.

The vehicle mission simulation program predicts vehicle and implement forces and presents a complete description of vehicle trajectory for a given mission (job cycle). Productivity and cost accounting is performed and summarized at the conclusion of the mission. The purpose of the program is to enable objective evaluation of engineering alternatives in designing agricultural tractors which work with attached implements. The vehicle operates on any given terrain defined in its work cycle. The user specifies the mission path by segments having constant conditions. Performance and cost factors are calculated for each user-selected time increment and summed over the total cycle to determine productivity and unit cost.

DURING THE PAST 20 YEARS, North American farmers have been using increasing amounts of conservation tillage. This movement has resulted in about 30 percent of cropland currently being under some form of conservation tillage. Farmers indicate that their mails reasons for adopting conservation tillage are to reduce cost and increase net profits. Optimum tillage practices have become site-specific much like fertilizer and pesticide recommendations. Tillage and planting equipment is being designed to handle a broader range of field conditions. Capability to operate in and maintain surface residue, as well as integration of pesticide application, are important characteristics of conservation tillage machines. Most major machine types have been modified for conservation tillage. Combines have also been altered to provide more uniform straw distribution after harvest. Tractor design has been changed very little due to the shift to conservation tillage.

The role of government, industry, and universities in funding and conducting research is presented. Examples of steps taken by federal and state governments to fund research and commercialize the new developments are cited. Historical data shows the R&D support by industry, government and universities. Several methods of industry interaction with government laboratories and universities are supported by examples. A list of government agencies is supplied for those who need to contact one of the national laboratories.