Close

Tractors

While companies compete to get self-driving cars on the ground, there is one industry that has been utilizing this technology for a decade – farms. John Deere has been producing semi-automated tractors for years, and several other companies have recently joined the competition.

The John Deere tractors currently on the market would fall under Level 3 automation, meaning they still require a human to be in the cab. That human, however, can be fully engaged in another activity. Farmers are able to sit in their tractors and run their businesses, not worrying about steering the tractors. Instead, the driver programs the route and advanced GPS technology allows the tractor to complete the route with extreme precision, avoiding missed spots and inefficient repetition of the same areas.

While these self-driving tractors offer great efficiency and save time, money and fuel, they are quite expensive, costing up to $20,000 per machine. Despite the cost, though, many farmers have found these tractors to be a game-changer and well worth their price tag.

So why are self-driving tractors available on the market when cars still seem to be years away? The primary difference is that these tractors are used on private land and do not run the risk interacting with other vehicles. Thus, there are fewer regulations and laws to worry about. Some liability issues, though, are unclear. If an automated tractor is correctly programmed but veers off track and damages a neighbor’s property, who is responsible? The farmer? The manufacturer?

John Deere’s self-driving tractors have been so successful that the company is also developing self-driving lawnmowers in Europe. As lawn mowers would be used on smaller pieces of property and in closer proximity to other people, one could imagine that liability questions would be more likely to arise.

For an interesting article about these self-driving tractors, visit http://www.cbsnews.com/news/farmers-reap-benefits-self-driving-tractor-technology/.

In 2016, Case IH debuted a new style of autonomous tractor that farmers could control through an app. This autonomous tractor could collect information regarding crops and harvests, and it could take pictures while working. The vehicle could also work with non-autonomous tractors and tools, working as a fleet. Case IH has acknowledged several hurdles before it can get this product to market. There are questions about who would own the data that the tractor collects, as well as how it would fall within current automobile regulations, especially considering that tractors often need to utilize roads to get to their destinations.


Client Reviews
★★★★★
Everything was great. You guys are a great representative. I was satisfied with everything. Truly appreciate John Day and his hard-working staff. Jamar Gibson
★★★★★
We thought that you did an excellent job in representing us in our lawsuit. We would recommend you to anyone. Mitch Deese
★★★★★
The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. is, without a doubt, the best in Nashville! They treated me with the utmost respect and tended to my every need. No question went unanswered. I was always kept informed of every step in the process. I received phenomenal results; I couldn't ask for more. I would definitely hire The Law Offices of John Day, P.C. again. Anthony Santiago
★★★★★
I would definitely recommend to anyone to hire John Day's law firm because everyone was helpful, made everything clear and got the job done. I am satisfied with how my case was handled. June Keomahavong
★★★★★
It's been a long battle but this firm has been very efficient and has done a remarkable job for me! I highly recommend them to anyone needing legal assistance. Everyone has always been very kind and kept me informed of all actions promptly. Linda Bush
★★★★★
I had a great experience with the Law Offices of John Day. The staff was very accommodating, and my phone calls/emails were always responded to in a timely manner. They made the entire process very easy and stress-free for me, and I had confidence that my case was in good hands. I am very happy with the results, and I highly recommend! Casey Hutchinson
Contact Us
Live Chat