New iGrade™

Leave the frustrations of a laser system’s setup and maximum operating range behind. iGrade™ leveling system is a global positioning system (GPS) based water management system that can be used up to 2 km (1.2 miles) from an RTK base station.  

iGrade’s performance is not affected by factors that traditionally impact lasers such as dust, wind, and operating at night. This allows more work to be done without the hassle of moving base stations or waiting for outside conditions to improve.

iGrade is not intended for precise, finish-grading applications. While users may experience sub-inch grading performance, environmental variations could cause vertical accuracy to vary up to +/- 5 cm (2 in.) from pass to pass. Click here to learn more about StarFire receiver vertical accuracy.

An iGrade™ leveling system activation (requires Application Controller 1100) reduces operator fatigue by automatically controlling the height of the scraper blade in water management applications. Manual adjustments are no longer needed.

iGrade teams up with the Application Controller 1100 to constantly keep the scraper on grade, allowing the operator to spend more time focusing on the machinery and task.

An iGrade™ leveling system activation works with many of the different John Deere Precision Ag Technology components that producers may already own such as:

• G5/G5^Plus CommandCenter™ and Universal Display
• 4600 CommandCenter Display/4640 Universal Display
• 4200 CommandCenter Display/4240 Universal Display
• GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display
• StarFire™ 3000 Receiver, StarFire 6000 Receiver, StarFire 7000 Receiver, and StarFire 7500 Receiver
• AutoTrac™ assisted steering system
• Surface Water Pro™ Plus software on GreenStar 3 2630 and GreenStar 2 2600 Displays only

It requires a vehicle global positioning system (GPS) only; the receiver must have an SF2 or greater signal level.

NOTE: Do not mismatch generations. If a StarFire 3000 is used on the machine, a StarFire 3000 must be used on the implement if utilizing a second receiver for specific operation.

iGrade is approved for the following platforms:

• Compatible tractors:
• Non-John Deere tractors, 60 Series and older tractors, 5XXX, 6X00, 6X10, 6X30, 7X00, 7X10, and Small- Frame 7X20/7X30 Tractors
  • Compatible using external selective control valve (SCV) and external SCV switch.
• 7X20 small frame, 8X00, 8X10, 8X20, 9X00, 9X10, and 9X20
  • Compatible using John Deere legacy SCV. Running with John Deere legacy requires using SCVs 1 or 3 and connecting the UCC harness to the option connector at the rear of the tractor cab.
• 7X30, 8X30, U8, 9X30, 6R (Final Tier 4 [FT4] only), 7R, 8R/RT, and 9R/RT/RX
  • Compatible using John Deere proprietary SCV type. Any SCVs can be used and an option connector is not used.
• 6R, 6M*, 7R, 8R/RT, and 9R/RT/RX
  • Compatible using ISO SCV type. Any SCVs can be used and an option connector is not used.
  • *When equipped with optional electronic SCVs.
• AutoTrac compatibility
  • Compatible with integrated AutoTrac, AutoTrac Controller, and AutoTrac Universal

iGrade requires the receiver to have an RTK signal level. iGrade does not support WAAS, EGNOS, SF1, SF2, or SF3 signal levels.

The John Deere Application Controller 1100 is required for iGrade activation.

Harness compatibility

UCC2 Application Controller 1100 (serial number PCXL01C201000+) is not compatible with original UCC1 Application Controller 1100 harnessing. Plugging the UCC2 controller into UCC1 harnessing will cause CAN bus issues due to no terminator in the circuit. 

Harness options

Ensure UCC2 main harness PFA11888 is used with the UCC2 Application Controller and replaces the existing harness connection. Adaptor harness schematics are available in the Technical Manual to create a wiring adaptor from UCC2 Application Controller 1100 to the existing harnessing from a UCC1 system.

Cut-fill maps

Cut-fill maps allow producers to create desired contours by moving the least amount of earth. Cut-fill maps provide best-fit or multi-fit plane designs. Beyond land leveling, this solution can be used for infrastructure design of surface drainage, contours, and terraces.

iGrade™ leveling system offers cut-fill maps when teamed up with additional software and hardware. Learn more about iGrade and cut-fill maps from a local John Deere dealer.

External SCV

Mechanical SCVs on non-John Deere tractors, 60 series and older tractors, 5XXX, 6X00, 6X10, 6X30, 7X00, 7X10, and Small-Frame 7X20/7X30 Tractors are compatible using an external SCV and external SCV switch. An external SCV kit (open or closed center hydraulic system) is available to work in conjunction with iGrade™ leveling system to enable automatic control of the scraper blade.

The external SCV kit includes an open or a closed center valve, SCV switch, mounting bracket, and harness. Kit components will need to be mounted to the tractor and implement. The kit can be ordered through the Precision Ag Technology Price Pages. Only one external valve can be used on a system.