John Deere and GUSS Automation Launch Electric GUSS Sprayer for Precision Farming

John Deere, in collaboration with GUSS Automation, introduces the world's first fully electric autonomous herbicide orchard sprayer, Electric GUSS.

Unveiled at the 2024 World Ag Expo, this innovative sprayer combines electrification and autonomy to empower high-value crop farmers. The Electric GUSS, building on the success of the 2023 autonomous GUSS herbicide sprayer, allows growers to control multiple sprayers remotely. With a spot spraying weed detection system and Kriesel batteries for a full shift of operation, Electric GUSS enhances precision, reduces material usage, and promotes sustainability with lower emissions.

Gary Thompson, COO at GUSS Automation, emphasizes the electric benefits, stating, "An electric herbicide sprayer made the most sense to us, given that the battery life can last an entire shift while performing this critical orchard task." The sprayer, soon available for ordering at select John Deere dealer locations, signifies a commitment to innovative solutions, providing farmers with reliable and powerful performance while contributing to increased productivity and profitability.

In addition to Electric GUSS, John Deere announces an upgrade option for the diesel-powered Orchard GUSS and mini GUSS autonomous blast sprayers. The Smart Apply Intelligent Spray Control System™, acquired in 2023, offers precision application, data analytics, and enhanced performance for blast sprayers.

By automatically adjusting spray volume based on tree size and foliage density, Smart Apply ensures optimized protection and avoids over-spraying, resulting in significant chemical and water savings.

Greg Christensen, John Deere go-to-market manager, describes it as "the best of both worlds," combining the labor optimization benefits of GUSS with the input optimization benefits of Smart Apply. Available as a factory-installed option or a Precision Upgrade for existing Orchard and mini GUSS machines, Smart Apply, Orchard GUSS, and mini GUSS provide efficiency and accuracy through select John Deere dealer locations across North America and Australia.

For more information on John Deere and GUSS Automation products, visit https://www.deere.com/en/news/.