Harvest with OutRun Autonomous Technology

Your questions about OutRun for harvest - answered!

Autonomy continues to evolve, and OutRun is no exception. Here's what you need to know about OutRun from PTx Trimble and its latest harvest capabilities.

What is OutRun for harvest?

OutRun is an aftermarket kit that enables autonomous functionality on the equipment you already own. The kit enables your tractor and commodity carts to operate autonomously, extending your labor resources during critical harvest windows. Manage cart control and monitor in-field logistics through a single app, keeping harvest moving and fieldwork on schedule.
 

Is OutRun only for harvesting grain?

No, OutRun is designed for operations where a tractor and cart or wagon retrieves crops, transfer them from the harvester and returns to a designated location. The system has been used in grain and forage harvest, including corn, soybeans, wheat, silage and sugarcane, with potential for other crops and applications. In addition to harvest, tractors equipped with OutRun can easily move to performing fieldwork tasks such as tillage.
 

What operations can the OutRun system perform for harvesting?

Cart operation and logistics are managed through a single OutRun app, available on tablets and mobile devices. The cart can be staged, summoned to a harvester for unloading on the go, placed in Follow Me mode or sent to a truck loading zone, all without a driver.

Sensors on the harvester and tractor allow the cart to precisely align for unloading on the go. OutRun supports both front- and rear-approach alignment to fit the needs of different operations. Multiple harvesters and autonomous commodity carts can also work together within the same field, allowing operators to call the cart best positioned for the next unload.

With location and progress tracking of harvesters, carts and trucks, the OutRun app gives operators visibility across the harvest and helps keep multiple machines working together efficiently. OutRun also helps minimize compaction by reusing established traffic patterns when possible, while allowing operators to define slow zones and keep-out areas. This automation helps farmers make better use of available labor while keeping harvest moving.
 

What are the OutRun system parameters?

OutRun can be used across a variety of grain and forage crops. The autonomous cart operates at speeds up to 15 mph across varying field conditions and topography.

Producers can quickly switch the tractor between autonomous and manual operation with the push of a button whenever needed.

The system uses Starlink connectivity and PTx Trimble localization technology while leaving the harvester's existing guidance and steering system unchanged. The universal harvester kit supports a wide range of machines and operations.

Through the OutRun app, operators can also monitor machine status, including engine codes, fuel levels and DEF levels. An operator is still required to unload the cart into a truck.
 

What components are required for OutRun harvest capabilities?

On each Harvester:

• Inside » iPad or device with OutRun App

• Outside » OutRun kit mounted to the roof of the harvester

On each Tractor:

• Inside » small OutRun console (for engaging autonomous ready mode)

• Outside » sensors (on top of the cab and front of tractor), OutRun Intelligence housing and antennas on top of the cab, cameras mounted on the roof of the tractor, buttons on each side of the tractor for arming and emergency shutoff.

On each Implement:

• No hardware or technology is required!  
  A monitoring kit is available to ensure the implement is raised or lowered when required.
   

What safety mechanisms are built into the OutRun system?

The system was built with safety and industry standards as a top priority. A hardware controller monitors the system to ensure it is operating within defined parameters. Sensors on the tractor continuously monitor its surroundings. If an obstacle is detected, the system slows or stops as needed and resumes operation once the path is clear. The tractor and cart remain within operator-defined field boundaries, while onboard sensors help maintain safe distances from harvesters, trucks and other obstacles in the field.
 

Is there a restriction on the number of harvesters and carts that can operate with OutRun at once?

No, there is currently no limit to the number of harvesters and autonomous carts the system can run. When one field is near completion, a harvester can begin picking in another field. However, an OutRun cart cannot autonomously navigate from one field to the next.
 

Will OutRun replace people?

While the OutRun autonomous cart can replace a tractor operator, the advantage is flexible deployment of labor for other critical or high-value tasks like feeding livestock, driving semis or managing grain dryers. OutRun handles the fieldwork so your team can focus where they’re needed most.
 

What’s the compatibility of the OutRun system?  

OutRun is currently compatible with John Deere 8R IVT tractors (Model Year 2014+) and Fendt 900 and 1000 series tractors.

Expanded compatibility is in development. Fendt 800 and 1000 Gen 4 series kits and John Deere 9R kits, as well as 8R power shift tractor kits are expected this year, with more on the way. As a retrofit-first solution, OutRun is designed for tractors already in your shed, and development will continue with that strategy.
 

What Does OutRun Cost?

The pricing structure for OutRun includes a one-time hardware investment and annual service fee per machine, meaning no per-acre or hourly charges. Starlink connectivity is included in the base price. The OutRun app is free to use, and there is no limit to the number of users.

What Support is Offered?

Product and technical support are provided by your local PTx Trimble Dealer where the purchase was made. Dealers can also initiate remote support calls to get you back up and running in a timely manner. Constant connectivity allows rapid remote support in almost all circumstances.

What else can OutRun do?

OutRun is a versatile autonomy platform designed for both harvest and fieldwork. By simply changing the mission type, the same tractor can transition from autonomous commodity cart operation to autonomous field tasks such as tillage, rolling, harrowing and mowing.

Operators can define field boundaries, align tasks with existing AB lines and create slow or no-go zones. For implements that require raising and lowering, the OutRun implement kit adds sensors to verify proper implement response. Path-planning tools help optimize routes for efficiency, while remote monitoring and mobile alerts allow operators to track progress from virtually anywhere.

OutRun continues to expand its capabilities, with smarter implement controls under development. Machine compatibility will also be expanded next to Fendt 700 and 1100 MT series tractors in the near future.
 

Where can I buy OutRun?

OutRun retrofit kits are now available for purchase through PTx Trimble dealers. Check out our dealer locator to find a dealer near you!

Commercial availability in the United States, Canada & Australia. Brazil availability coming soon.

PTx and the Associated Logo are worldwide brands of AGCO Corporation. Trimble is a trademark of Trimble Inc registered in the United States and in other countries. © (2025) PTx Trimble LLC All product names and brands are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used are for identification purposes only. Use of these names and brands does not imply endorsement. Other names or logos, such as CNHi, may be trademarks of their respective owners.