In this video we will discuss the operation and function of the ActiveCommand Steering™ 2
steering system, otherwise known as ACS,
which can now be configured to fit the individual needs of the operator.
Starting with model year '21, the ACS system is now equipped with a settings and adjustments page
within the Generation 4 command center.
To access this page, go to menu.
Machine settings.
And then select the steering icon.
Once on the settings page.
You will find 3 different steering settings that can be adjusted.
ACS variable ratio steering.
ACS sensitivity.
And steering wheel resistance.
We will cover the effect these adjustments have
on the steering operation. Let's start with ACS variable ratio steering.
We will first discuss this function with the setting disabled or in the off position.
With variable ratio steering off steering ratio is fixed and will not change based on machine speed,
so it will function like a non-ACS machine.
Now we will count the number of steering wheel rotations needed to go from lock to lock.
As we can see, the number of rotations was roughly 2.25.
Keep in mind this number will differ depending on what the steering stop setting is on your machine.
Next we will return to the settings page and activate variable ratio steering.
With the setting in the on position, steering ratio will be at a higher ratio at speeds below
12 mph, 19 kilometers per hour, and a lower ratio at speeds above 12 mph, 19 kilometers per hour.
Which is considered transport speed.
Again, we will count the number of rotations needed to go from lock to lock.
Which, as we can see, is less than two rotations, so the higher ratio resulted in fewer rotations,
which translates into improved maneuverability in the field.
Once the machine reaches transport speed, the steering ratio is reduced.
The reason for this is that the higher turn rate would result in excessive steering corrections while at
transport speeds, which would then contribute to operator fatigue.
The next adjustment is steering wheel resistance.
This changes the amount of force required to turn the steering wheel.
This allows the operator to fine tune their steering experience.
Perhaps this is the only ACS machine in their fleet
and they want steering consistency across their fleet.
This adjustment would allow them to achieve that consistency.
Using the display we will lower the setting to its minimum value.
And then attempt to steer the machine.
As you can see, the steering wheel is turned with ease with the use of just one finger.
Next we will increase resistance back to the medium setting.
This time a little more effort is required, but still steers easily using just one finger.
Once feedback is moved to the maximum setting.
Steering with just one finger becomes increasingly difficult.
The final adjustment is ACS sensitivity. This changes the degree of steering wheel movement
required to initiate a steer command at transport speeds.
If sensitivity is set to low, this will increase the degrees of rotation required to initiate
a steer command. This makes it easier to maintain a straight line while driving at high speeds,
as the system will not react to small.
And possibly unintentional steering wheel movements.
If sensitivity is set to high, then the system will react to those small unintentional steering
wheel movements, but force feedback will also increase, which will help to reduce oversteer.
Make sure you take advantage of these settings to customize your steering experience
in your ACS. Two equipped John Deere machine.