John Deere has introduced John Deere Path, a mapping solution to help snow removal operations be more precise. With John Deere Path, plow operators can better sense road boundaries in tumultuous winter weather when pre-mapped. 

John Deere Path, an option on John Deere Motor Graders and other plow equipment, allows operators to pre-map road boundaries before snowfall, creating precise guidance routes automatically sent to the John Deere Operations Center. During snow events, near real-time maps help operators maintain alignment with road edges, with audible alerts warning if the equipment moves too close to pre-mapped boundaries, helping to reduce accident risks and infrastructure damage.

"Snow removal, especially in rural areas where visibility can be hindered, requires accuracy for safe and efficient operations. With a large percentage of U.S. roads located in snow-prone regions, John Deere Path is designed to give operators the confidence to navigate snow-covered roads, helping them stay on course to complete their work safely and reliably,” said Matt Costello, product marketing manager at John Deere, according to a recent press release. 

Technology and Integration for Every Day

The G5 Universal Display has a straightforward interface that allows operators to visualize road edges and follow a visual guidance track overlayed on satellite imagery. When a road has been pre-mapped, the system also enhances obstacle awareness, such as mailboxes and curbs. 

The system also allows operators to track and document completed work for increased efficiency. 

Markers can also be added at any time to note changes on the route or mark areas for maintenance at a later date. 

John Deere Operations Center provides the platform that integrates all mapped routes. It also provides data like total area plowed, machine location, duration of work, and fuel usage, enabling fleet managers to make informed decisions and allocate resources appropriately. 

John Deere Path is useful not only during the winter months when the need for snowplows is prevalent, but also works in the warmer months. Watch the video below to learn how John Deere Path has helped fleets in the public sector.

Compatibility Across the Fleet

John Deere Path has two options, John Deere Path and John Deere Path Universal. 

John Deere Path is specifically designed for John Deere Motor Graders, offering integration with machines from 2016 and newer.

John Deere Path Universal is ideal for mixed fleets and older models. It offers a modem for a closed-loop system, making it compatible with various other machines. 

John Deere Path aims to increase efficiency and lower downtime for fleet managers everywhere.