Published: June 30, 2025
Updated: July 17, 2025
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Harvesting grain can be a delicate process, especially when you’re working with large machinery like John Deere S700 and X Series combines. The good news is that these amazing machines are packed with advanced precision ag technology to maintain consistent harvest quality and efficiency, doing most of the work for your combine operators.
One of these advanced tools is the ActiveVision cameras, part of John Deere’s Combine Advisor suite of advanced precision ag tools. ActiveVision uses a series of cameras throughout your combine to monitor grain quality and maintain an efficient harvest, therefore reducing harvest loss. But how does it work? Let’s jump into ActiveVision and show you how it can be a great asset to your combine harvesting fleet.
What is ActiveVision?
John Deere ActiveVision is a camera-based technology that works with John Deere’s Combine Advisor system. It is available on most S700 and X Series combines from John Deere pre-installed, or as an add-on. These specialized cameras are installed at key points in the combine, like the clean grain elevator and tailings elevator, to give a real-time look at the harvested grain. The high-resolution imaging gives combine operators unprecedented access to what the harvested grain looks like as it moves through the combine.
How ActiveVision Reduces Harvest Loss
Every combine operator knows that harvesting grain is not a perfect process; sometimes, foreign objects, broken grains, and other unwanted materials make their way into the combine when harvesting. In the past, most of the unwanted materials were removed through mechanical cleaning systems, but these systems weren’t completely accurate. Sometimes, perfectly good grain was removed as well.
However, since the introduction of Combine Advisor and ActiveVision cameras, combine operators have been able to increase their efficiency by removing more unwanted material and collecting the top-quality, desirable grain.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/k6by61jBuW0?si=scKx007HdvqrZK-F
Real-time Monitoring
ActiveVision’s multitude of HD cameras allows the combine operator to view a live feed of their grain at any time. This gives them the ability to continuously monitor grain quality and the presence of foreign materials, like broken grain or unwanted objects. In addition to a live view, the cameras also use Artificial Intelligence technology to analyze the images and differentiate between grain and non-grain materials, like weeds, chaff, etc. This gives the combine a more precise cleaning and separating process.
Auto Adjustments with AutoMaintain
ActiveVision is an amazing technology, but to get the most out of it, you should pair it with the John Deere AutoMaintain precision ag tech. AutoMaintain paired with ActiveVision allows combines to automatically adjust key settings – like threshing speed, concave clearance, and cleaning fan speed – based on observations in the grain quality. The AI system provides recommendations, and the operator can then choose to maintain those performance targets for better grain quality and fewer harvest losses. This AI capability reduces the need for manual adjustments by the operator; it’s like having your own little AI buddy with you in the combine cab!
Data-driven Decision Making
Another benefit of ActiveVision, as well as the Combine Advisor suite of tools, is the data-driven decision-making capabilities. The Optimize Performance option lets operators input specific grain loss or quality concerns. The system then gets to work analyzing the current field conditions and recommends solutions to match the operator's intended goals. This data, including performance data and adjustment history, is logged in the system, allowing farmers to go back and see what works and what may need further adjustments. Being able to fine-tune harvesting strategy is a major benefit of ActiveVision and further helps to decrease harvest loss.
Explore How ActiveVision Works at Koenig Equipment
At Koenig Equipment, we are always staying up-to-date with the latest precision ag technology, especially when it comes to John Deere harvesting equipment like combines. Our team of experts is ready to help you find the combine that works for your needs, whether it’s an S700 or X Series combine. And when you’re ready to learn the ins and outs of ActiveVision and the full toolbox of Combine Advisor tools, let us know! We’d be happy to help you learn as much as you can about this amazing harvesting optimization technology. Visit our website or one of our many locations across Ohio and Indiana, and let us help you reduce your harvest loss this season.