The Trimble® WM-Drain™ farm drainage solution is a concept to completion toolset that streamlines the survey, analysis, design, installation, and mapping steps of surface and subsurface drainage. WM-Drain ensures optimal 3D drain placement, which improves crop yields by controlling ponding, optimizing root depth, maximizing planting seasons, and minimizing nutrient loss.
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STEP 1: SURVEY
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Collect 3D field data with ease by using the FmX® integrated display and/or the WM-Topo™ survey system.
- Utilize the touchscreen simplicity of the FmX display to record the boundaries and interior data of the field
- Record section lines along the alignments where you wish to install drains, and complete the design and installation without having to leave the cab
- Use a Trimble Autopilot™, EZ-Pilot™ or EZ-Steer® steering system to guide your vehicle and ensure adequate field coverage
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STEP 2: ANALYSIS
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Analyze the 3D field data using Farm Works™ Surface software to make better-informed drainage decisions.
- View data from any angle and exaggerate the vertical to visualize the shape and slopes of the field
- Determine the various watershed zones of the field to assist with main, submain, and lateral pipe placement
- Configure contours at any interval to display the topography and relative elevations
- Enable flow arrows and tributary lines to assist with tracing the natural surface water flows
- View the field analysis over the top of aerial images to review your data in another context
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STEP 3: DESIGN
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Design and verify a complete 3D drainage system using Surface software, or design drainage lines on-the-go without having to leave your vehicle.
- Position the drain lines horizontally based on the results from the different analysis views
- Utilize the Farm Works drawing tools to tie laterals to mains, create parallel lateral spacings, and clip drainage lines
- Allow Autoslope to produce optimal depth designs resulting in a consistent water table, which minimizes nutrient loss
- Verify that the pipe network will successfully drain to the main outlet before beginning the installation
- Utilize the Autoslope functionality in the FmX display for an on-the-go solution
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STEP 4: INSTALLATION
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Take your designs back to the field and utilize the WM-Drain module on the FmX display and Trimble’s 3D machine control technology for precise installation of your pipe or surface ditches.
- Use WM-Drain with any type of drainage plow—self-propelled, pull-type, chain or wheel trenchers, ditchers, scrapers, or any other water management implement
- Control the depth automatically, ensuring pipe and ditches are installed to the design
- For perfect pitch at the outlet, ensure the boot pitch is correct before starting the installation
- Control the boot pitch automatically for parallel link and double link plows, providing complete control of the machine and ensuring the best accuracy available
- Switch to Point and Slope mode using pitch control during RTK dropouts to ensure completion of drainage runs in adverse satellite conditions
- Utilize GNSS RTK combined with T3™ Enhanced Terrain Compensation Technology for roll-corrected 3D positioning
- Recalculate designs on-the-go when the plow hits unexpected underground obstacles
- Monitor your depth, location, and slope in real time during the installation process
- Map the as-applied drainage lines while installing to keep as a record for aiding with invoicing and locating installed pipes in the future
- Choose Point and Slope mode for a manual slope and depth drainage installation
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STEP 5: MAPPING
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Map the true location of your installed drainage pipes or ditches and utilize the records for future maintenance or drainage expansion projects.
- Automatically log 3D drain maps synchronously while the drainage machine is being controlled by WM-Drain
- Transfer the mapped data using Connected Farm™ to Surface software, where it will be stored as an independent layer
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STEP 6: CONNECTED FARM
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With the Connected Farm™ from Trimble, you can wirelessly share valuable time-saving data between your farm office, vehicles, and workers out in the field.
- Wirelessly transfer topographic data from the field to the office for 3D analysis and drainage design work, saving time and eliminating the need for USB stick data transfers
- Wirelessly transfer drainage designs from the office to the field for installation, saving time and maximizing machine operating hours
- Wirelessly transfer drainage maps from the field back to the office for safe record keeping
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