Intelligent Boom Control IBC

Intelligent Boom Control

John Deere introduced Intelligent Boom Control (IBC) for forwarders in 2013. With IBC, boom control is precise, fast and easy because the operator can focus on controlling the grapple rather than the boom joint movements. IBC was also introduced for harvesters in 2017. In the harvester, IBC has been adjusted to the work cycle; the trajectory and functioning of the boom adjust automatically to the harvester's work phases.

Introducing IBC 3.0

The harvesters 1270G, with harvester head H425 and H424, and 1470G, with harvester head H425, are available with harvester head over-rotation prevention when equipped with the IBC 3.0 and the rotating and levelling cabin. This combination offers even more features that assist the machine operators in their work. Feeding assistant helps avoid feeding towards the cabin and helps the operator find safe ways of working that keep the machine intact. This is possible because the IBC registers the log's orientation. Sawing assistant helps avoid sawing towards the cabin. These new features, while assisting the operators in their work, improve machine uptime and help to keep the machine in good condition.

Intelligent Boom Control is taking the use of harvesters to a completely new level. With the harvester’s IBC, the operator controls only the harvester head while the system takes care of the boom’s movement.

Intelligent Boom Control imaged

Ease and speed

With IBC, the boom is very precise and easy to operate: the operator controls the boom tip directly instead of controlling independent boom joint movements. Left mini lever controls the horizontal movement of the grapple.

 

Intelligent Boom Control imaged

Vertical movement

The right mini lever controls the vertical movement of the grapple.

 

End damping in IBC

Electrical cylinder end damping

The IBC system features electrical end damping for all the main boom movement directions. The system dampens the cylinder end movements softly and stops strong blow-like loads in the end positions.

The system is switched on and off with the press of a button.

The system dampens the cylinder end movements softly and stops strong blow-like loads in the end positions, making for smoother operation and also improving the boom’s durability.

John Deere harvester boom and trees

Easy and exact

IBC controls intelligently the use of extension in different stages, which makes work much easier giving the operator more time to plan the next move. The boom is very accurate and steady even with longest reaches and new operators find it easy to learn the work. 

Harvester and trees

Durability with end damping

The end damping stops the blow-like loads of the cylinder ends and the operator does not need to watch for boom positions. Work is more fluent and the boom structures and hydraulic cylinders last longer.

Harvester and trees

Fast

When the harvester head is driven to the tree, it moves automatically to the cutting height. After the cutting, when the boom is drawn in, the harvester head moves automatically to the processing height.

Harvester and trees

Slope mode

The boom tip automatically follows the desired trajectory. The slope mode adjusts the trajectory for working on a slope.

John Deere 900MH Tracked Harvester with IBC on a jobsite

Optional IBC available for tracked harvesters

With the optional IBC, operators no longer need to control each independent boom function separately. One joystick moves the boom tip horizontally, while a second guides it vertically, and IBC automatically guides the boom and cylinders accordingly. IBC also automatically controls swing speed based on the overall position of the attachment.

John Deere 900MH Tracked Harvester with IBC on a jobsite in the winter

Individual user settings

IBC is easily configurable to user preference, so operators can adapt their motions to the application. Individual user settings can be saved in up to eight separate profiles, to accommodate multiple skill and experience levels.

Overrotation prevention of a harvester head
Wheeled harvester working in a forest
Wheeled harvester working in a forest