John Deere takes full ownership of GUSS Automation spraying

John Deere now has the exclusive rights to offer vineyard and orchard growers the most advanced autonomous sprayers with full ownership of GUSS

*Not an operator in sight and that’s how the GUSS autonomous sprayer runs with the advantage of being unmanned it can save farm operations heavily on labour costs and downtime*

John Deere has taken the steps to secure the full acquisition of GUSS Automation LLC, a globally recognised leader in high-value crop autonomy, headquartered in Kingsburg California USA.

The acquisition builds on an existing joint venture established in 2022 and advances John Deere’s commitment to helping high-value crop growers address their biggest challenges around labour availability, input costs, and crop protection.

“Fully integrating GUSS into the John Deere portfolio is a continuation of our dedication to serving high-value crop customers with advanced, scalable technologies to help them do more with less,” outlined Julien Le Vely, director of Production Systems at John Deere.

“GUSS brings a proven solution to a fast-growing segment of agriculture, and its team has a deep understanding of customer needs in orchards and vineyards. We’re excited to have them fully part of the John Deere team.”

*John Deere has secured full ownership of GUSS following a joint venture established in 2022 and advances their commitment to autonomous spraying for high-value crop growers*

Founded by Dave Crinklaw in 2018, GUSS manufactures autonomous sprayers that can be remotely supervised by a single operator who can manage up to eight machines at once.

Using GPS, LiDAR, and proprietary software, GUSS machines navigate vineyards and orchards with precision to help reduce operator error, labour costs and material waste.

To date, more than 250 GUSS machines have been deployed globally, accounting for over 1.05 million hectares sprayed across more than 500,000 autonomous hours. Read more about GUSS models in Australia here.

GUSS sprayers will continue to be sold and serviced exclusively through John Deere dealers, as they are today. The business will retain its name, brand, employees and manufacturing facility in Kingsburg California USA.

*To date more than 250 GUSS machines have been deployed globally and they account for spraying over 1.05 million hectares across 500,000 autonomous hours*

GUSS initially trialled units here, and following a positive reaction, has had units operating successfully for several years; those units and further models will continue to be available through relevant John Deere dealers.

John Deere will support GUSS in expanding its global reach and accelerating innovation, including continued integration with other John Deere precision agriculture technologies, such as Smart Apply^®, which enables targeted spraying that offers the opportunity for up to 50% savings on chemical and water use.

“Joining John Deere enables us to tap into their unmatched innovative capabilities in precision agriculture technologies to bring our solutions to more growers around the world,” added Gary Thompson, chief operations officer at GUSS.

*John Deere will accelerate GUSS in expanding its global reach and invest in further innovation spraying methods for high-value crop growers*

“Our team is passionate about helping high-value crop growers increase their efficiency and productivity in their operations, and together with John Deere, we will have the ability to have an even greater impact,” Gary Thompson concluded.

GUSS’s manufacturing operations expand John Deere’s US manufacturing footprint to the heart of the country’s high-value crop production market. GUSS sprayers will continue to use John Deere Power Systems engines, first integrated in 2024 models.

For more information about GUSS solutions, contact your local John Deere dealer on this link.

See GUSS in action on this link. or play the video below.

GUSS autonomous sprayer at a glance

Power: Both diesel and electric models are available.
Diesel engine: John Deere 4.5L 55kW (74hp) Stage V Diesel (no DEF), or Tier 3.
Body: Stainless steel hood, roof and doors, stainless steel tank.
Tank Capacity: Can be around 2270 litres for Herbicide GUSS.
Driveline: Four-wheel drive with four-wheel steering.
Tyre options: 380/85R24 (standard) 320/85R24 (narrow) 400/80R24 (low impact)
Dimensions (Herbicide GUSS): Approximately 7.2m long, with a 2.56m transport width and adjustable width of 4.57 to 5.8m.
Spot spraying tech: Multiple precision weed detection sensors.
Booms: Hydraulic-controlled, height-adjustable booms range from 2.4 to 5.8m.
Pump: Myers 2-stage centrifugal pump