PTx Trimble Secures Prestigious Davidson Prize for Autonomous Grain Cart
PTx Trimble, a joint venture formed in 2024 by AGCO and Trimble, has been honored with the prestigious Davidson Prize for its innovative autonomous grain cart solution, OutRun™. This first-of-its-kind commercially available retrofit grain cart system was recognized for its impact on agricultural efficiency, sustainability, and productivity. The award was presented at Commodity Classic 2025, held in Denver, Colorado, by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). OutRun was singled out for its ability to assist farmers in maximizing their yield and addressing the ongoing global labor shortage that continues to challenge the agricultural industry.
A Revolutionary Solution for Farmers
Agriculture is facing an increasingly pressing labor shortage, making it difficult for farmers to find skilled workers for critical tasks, especially during peak harvest seasons. OutRun was developed as a cost-effective, efficient solution to this problem, allowing farmers to operate both a combine and a grain cart without requiring an additional driver. This cutting-edge technology ensures that farmers can harvest their crops at the optimal time, without the delays and expenses associated with hiring experienced grain cart operators.
“OutRun was designed to be a practical and cost-effective solution to labor challenges,” said Andrew Sunderman, Vice President of Product & Customer Experience at PTx Trimble. “By allowing a single operator to manage both the combine and the grain cart, OutRun enables farmers to harvest their fields efficiently and on schedule. As part of our commitment to a retrofit-first approach to autonomy, we have developed OutRun to integrate seamlessly with existing equipment, making autonomous technology more accessible for farmers.”
How OutRun Works
OutRun is a self-contained retrofit kit that brings autonomous functionality to grain carts, reducing reliance on additional labor. Initially compatible with John Deere 8R and 8000R tractors equipped with IVT, the technology is set to expand to Fendt models in 2026. The OutRun system allows a grain cart to be staged and called for unloading without requiring an extra driver. Once full, the grain cart can autonomously travel to a predefined truck unload zone, where manual unloading takes place.
This technology not only enhances efficiency but also ensures that crops are harvested at the right time, minimizing loss and maximizing yield potential. By integrating with existing machinery, OutRun provides an affordable path for farmers to adopt autonomous technology without needing to purchase brand-new equipment.
The Significance of the Davidson Prize
The Davidson Prize is one of the most prestigious honors in the field of agricultural engineering. Named after J.B. Davidson, widely regarded as the father of modern agricultural engineering, the award celebrates innovations that significantly impact agricultural production, efficiency, or safety. ASABE and AEM established the Davidson Prize to recognize groundbreaking technologies that push the boundaries of engineering and technological advancement in the agricultural sector.
Each year, a maximum of three Davidson Prizes are awarded, selected from the ten highest-scoring AE50 award winners. These winners represent the most exceptional innovations introduced that year, highlighting products that bring revolutionary improvements to farming practices. The competition is fierce, as the prize is reserved only for those technologies projected to make a lasting impact on the industry.
For AGCO and its affiliated brands, winning the Davidson Prize is not new. In the past five years alone, AGCO has earned four Davidson Prizes, demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to driving agricultural innovation. This latest win with OutRun cements AGCO and PTx Trimble’s position as leaders in the development of cutting-edge farming solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity for farmers worldwide.
Addressing a Growing Need for Autonomy in Agriculture
As the agricultural sector continues to face workforce shortages, automation has become an increasingly vital solution. OutRun’s ability to function autonomously reduces dependency on skilled labor while improving the overall efficiency of harvest operations. Farmers who adopt OutRun can manage their harvests with greater precision, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
The automation of grain carts is just one example of how PTx Trimble is leveraging autonomous technology to modernize farming. By making automation more accessible through retrofit solutions, the company is helping farmers transition into the future of precision agriculture without requiring a complete overhaul of their existing fleets.
Beyond its labor-saving benefits, OutRun also has the potential to improve field operations by reducing soil compaction, as it enables better control over grain cart movement. Controlled, autonomous driving patterns help minimize unnecessary passes over the field, preserving soil health and contributing to more sustainable farming practices.
A Testament to Innovation
PTx Trimble’s success with OutRun underscores its commitment to bringing innovative solutions to farmers. The Davidson Prize not only recognizes the impact of this technology but also serves as a testament to the company’s broader vision of enhancing farm operations through smart, autonomous systems. By continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in agricultural automation, PTx Trimble is paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future in farming.
Availability and Future Expansion
Farmers across the U.S. can now incorporate OutRun into their operations for the 2025 harvest season. The retrofit kit is available for purchase and integration with John Deere 8R and 8000R tractors, with plans to expand compatibility to Fendt models in 2026. Farmers interested in adopting OutRun can learn more by visiting outrunag.com or contacting PTx Trimble at
Looking ahead, PTx Trimble is committed to expanding its autonomous technology offerings, ensuring that farmers have access to the latest advancements in precision agriculture. As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, solutions like OutRun will play a crucial role in helping farmers meet the growing demands of food production while overcoming labor challenges.
