From Tough Steel to Smart Systems
When Excel Agriculture acquired Gyral in 2014, they aimed to improve their products without compromising its mechanical or operating integrity. The suite of products from SmartAG Systems provided the perfect fit. These upgrades are now being installed on new Excel planters, air seeders, belt spreaders, as well as retrofitted to earlier Gyral models and mixed fleets.
One of the many new innovations is the SmartAG Wireless Connection Module (WCM), which provides seamless wireless calibration and live system feedback to the operator. The WCM is an optional add-on designed to simplify setup and adjustments without being in the tractor cab. It allows operators to calibrate seeding or fertiliser rates directly from their smartphone or tablet, improving efficiency and safety in the field. While the WCM is not included as standard, it is available as an additional option for wireless remote calibration.
A Practical Upgrade
Calibration is often one of the biggest pain points during seeding with farmers walking back and forth to the cab. Using the WCM that suits both the 7000 series and ISOBUS integration from Smart AG Systems, calibration can now be completed from the ground. It is quicker, more accurate, and safer.
While the time savings may vary, the biggest benefit is convenience. Reducing the number of trips back and forth to the tractor cab means less hassle for operators and smoother setup during seeding.
Unified Control and Clear Results
All machine functions are integrated into a single screen. This could be the tractor’s ISOBUS display or a SmartAG 7000 Pro terminal. Blockage sensor status, variable-rate control, coverage mapping and bin level status are some of the many functions that are visible at a glance.
Operators see live feedback on metering shaft speed, fan RPM, blockage alerts, and bin levels through one interface. The in-cab ISOBUS display or a dedicated SmartAG terminal provides centralised control, making it easier to monitor and respond in real time.
In one recent customer case, a 24-metre Excel planter was paired with a SmartAG-controlled air seeder. The user wanted a high-quality rate controller with full blockage monitoring, displayed through one interface. SmartAG delivered exactly that outcome, a complete system solution that synchronised seeding and planting metrics through one platform.
Both new and retrofit farmers are taking notice. Excel and SmartAG have completed many successful installations on new-build equipment, as well as retrofits on older models previously equipped with discontinued systems.
Whether you’re a long-time Gyral operator looking to modernise or a new Excel buyer wanting plug-and-play precision control, this solution offers a scalable path forward.
Why Excel Chose SmartAG
SmartAG’s flexibility has made a real difference, especially their ability to tailor software updates for our machines. “That level of support is hard to find” says James, Product Development Manager at Excel Agriculture.
According to Excel’s product development manager, the flexibility and responsiveness of the SmartAG team are key reasons the partnership continues to grow. SmartAG’s ability to adapt software, accommodate product-specific features, and provide local support is a point of difference.
When an early ISOBUS setup encountered an issue on a three-bin machine with long implement lengths, SmartAG resolved the issue timely. John Chalmers from SmartAG visited the farm, confirmed the issue, and coordinated with his software team to get the machine back in the paddock quickly.
Next Steps: Smarter Planters, Smarter Farming
What began with fitting seeders and spreaders is now moving into planters. Excel and SmartAG recently completed a successful trial of downforce control on a single disc planter. The system uses SmartAG’s modular components to control row unit pressure. The trial unit has performed reliably throughout the current planting season and will be replicated on further machines.
This trial is part of Excel’s Stubble Warrior product line, making this integration a live and growing initiative. These expansions align with SmartAG’s broader strategy. The goal is to help OEMs deliver precision-ready equipment quickly, using a proven and scalable hardware-software platform.
Looking to upgrade your seeding, spreading, or planting equipment with precision-ready tech?
Start your upgrade journey today or chat with our team about the best retrofit solution for your operation.