# 1 | General
# 1.1 | Important Notices
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# 1.2 | About Our Software
This manual explains how to operate our software for in-cab landforming design and implementation to improve field terrain. Changes to field surface contours most often support efficient irrigation or better drainage. They nearly always also improve trafficability and create additional management opportunities.
T3RRA Cutta V2 and V3 are designed to operate with different machine control systems. **T3RRA Cutta V2** operates with John Deere iGrade™, while **T3RRA Cutta V3** operates with T3RRA LevelCOMMAND. Each version is specifically configured for its respective control system and is not interchangeable.
## Software packages
We offer several packages to meet different market requirements:
- **T3RRA Cutta 3** is our most fully featured application. It includes all our functionality for full field landforming, ditch creation and levee delineation.
- **T3RRA Ditch 3** includes all the ditch and levee creation capabilities of T3RRA Cutta, but is not appropriate for full field earthworks.
- **T3RRA Plane 3** is for Best-fit full field design projects.
- **T3RRA Apply 3** is for surveying and applying dirt moving projects without the design step.
- **T3RRA Survey 3** is solely for gathering elevation data.
**T3RRA Design V2 / Plus** and **Cutta Desktop** are related desktop design products: a traditional “keyboard and mouse” application for office use. Their advanced nature requires separate manuals; refer to that specific manual for more information.
## Terminology in this manual
T3RRA Cutta 3, T3RRA Ditch 3, T3RRA Plane 3, T3RRA Apply 3 and T3RRA Survey 3 use the same basic building blocks and share many user interface screens and functions. This manual uses “T3RRA software” for topics common to all five applications. Information specific to one or two applications is identified by the actual software name.
# 1.3 | Intended Use
## Supported equipment and tasks
Use T3RRA In-cab Software on supported construction, landforming and earthmoving machinery fitted with compatible hardware, GNSS receivers, hydraulic interfaces and machine sensors.
During earthmoving and landforming, the system assists operators with terrain guidance, grading, surface control and automatic implement positioning.
## Performance and operator responsibilities
Performance depends on all of the following:
- Correct installation
- Machine calibration
- GNSS signal quality
- Terrain conditions
- Hydraulic performance
- Operator supervision
T3RRA In-cab Software provides operator assistance and terrain control; it does not transfer responsibility from the operator. At all times, the operator is responsible for safe machine operation, terrain awareness and final work quality.
Only personnel familiar with machine-control systems and safe equipment operating procedures may operate the system.
# 1.4 | Choosing an In-cab Tablet PC
## Compatible hardware and display
T3RRA in-cab software runs on any **64-bit Windows 11 PC**, whether a desktop computer, laptop or tablet PC. A keyboard and mouse can be used, but the software is designed primarily for a touchscreen interface.
For most installations, a **Windows tablet PC** offers the best balance of portability, usability and mounting flexibility in the machine cab. For the best operating experience, use **landscape orientation** and a screen size of **10 inches or larger**, as recommended.
## Consumer and rugged tablets
Windows tablets vary in performance, durability and price. Choose according to your operating environment and business requirements. The two broad categories are compared below.
T3RRA supplies **ruggedised RuggON tablets** designed for demanding in-cab environments. Compared with consumer-grade devices, their resistance to vibration, dust, moisture and temperature extremes significantly reduces hardware failures, downtime and warranty claims.
Consumer tablets can be used if they meet the minimum hardware requirements and remain in good working condition. Many customers have used devices such as the Microsoft Surface Pro successfully in cab, however these are not recommended for extended in cab use.
Consumer devices are generally intended for office or home use, not continuous operation in harsh agricultural or construction environments. Vibration, dust, weather and temperature extremes can reduce their reliability and service life.
Consider the cost of unexpected downtime as well as the purchase price. Where machine availability is critical, a ruggedised tablet—or a readily available spare tablet—is strongly recommended.
**Note - If a consumer tablet is chosen, such as a Windows Surface Pro, Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are NOT supported.**
## Reliable operation and maintenance
Modern tablet PCs can run many applications at once. For reliable machine-control performance, avoid installing unnecessary software or running resource-intensive applications while operating T3RRA software. Excessive processor, memory or storage usage may reduce system responsiveness.
**Maintain your tablet regularly.** During planned maintenance periods, install Windows updates, T3RRA software updates and any recommended driver or firmware updates. Keeping the operating system and software current helps maximise reliability and performance.
# 1.5 | Consider the System as a Whole
Accurate machine control relies on the **entire landforming system**, not on T3RRA software alone. T3RRA software combines terrain design, guidance and implementation with the machine-control capabilities of COMMAND hardware. To achieve the expected accuracy, the mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, GNSS and software components must work together reliably.
T3RRA software performance depends on the condition, configuration and calibration of the surrounding equipment. Software alone cannot compensate for poor machine maintenance, inaccurate GNSS positioning or incorrect COMMAND configuration.
## Before beginning work
Verify each of the following before beginning work:
- The machine is in good mechanical, hydraulic and electrical condition.
- The implement is correctly installed and in good working order.
- The RTK GNSS receiver, corrections source and, where applicable, base station are configured for reliable positioning accuracy.
- COMMAND Hardware is correctly configured and calibrated.
- The tablet PC is up to date, has sufficient available storage and is free from unnecessary software that may reduce system performance.
- T3RRA software is correctly installed, configured and updated to the latest recommended version.
## Operator responsibility
**Stay alert when using T3RRA software.** T3RRA software and COMMAND Hardware assist the operator to improve productivity and grading accuracy; they do not replace the operator’s judgement, awareness or responsibility. Continuously monitor machine behaviour, positioning accuracy and work quality during every operation, and be prepared to intervene whenever required. Failure to do so may reduce accuracy, produce unsatisfactory work or create unsafe operating conditions.
# 1.6 | System Startup
## Starting T3RRA Software
Most installations are configured to **start T3RRA software automatically** when the tablet PC boots.
If the software does not start automatically and you want to enable this functionality, follow the configuration instructions in the accompanying troubleshooting guide.
If T3RRA software has not started automatically after Windows has finished loading, launch it manually: **double-click the appropriate desktop shortcut**.
Desktop shortcut illustration for launching T3RRA software.After the software starts, the T3RRA home screen is displayed.
# 1.7 | Installing T3RRA Software
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# 1.8 | Updating T3RRA Software
T3RRA releases regular software updates to improve reliability, add features and enhance compatibility with supported hardware. Keeping the software up to date provides access to the latest improvements and bug fixes.
## Checking for updates
At startup, T3RRA software checks for a newer version only when the tablet has an active internet connection.
When a check is performed, a brief notification in the lower-left corner of the main window reports one of two results:
- The software is already up to date.
- A newer software version is available for download.
## Installing an update
To check for and install updates manually:
1. Open **Settings**.
2. Select the **Application** tab.
3. Click **Download Updates**.
If an update is available, the download starts immediately.
[](https://docs.t3rra.com/uploads/images/gallery/2026-10/gObimage.png)
Settings: Application tab with Download Updates.A progress window shows the download status. When the download finishes, you are prompted to close and restart T3RRA software to complete installation.
**Important:** Save any work in progress before restarting the software. A reliable internet connection is recommended for downloading updates.
## When should you update?
As a general rule, **avoid updating software while actively working in the field**.
Recommended times to install updates are:
- Before an earthmoving season starts.
- Between jobs.
- When your T3RRA dealer or support representative advises it.
- When an update addresses a problem you have experienced or adds functionality you require.
If the current version operates reliably and your application does not require an update, there is generally no need to update immediately.
## Reverting an update
Previous software versions can be restored if an update causes unexpected issues.
Perform a software rollback only under guidance from T3RRA or your authorised dealer. If you need assistance, contact T3RRA Technical Support before attempting to revert to an earlier version.
# 1.9 | Glossary
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