**Important:** Please read this before using any of our software products.
**T3RRA Operators Manual** © 2026 T3RRA ## Notice of Rights No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of T3RRA Pty Ltd. ## Trademark Notice **T3RRA Cutta™**, **T3RRA Plane™**, **T3RRA Ditch™**, **T3RRA Survey™**, **T3RRA Apply™**, **COMMAND™** and **Level COMMAND™** software images and their logos are the exclusive trademarks of T3RRA. All other trademarks, service marks, software images and logos used in this documentation belong to their respective owners. ## Notice of Liability The information in this document is distributed on an ‘as is’ basis, without warranty. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, neither the authors nor T3RRA shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the instructions contained in this book or by the machine-control systems and associated equipment products described in it. ## Disclaimer We make a sincere effort to ensure the accuracy of the material described herein; however, T3RRA makes no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the quality, correctness, reliability, accuracy, or freedom from error of this document or the products it describes. Data used in examples and sample data files are intended to be fictional. Any resemblance to real persons or companies is entirely coincidental. While reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, T3RRA assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from use of the information contained within this manual. Information contained within this manual was current at the time of publication. # 1.2 | About Our Software Mark Twain and Will Rogers shared the sentiment, “Buy land, they’re not making it anymore”. We cannot help you buy land or make more of it, but we can help you improve the land you already have. This manual explains how to operate our software for in-cab landform 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. ## Software packages We offer several packages to meet different market requirements: - **T3RRA Cutta** is our most fully featured application. It includes all our functionality for full field landforming, ditch creation and levee delineation. - **T3RRA Ditch** includes all the ditch and levee creation capabilities of T3RRA Cutta, but is not appropriate for full field earthworks. - **T3RRA Plane** is for Best-fit full field design projects. - **T3RRA Apply** is for surveying and applying dirt moving projects without the design step. - **T3RRA Survey** is solely for gathering elevation data. **T3RRA Design** is a related desktop design product: a traditional “keyboard and mouse” application for office use. Its advanced nature requires a separate manual; refer to that manual for more information. ## Terminology in this manual T3RRA Cutta, T3RRA Ditch, T3RRA Plane, T3RRA Apply and T3RRA Survey 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.| Consumer Tablet | Rugged Tablet |
|---|---|
| Microsoft Surface Pro | RuggON, Panasonic Toughbook |
| Lower purchase cost | Higher purchase cost |
| Designed for office/general use | Designed for industrial vehicle use |
| Best suited to careful owner-operators | Best suited to contractors and commercial fleets |
**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 **John Deere iGrade™**. 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 iGrade™ 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. - You are familiar with operating the John Deere iGrade™ system. - John Deere iGrade™ 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 John Deere iGrade™ 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 | How T3RRA Software Works with John Deere iGrade™ John Deere iGrade™ is integral to the T3RRA machine-control solution. T3RRA software provides terrain design, guidance and implementation functionality; **John Deere iGrade™ performs the hydraulic machine control needed to operate the implement**. Reliable T3RRA machine control depends directly on correct iGrade™ installation, configuration and calibration. If iGrade™ is not operating correctly, T3RRA software cannot achieve reliable machine control.John Deere provides comprehensive iGrade™ installation, configuration and operation documentation. This chapter focuses on how T3RRA software interfaces with iGrade™ and the settings required for reliable operation. For detailed operation, configuration or troubleshooting information, always refer to the official John Deere iGrade™ documentation or contact your local John Deere dealer.
 ## Verify iGrade™ first **iGrade™ can operate independently of T3RRA software**, although T3RRA software depends on iGrade™. When commissioning or troubleshooting, first confirm that iGrade™ operates correctly on its own. Once this is verified, configure and test T3RRA software. This sequence simplifies fault finding and helps identify whether an issue originates in iGrade™ or T3RRA software. ## Communication between T3RRA and iGrade™ T3RRA software communicates with John Deere iGrade™ through the **iGrade™ Remote Control Harness**. Both systems must use matching serial communication settings. For an **iGrade™ UCC1** controller, configure: - Baud rate: **38400** - NMEA output: **GGA & GSA** - Update rate: **5 Hz** For an **iGrade™ UCC2** controller, configure: - Baud rate: **115200** - NMEA output: **ALL** - Update rate: **5 Hz****Important:** Complete the iGrade™ hydraulic threshold setup and TCM calibrations correctly. Incorrect or incomplete setup directly affects system performance and the implementation of field designs. Carefully follow the iGrade™ user's manual and perform the figure 8 calibration to check that everything runs smoothly. If in doubt, consult your dealer.
 ## Configuring remote control iGrade™ controls hydraulic implement functions through **SCV1** and **SCV3**. To let T3RRA software control these functions, configure iGrade™ to accept remote control commands. Choose the SCV control modes for your machine configuration:| Machine configuration | SCV1 | SCV3 |
|---|---|---|
| Single scraper (height only) | Remote Control | Not used |
| Dual scraper | Remote Control | Remote Control |
| Single scraper with cross-slope | Remote Control | Cross Slope Control |
If iGrade™ receives no remote control commands for approximately **5 seconds**, it automatically disengages remote control and displays **"No Remote Commands."**
T3RRA software continuously transmits remote control messages during normal operation to maintain communication. If this message appears during operation, investigate the communication link between the tablet PC and the iGrade™ controller. ## GNSS connectivity Only **T3RRA Cutta** and **T3RRA Ditch** transmit remote control commands to iGrade™. All T3RRA software applications can receive GNSS position data. Depending on the system configuration, T3RRA software may obtain GNSS data from **John Deere iGrade™** or directly from another compatible GNSS receiver.**Important:** Before beginning an implementation operation, use **Zero Error** in iGrade™ to set the current blade height as zero. Whenever zero is reset in T3RRA software, also reset the corresponding iGrade™ offsets to keep both systems synchronised.
# 1.7 | 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**.| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| **Operating System** | Windows 11 (64-bit) | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| **Processor** | 64-bit dual-core processor | Intel® Core™ i5, AMD Ryzen™ 5, or better |
| **Memory** | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| **Storage** | 256 GB available storage | 512 GB SSD or greater |
| **Graphics** | Integrated graphics | Integrated or discrete graphics |
| **Communications** | USB port | Dedicated RS-232 serial port or high-quality USB-to-Serial adapter |
| **Display** | Touchscreen | High-brightness touchscreen suitable for outdoor use |
| **Network** | Internet connection for installation and updates | Reliable Wi-Fi connection for regular updates |
**Recommended Hardware** T3RRA recommends using a ruggedised Windows tablet PC designed for in-cab operation. Rugged tablets provide improved resistance to vibration, dust, moisture and temperature extremes, resulting in greater reliability and reduced downtime in demanding field environments.
## Preparing a Tablet for In-Cab Operation For the best in-cab experience, we recommend the following Windows settings: - Set **Power & Sleep** to **Never** to prevent the tablet from entering sleep mode during operation. - Disable **Connect automatically** for saved Wi-Fi networks that are not regularly used in the field. - Set the display brightness to an appropriate level for outdoor visibility. - Enable **Automatically hide the taskbar** in both desktop and tablet modes to maximise available screen space. Many of these settings can be configured automatically during installation using the **Tablet Optimisation** page of the T3RRA installer. ## Software Updates After installation, ensure the latest version of T3RRA software is installed before beginning work. To check for updates: 1. Open **Settings**. 2. Select the **Application** tab. 3. Click **Download Updates**. We recommend regularly connecting the tablet to the internet—either at home or in the office—to allow Windows and T3RRA software updates to download and install. Performing updates and verifying system operation before the start of each earthmoving season is considered best practice. ## Antivirus Software Some antivirus software may prevent T3RRA software from installing or operating correctly. If antivirus software is installed, add the **T3RRA installation folder** to the antivirus exclusion list. Refer to the troubleshooting section if installation issues are encountered. ## Starting T3RRA with Windows T3RRA software can be configured to start automatically whenever Windows starts. To enable or disable this feature: 1. Open **Settings**. 2. Select the **Application** tab. 3. Open the **Setup** section. 4. Enable or disable **Start T3RRA when computer starts**. # 1.9 | 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.**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. # 1.10 | Upgrading from T3RRA Cutta V1 to V2 Transitioning from **T3RRA Cutta V1** to **T3RRA Cutta V2** has been designed to be as straightforward as possible. The familiar wizard-based workflow has been retained, along with the core operating principles used throughout V1. While the user interface has been refreshed, existing users should find the overall workflow familiar. ## What's New? T3RRA Cutta V2 introduces several significant enhancements while preserving the concepts that experienced users already know. The most notable additions include: - The ability to combine different design types within separate regions of the same field. - Support for creating designs on top of existing designs. - The introduction of **As-Applied** functionality, allowing completed earthworks to become part of the project's working surface. These features provide substantially greater flexibility but may require a small adjustment to established workflows. When creating or modifying designs, pay particular attention to the surface being used as the design reference, such as the **existing elevation** or an **existing design surface**. ## Understanding As-Applied The introduction of **As-Applied** functionality represents one of the largest workflow changes between V1 and V2. We strongly recommend reading the **Understanding As-Applied** section of this manual before using the feature. Understanding how As-Applied surfaces interact with existing designs will help avoid confusion and ensure predictable design behaviour. If preferred, As-Applied functionality can be disabled, allowing operation in a manner similar to previous versions. ## Migration Guide Users upgrading from T3RRA Cutta V1 are encouraged to review the **T3RRA Cutta V1 to V2 Migration Guide** before beginning work. The guide highlights the key workflow changes and explains how familiar V1 concepts have evolved in V2. ## File Compatibility T3RRA Cutta V2 has been designed to maintain compatibility with T3RRA Cutta V1 wherever practical. In most cases: - Projects created in **V1** can be opened in **V2**. - Projects created in **V2** can be opened in **V1**, provided they do not contain features that are unique to V2. Because V2 introduces additional project layers and capabilities that are not supported by V1, some projects may not be fully compatible when opened in older software versions. This compatibility allows V1 and V2 systems to continue working together during transition periods, provided project features remain compatible with both versions. # 1.11 | Glossary