Trimble Introduces New Lightbar Guidance System with Large Color Display and Multiple Accuracy Options for Agriculture

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 23 -- Trimble (NASDAQ:TRMB) today introduced a new high-performance version of its popular AgGPS(R) EZ-Guide(R) Plus lightbar guidance system -- the EZ-Guide 500 system. The AgGPS EZ-Guide 500 features a large, easy to read color LCD display, data logging functions and multiple accuracy options. Lightbar systems provide GPS- based guidance for vehicle operators to steer tractors, sprayers, fertilizer applicators, air seeders and large tillage tools that require consistent pass- to-pass accuracy to help save fuel, increase efficiency and reduce input costs for agricultural operations.

The new EZ-Guide 500 features a large 7-inch LCD display, which is three times larger than Trimble's field-proven AgGPS EZ-Guide Plus or any other available agriculture lightbar display. The system has a built-in lightbar with a guidance LED array that is highly visible even in direct sun. The EZ- Guide 500 also offers advanced but easy-to-use guidance patterns, as well as real-time "where-applied" coverage mapping. The plan and perspective views allow users to see on screen, in color and real-time, the area they have covered in the field. With the data logging function, users can record the day's work and transfer it to a PC via a USB flash drive for creating printed maps and reports.

With its high precision dual-frequency L1/L2 Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, the new EZ-Guide 500 system offers users a variety of accuracy options without purchasing an external GPS receiver. Users can choose: 6-8 inch pass-to-pass accuracy using free Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) signals; 3-5 inch accuracy with OmniSTAR XP/HP subscription service; or 1-inch year-to-year repeatability using RTK corrections, based on crop and operation needs.

"The introduction of the EZ-Guide 500 is a significant milestone in bringing cost effective solutions to the farmer. Today's lightbar guidance users are increasingly demanding higher accuracy but moving to the next level is often cost prohibitive," said Erik Arvesen, general manager of Trimble's Agricultural Division. "This is because most lightbar products don't have the ability to be upgraded to higher accuracies without adding an external and more expensive GPS receiver. A high performance package build around the new EZ-Guide 500 is an economical solution, costing considerably less than comparable solutions available today from any manufacturer."

The new EZ-Guide 500 system is designed to provide GPS positioning and graphic display for use with Trimble's assisted steering, automated guidance and spray rate control solutions:

  * The AgGPS EZ-Steer(R) assisted steering system can be connected to the
    EZ-Guide 500 system in approximately 30 minutes and can be used on
    hundreds of vehicle models.
  * The EZ-Guide 500 can also drive the Trimble AgGPS Autopilot(R) automated
    steering system, which offers multiple accuracy options, including +/-1
    inch repeatable accuracy.

With the addition of the AgGPS EZ-Guide 500, Trimble now offers a complete "good-better-best" range of guidance displays. These include the entry-level AgGPS EZ-Guide Plus, mid-range AgGPS EZ-Guide 500 and high-functioning AgGPS FieldManager(TM) display.

The EZ-Guide 500 system is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2007 from Trimble resellers. For more information, including the location of nearest Trimble reseller, call 1-800-865-7438 or visit www.trimble.com.

About Trimble

Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on applications requiring position or location-including surveying, construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS, lasers and optics, Trimble solutions typically include significant software content specific to the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back office. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has a worldwide presence with more than 2,600 employees in over 18 countries.

For more information Trimble's Web site at www.trimble.com.