A Farmer's Guide to Choosing the Right Autosteer System for Your Farm
12 August, 2025 by
frida.guo

Are you spending long hours in the cab, constantly fighting the steering wheel to keep your lines straight? It’s exhausting, and even the slightest overlap costs you real money in fuel, seeds, and fertilizer. You’ve probably heard about using GPS for tractor guidance, but stepping into the world of auto steer for tractors can feel overwhelming. With terms like RTK, ISOBUS, and different system types, it's easy to get lost.

You're not just looking for a piece of tech; you're looking for a solution that makes your life easier and your farm more profitable. Think of this as a conversation at your local coffee shop. We're going to break down exactly what you need to know to choose the perfect auto steer system for your operation.

Why Even Bother with an Auto Steer System?

Let's get straight to the point. An auto steer system is about so much more than just taking your hands off the wheel. It’s a complete upgrade to your farming operation. These systems use advanced GPS technology to navigate your fields with incredible precision, often down to the centimeter.

What does that mean for you?

  • Slash Input Costs: By eliminating overlaps and skips, you use less fuel, fertilizer, seeds, and chemicals. This isn't about saving a few pennies; it's about adding significant money back to your bottom line.
  • Reduce Operator Fatigue: Imagine finishing a 12-hour day feeling less stressed and more focused. Auto steer handles the repetitive task of steering, so you can focus on monitoring your implements and overall field conditions.
  • Work in Any Condition: Dust, fog, or darkness won't stop you anymore. A reliable GPS for tractor system sees perfectly, allowing you to extend your working hours and hit those critical planting or harvesting windows.
  • Boost Your Yields: Every plant gets the space and resources it needs to thrive. Consistent, precise passes lead to healthier crops and better overall yields.

The Big Secret: It's All About How It Steers

When you start shopping for an auto steer for tractors, you'll see names like John Deere AutoTrac, Trimble Autopilot, and our own FJDynamics systems. While they all aim for precision, the biggest difference comes down to one simple question: How does it physically turn the wheels?

There are two main ways these systems work, and choosing the right one depends almost entirely on the tractor you already own.

Auto-steer machine

The Two Flavors of Auto Steer

    1.The Electric Motor Steering Wheel (The Universal Add-On)

This is the most straightforward type of auto steer system. It works by replacing your existing steering wheel with a new one that has a built-in electric motor. The GPS "brain" tells the motor how to turn, and it physically drives the wheel for you.
This approach is incredibly versatile. It's a fantastic choice for older tractors or a mixed fleet of machinery because it doesn't need to tap into the vehicle's complex internal systems. If you want a reliable, easy-to-install solution that can be moved between machines, systems like our FJDynamics AT2 Auto Steer System are a perfect fit. They deliver excellent precision without needing a deep, invasive installation.

    2.The Integrated Hydraulic System (The "Factory Feel")

This is where things get really slick, especially for modern tractors. Instead of an external motor, these systems integrate directly with your tractor’s own hydraulic steering system. They control the same valves your tractor uses when you steer manually, providing incredibly smooth, quiet, and responsive control. This is the path to choose if you have newer equipment and want a clean, integrated setup.
But this is also where most of the confusion happens. This category is split into two main scenarios.

Finding Your Hydraulic Match: Is Your Tractor "Steer-Ready"?

For Modern, "Steer-Ready" Tractors

Many newer tractors from major brands come from the factory "steer-ready" or "auto-steer prepared." This means the manufacturer has already installed the necessary hydraulic valves and sensors. The tractor is just waiting for a GPS "brain" to plug in and take control.

This is where you can get premium performance without the premium price tag. Instead of being locked into the manufacturer's system, you can use a more flexible and often more affordable solution like the FJDynamics AS2 Steer Ready Autosteering System.

The AS2 system acts as the intelligent controller that seamlessly plugs into your tractor's existing setup. You get the same sub-inch RTK accuracy and integrated performance as a factory-installed system, but with the user-friendly FJD Easy Control terminal that can work with other equipment too. It’s the smart way to unlock the high-tech potential already built into your machine.

FJDynamics AS2 Steer Ready Autosteering System

For Tractors with Hydraulics but Not "Steer-Ready"

What if your tractor has hydraulic steering but wasn't built "steer-ready"? Don't worry, you haven't been left out. You can still get that clean, integrated performance with a hydraulic steering kit.

This is exactly what our FJDynamics Hydraulic Autosteering Kit (AH2) is designed for. This kit includes the necessary electro-hydraulic control valve and components to essentially upgrade your tractor, making it compatible with a high-performance auto steer system. The kit taps into your existing hydraulics, giving our control terminal the ability to manage steering precisely.

Choosing a hydraulic steering kit gives you that top-tier, integrated feel on a machine that didn't come with it from the factory. It’s a powerful upgrade that brings modern precision to a wider range of tractors.

The Brains of the Operation: More Than Just a Screen

No matter which steering method you choose, it's all managed by a control terminal in your cab. But not all terminals are created equal. A great system gives you more than just a moving map; it serves as the central hub for your precision farming operations.

This is where having a system with ISOBUS compatibility is a game-changer. ISOBUS is a universal language that allows your tractor, control terminal, and implements (like sprayers or seeders) from different brands to talk to each other.

With a versatile terminal like the FJD Easy Control, you can run your FJDynamics auto steer system and control your ISOBUS-compatible seeder from another brand, all on one screen. This breaks you out of being locked into a single brand's expensive ecosystem and gives you the freedom to choose the best tool for the job.

So, Which Auto Steer System is Right for You? A Simple Guide

Let's cut through the noise. Here’s how to choose your perfect match:

  1. Check Your Tractor's Manual for "Steer-Ready".
    1. If YES: You are in the perfect position for a clean, integrated system. The FJDynamics AS2 Steer Ready Autosteering System will plug right in, giving you top-tier performance and saving you money compared to proprietary brands.
  2. If Not Steer-Ready, Does It Have Hydraulic Steering?
    1. If YES: You can still get that amazing factory feel. The FJDynamics Hydraulic Autosteering Kit (AH2) is your path to upgrading your tractor for smooth, integrated auto steer control.
  3. Do You Prefer a Simpler, Universal Solution?
    1. If you have an older mechanical tractor, or you want a system you can easily swap between different machines, an electric motor system is the way to go. The FJDynamics AT2 Series offers a powerful and reliable solution that’s easy to install on nearly any vehicle.
Choosing the right GPS for tractor guidance system is a major decision, but it doesn't have to be complicated. By understanding how these systems steer and matching it to the tractor you already own, you can find a solution that boosts your efficiency, cuts your costs, and makes farming less stressful.
Ready to find the perfect auto steer system for your farm? Contact our team of experts today for a personalized quote and see how FJDynamics can help you drive into the future of farming.