Why GPS Farming Beats Manual Steering: Data-Backed Benefits
27 June, 2025 by
zane.fu

Farming used to mean endless hours hunched over a tractor’s steering wheel, squinting at blurry markers, and hoping your rows stayed straight. But today, GPS farming tools like the FJD AT2 Auto Steer System are changing the game. These systems guide tractors with pinpoint accuracy, letting you ditch the guesswork and focus on what matters—like your next cup of coffee!

If you’re still steering manually, here’s why upgrading to auto steer systems isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

Manual Steering Costs You Time, Money, and Energy

Here’s the deal: manual steering is exhausting . Farmers using traditional methods report up to 20% overlap in spraying or planting, which means wasted seed, fertilizer, and fuel. Worse, fatigue leads to mistakes—crooked rows, missed spots, and uneven passes.

Enter GPS farming. Systems like the FJD AT2 series automate steering with 2.5cm RTK accuracy, ensuring every pass is spot-on. No more second-guessing your path.

Manual Steering Costs You Time, Money, and Energy

How GPS Farming Solves the Big Problems of Manual Steering

1. Fuel Savings: Less Waste, More Profit

Manual steering often forces tractors to double-dip areas, burning extra fuel for no reason. GPS systems fix this instantly. For example, the FJD AT2 Max Auto Steer System cuts operating distance by 30% using automated U-turns. Farmers using GPS report 10–20% fuel savings per season.

2. Precision Planting: Every Row Perfect

Ever seen a field where rows snake like a drunk snake? Manual steering struggles with consistency, especially in low visibility (think fog or dusk). GPS systems like the FJD AT2 Lite Auto Steer System use satellite signals to map precise paths, ensuring straight, evenly spaced rows every time.

3. Reduced Fatigue: Farm Smarter, Not Harder

Driving a tractor for hours is exhausting. GPS farming tools like the FJD AT2 series let the system handle the wheel while you monitor equipment or scout crops. One Nebraska farmer reported feeling “less tired after 12-hour days” after switching to GPS.

4. Compatibility: Works With Your Existing Tractor

Worried your tractor is too old? The FJD AT2 series fits 95% of tractor brands, old or new. No need to buy a new fleet. Just mount the system, power it on, and start plowing.

5. Easy Setup: No PhD Needed

GPS systems used to be complicated. Not anymore. The FJD AT2 Lite simplifies installation with wireless setup and just 4 harnesses (down from 12 cables). Even tech-phobes can install it in under an hour.

Real-World Results: Why Farmers Love GPS Farming

Step 1: Map Your Field

Drive around the perimeter or upload existing data. The system saves this map for future passes. Pair the FJD AT2 with its Farm Management System for smarter field planning.

Step 2: Set Equipment Width

Input your tractor’s width. Press “Start”, and the system takes over, steering in straight lines or curves.

Step 3: Leverage Smart Features

    · Auto U-Turns : The FJD AT2 Max plans optimal turns, cutting operating distance by 30%.

    · Variable Rate Applications : Use TC-GEO to adjust fertilizer/pesticide rates on the fly.

FJD AT2 Auto Steer System ensures efficiency

FAQs About GPS Farming Tools

Q: How does GPS work in tractors?

A: Satellite signals track your tractor’s location, guiding it with centimeter-level accuracy to reduce overlaps and waste.

Q: What is RTK on a tractor?

A: RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) boosts accuracy to 2.5cm using a base station and rover. FJD’s systems include free RTK, PPP, and SBAS options.

Q: Can I install a GPS system myself?

A: Yes! The FJD AT2 Lite cuts installation time by simplifying cables from 12 to 4 harnesses


Still unsure? The FJD AT2 series offers free trials. Try it risk-free and see how GPS farming tools can cut costs, save time, and grow your profits.