Farming has changed a lot these days. Modern technology helps farms be more productive and sustainable. One of the most important new tools is the steer-ready tractor. But what are they, and are they right for your farm? If you want to make your farming more efficient and precise, these are good questions to ask.
In this blog, we'll explain what steer-ready tractors are and how they work. We'll also cover the benefits and a few things to think about before you buy one. This will give you a clear idea of why our FJD AS2 Steer Ready Autosteering System could be a great choice for your tractor.
What Are Steer-Ready Tractors?
Imagine buying a new car that already has all the wiring and sensors needed for cruise control, even if you don't buy the feature right away. That's a good way to think about a steer-ready tractor.A steer-ready tractor is a tractor that comes straight from the factory with the essential parts for an autosteering system already built in. These components are designed to work together perfectly, making it much easier and faster to add an autosteering system later on.
These factory-installed parts usually include:
- Steering Valves: These are like the brain of the hydraulic steering. They control the flow of fluid to the steering system, which allows the wheels to turn automatically.
- Wheel Angle Sensors (WAS): These small sensors keep track of the exact angle of your front wheels. They tell the system if the wheels are turning right, left, or staying straight.
- Steering Controller: This is the main control unit that manages the steering based on commands from your auto-guidance system.
Because these key parts are already in place, adding a third-party autosteering system—like the AS2 from FJDynamics—is a simple process. You just plug the AS2 to the tractor's internal system, and you're ready to go.
How Steer-Ready Tractors Work?
The process of getting a steer-ready tractor to steer itself is surprisingly smooth. The tractor's internal components are all wired up and ready to receive commands.Here's a quick look at how it works:- Connection: When you install an autosteering system, it connects directly to the tractor's central system. This allows all the different parts of the tractor to talk to each other.
- Handshake: The third-party autosteering system, like the FJD AS2, "shakes hands" with the tractor's built-in steering controller. This lets them communicate and work together.
- Commands: Your autosteering system uses GPS and other location data to figure out the best path for the tractor to follow. It sends commands to the tractor's controller, telling it to turn the wheels just the right amount.
- Result: The tractor's built-in steering valves and wheel angle sensors follow these commands, allowing the tractor to drive in a perfectly straight line, turn at the end of a row, and perform other tasks with incredible accuracy.
This seamless connection means you don't have to deal with complex installations that involve a lot of extra wires and parts. You get a clean, reliable setup that just works.
Our AS2 autosteering system has been proven to work with many different steer-ready tractors. We've successfully used it with models like the Valtra S292, CLAAS Arion 650, JCB Fastrac tractor, CASE IH tractors, and New Holland T7.210.
The Big Benefits of Going Steer-Ready
So, why are farmers so excited about these tractors? The advantages are clear and can make a huge difference to your bottom line.Simplified Setup
This is the most obvious benefit. Because the tractor is already set up for autosteering, you can get a new system up and running much faster. Instead of spending hours or even days retrofitting a kit, you can have your new system working quickly. The FJD AS2 works in a plug-and-play manner without complex wiring. This means less downtime and more time in the field.
Incredible Precision
In modern farming, being precise is everything. Steer-ready tractors, when paired with the accurate GNSS system from the FJD AS2, can keep your tractor on a path with an accuracy of just ±2.5cm. This high level of precision is crucial for tasks like:
- Planting: Creating perfectly straight rows with consistent spacing.
- Spraying: Avoiding overlap and making sure you don't miss a spot, saving more chemicals and protecting the environment.
- Tillage: Making sure you cover every inch of the field without wasting fuel.
Increased Efficiency and Cost Savings
With the AS2, a steer-ready tractor can steer itself with high precision and work more efficiently. There's less overlap, which means you use less fuel, fewer seeds, and less fertilizer. This adds up to big savings over time. The tractor can also work faster and more consistently than a human operator, especially during long days.
Reduced Operator Fatigue
Driving a tractor for long hours can be bad for your body. With the AS2 autosteering system, the tractor can automatically drive in a straight line. This lets you focus on other important jobs, like watching the sprayer or checking how the machine is running. It also makes your workday much more comfortable and less tiring.
Enhanced Safety
Steer-ready tractors are designed with safety in mind. Many systems, like the AS2, will automatically disengage autosteering if the driver moves the steering wheel, a seat switch is triggered, or if the tractor is on a public road. These built-in safety features prevent accidents and give you peace of mind.
What to Consider Before You Buy
While steer-ready tractors are a powerful tool, there are a few things you should keep in mind.Compatibility
Steer-ready tractors are not all alike. A system that works for one brand might not work for another. If you have tractors from different companies, you might need a different autosteering system for each one. Before you choose a tractor, make sure it's compatible with the autosteering system you want to use. For example, the FJD AS2 system works with tractors that use either CANBUS or non-CANBUS protocols.
Activation Costs
Some tractor companies and autosteering systems, like those from Trimble and Topcon, have extra costs. You might have to pay a fee or get an extra activation key to let a third-party system work with your tractor's steering. Many of these systems also have yearly fees or charge you to unlock advanced features. This can make them very expensive over time.
In contrast, the AS2 is a great value. You buy it once for a single, low price, and you own it for life with no extra yearly fees or hidden costs. It's always a good idea to check for these costs before you buy so you can avoid surprise expenses.
Dealer Assistance
For some steer-ready tractor models, you may need a dealer's help to turn on and set up the autosteering system. This can add extra time and cost to the process.