Today, farmers are always looking for new ways to get more from their land, time, and fuel. This is why many are now using smart farming technology like autosteering, which helps tractors steer themselves with high accuracy.
However, adding new technology to your farm can seem complicated and costly. But if you have a newer tractor, it might already be "steer-ready" from the factory. This makes installing an autosteering system as easy as plugging it in. In this blog, we'll explain how these steer-ready systems work, what benefits they offer, and how FJDynamics provides a simple and affordable way to bring your farm into the future.
What Is Precision Agriculture?
Precision agriculture makes farming smarter by using modern technology, such as GPS and sensors. It lets farmers apply the right amount of resources, like seeds and fertilizers, instead of treating an entire field the same. The main goal is to get a better harvest while wasting less.Autosteering is a key part of this. By automatically guiding the tractor along a precise path, the technology removes guesswork and prevents overlapping rows, saving money on fuel and supplies. It also makes the job less tiring for operators and lets them now focus on other important tasks.
The Power of Steer-Ready Systems
If you've bought a newer tractor, it likely has the hidden steer-ready advantage. In other words, the tractor was built with the necessary internal wiring, sensors, and hydraulic valves already in place. Instead of having to perform extensive and costly modifications, you can simply connect a steer-ready kit to this existing infrastructure.Instead of making big, expensive changes to your tractor, you can simply plug in a steer-ready kit. These kits are designed to connect easily to your tractor's built-in system. This turns a difficult project into a simple installation, making it the easiest way for farmers to add new technology without major upgrades.
The Key Benefits of Steer-Ready Autosteering
Choosing a steer-ready system offers several clear benefits that directly help your farm's profit and daily work.- Quick Setup: The biggest advantage is how easy it is to start. Because these systems connect right into your tractor's existing ports, installation is much faster. For most tractors, you just plug it in and go.
- Money-Saving Upgrade: Upgrading an older tractor can be expensive, needing a lot of new parts and labor. But since steer-ready systems use what your tractor already has, they are a much cheaper way to get the benefits of autosteering.
- Improved Efficiency: Autosteering makes sure every pass is perfectly straight. This means you won't overlap, saving you fuel, seeds, and fertilizer. This accuracy makes your entire operation much more efficient.
- Increased Productivity: By handling the steering with great accuracy, the system frees up the operator to focus on the job, like planting, spraying, or harvesting. This reduces manual effort and tiredness, allowing for longer and more productive workdays.
Choosing the Right System for Your Farm
Before you invest, it's important to choose a steer-ready system that is right for your needs.- Compatibility: First and most importantly, make sure the system will work with your exact tractor model. Steer-ready kits are made for specific brands and models, so this is a crucial first step.
- Features: Think about the features you need most. Do you need advanced GPS accuracy for precise planting? Is terrain compensation important for your fields with hills or uneven ground? Do you need an automatic turnaround at the end of rows to save even more time?
- Installation and Support: Look for a system that's easy to install and has reliable customer support. A good company will offer the help you need to get set up and fix any problems timely.
FJD AS2: A Versatile Solution for Steer-Ready Tractors
A popular example of a steer-ready system is the FJD AS2 Steer Ready Autosteering System. FJDynamics made this system easy to use—you just plug it in, and it works with very few changes to your existing tractor.The AS2 works with many different tractors, including those that use different communication systems like CANBUS and non-CANBUS. For example, the AS2 non-CANBUS system has been installed successfully on a Case IH Puma 170 in France, where it starts with just the push of a button.
The AS2 CANBUS version has also worked well on machines like the New Holland T6.165. Because it's so versatile, one system can be used on many different machines, making it a reliable choice for farms with different types of equipment.
Powered by the AS2, many steer-ready tractors can now achieve high precision and efficiency in farming tasks, from preparing the land to planting. For example, the AS2 was recently used on a Fendt steer-ready tractor in Iksan, South Korea, to create perfectly straight ridges for planting sweet potatoes. This makes it easier for people to plant and helps improve yields.