So, you’re looking for a tractor GPS system. That search used to be simple. It meant a lightbar, a basic guidance line, and less guesswork. But today, you’ve probably invested in a powerful, high-tech "Steer Ready" tractor.
You bought it thinking it was ready for any auto steer system for tractors. You expected a simple, clean, plug-and-play experience.
And then, you hit the wall.
Maybe it was the sticker shock when the dealer mentioned the "ISOBUS unlock fee" that costs thousands. Or maybe you installed a system, and it’s clunky. The steering jerks, it can't keep a straight line at high speed, and you still have to take your hand off the joystick to poke a different screen.
Sound familiar?That "Steer Ready" promise can feel a bit empty. The truth is, your high-performance tractor is only as good as the GPS guidance system for tractors you plug into it.
The "Steer Ready" Promise vs. The Frustrating Reality
"Steer Ready" should be simple. It means your tractor (like a modern JCB, Case, or Fendt) already has the hydraulic steering valve and sensors built-in. You just need to add the "brain."
But for many farmers, this has turned into a new set of headaches.
See if these common "Steer Ready" frustrations feel familiar:
| Your "Steer Ready" Frustration | How a True Solution (Like FJD AS2) Solves It |
| Can't use my tractor's built-in joystick button. | Integrates with factory controls. One button to engage/disengage. |
| System lags, sways, or "S-curves" at high speeds. | High-performance processor for real-time response. Tested for high speeds. |
| Surprised by hidden "unlock fees" or subscriptions. | Clear, one-time pricing. No mandatory subscriptions for RTK. |
| Clumsy, multi-step process for headland turns. | Instant, single-button operation. No need to take your hand off the stick. |
The Hidden Costs: "Unlock Fees" and Subscriptions
The biggest shock for many is the "unlock fee." You bought the tractor, you bought the GPS system, and now you have to pay a third time just to make them talk to each other?Many major brands lock their systems down, forcing you to pay expensive activation fees or mandatory annual subscriptions to maintain the RTK accuracy you already paid for. It feels like you’re being held hostage on your own farm.
The Integration Headache: Why Won't It Use My Joystick?
This is a big one. You have a state-of-the-art tractor with controls built right into the joystick or armrest. But your new autosteer system can't use them.So, when you get to the headland, you have to:
- Take your hand off the tractor’s main control.
- Reach over to the autosteer terminal.
- Tap the screen to disengage.
- Make your turn.
- Line up again.
- Reach back to the terminal.
- Tap the screen to re-engage.
High-Speed Tractors Demand High-Performance Autosteer
Now, let's talk about speed. Your tractor, especially if it’s a JCB Fastrac, was built to be fast and efficient. It can comfortably work at 15 mph (or more) when planting or spraying.Here’s the problem: Most auto steer systems for tractors are not designed for that speed.
They are built for the 8-10 mph standard. When you push a basic system to its limit, you get major problems:
- Overshooting: The system is slow to react on headland turns and overshoots the next line, forcing a sharp, jerky correction.
- Response Lag: The system "sways" back and forth, creating S-curves instead of straight lines because its response time can't keep up with the tractor's speed.
- Accuracy Drift: That 1-inch (2.5 cm) RTK accuracy you paid for? It’s gone. At high speeds, "pass-to-pass" accuracy drifts, and you start seeing visible overlaps or gaps in your field.
A Real-World Example: "The Best System We Have Ever Done!"
This isn't just a theory. A farmer in the UK running a powerful JCB Fastrac 4220 faced this exact challenge. He needed a system that could match his tractor's high-speed capabilities, integrate flawlessly, and deliver perfect accuracy.He installed the FJD AS2 Steer Ready Autosteering System.
His feedback was simple: "The Best System We Have Ever Done!"
Why? Because it solved every single "Steer Ready" frustration:
- True Plug-and-Play: The AS2 was the perfect match for his high-speed JCB, integrating directly with the tractor's built-in systems.
- Flawless High-Speed Performance: It delivered "zero deviation pass-to-pass accuracy," eliminating the sway, drift, and overshoot he fought before.
- Perfect Joystick Integration: This was the key. The AS2 was activated through the JCB's own joystick button. He could instantly switch between auto-driving and manual driving without ever taking his hand off the control. This is what "Steer Ready" should feel like.
What to Look For in a True "Steer Ready" GPS System
If you're tired of the excuses and hidden fees, here is a checklist for your next tractor gps system.
| Feature | What It Really Means |
| Seamless CAN Bus Integration | It should read and write to your tractor's CAN bus system. Ask this: "Will it work with my factory joystick button?" If the answer is "no," it's not truly integrated. |
| High-Performance Response | It needs a powerful processor to handle high speeds. Ask this: "What is the system's tested speed for 1-inch accuracy?" A good system (like the AS2) is tested for high-speed operations. |
| A Clean Ownership Model | You should know the total cost upfront. Ask this: "Are there any unlock fees for ISOBUS or steering activation? Are there any annual subscriptions for RTK?" |
| Local Support & Install Time | A system is only as good as its dealer. A true "plug-and-play" installation should take hours, not days. Look for a local dealer (like HFM SmartFarm in the UK) who can provide support when you need it. |
| Expandable Ecosystem | The system should be more than just steering. Ask this: "Can I add an FJD Wi-Fi Camera or control my implements with FJD ISOBUS from this same screen?" |
Your Questions Answered (FAQ)
What is the most accurate tractor GPS?
Almost every system today offers 1-inch (2.5 cm) RTK accuracy. That’s the easy part. The real question is: Can it maintain that accuracy at 15 mph? Accuracy at speed is not about the GPS signal; it's about the system's processing power and response time.Can I move my autosteer system to a new tractor?
It depends. Many systems are locked to a specific brand. A flexible system, however, is designed for a mixed fleet. With the FJD AS2, you can move the display and receiver (the "brain") to another "Steer Ready" tractor with a simple cable swap.Does "Steer Ready" mean I don't need a steering wheel motor?
Yes! If your tractor is "Steer Ready," you should not need a clunky, noisy motor on your steering wheel. The system should plug directly into your tractor's steering valve. If a company tries to sell you a wheel motor for your Steer Ready machine, they are selling you the wrong solution.What if my tractor is not "Steer Ready"?
That's a common situation! You don't need to buy a new tractor. For this, FJD offers different solutions:- For electric steering: The FJD AT2 Auto Steer System is an excellent choice. It uses a clean, easy-to-install motor on your existing steering wheel.
- For hydraulic steering: If your tractor has hydraulic steering but isn't "steer ready," the FJD AH2 Hydraulic Autosteering Kit provides a deeply integrated, high-performance solution.
Your Tractor is Ready. Are You?
Your high-performance tractor was a major investment. Don't let a basic tractor gps system or a clunky autosteer setup cripple its potential.You deserve what that UK farmer found: a true plug-and-play system that works with your joystick, holds a perfect line at any speed, and doesn't come with a lifetime of hidden fees.
Stop paying for unlocks and start driving.
Learn more about the FJD AS2 Steer Ready Autosteering System that helped the JCB farmer achieve zero deviation.