Steer-ready tractors are changing the way farmers approach precision agriculture. With factory-installed autosteering components designed to work seamlessly with third-party guidance systems, these tractors simplify the process of adding autosteering capabilities while delivering enhanced accuracy and efficiency. This article explores the benefits of using steer-ready tractors and provides a balanced look at considerations to keep in mind when evaluating if they are right for your farming operations.

How Steer-Ready Tractors Work

Steer-ready tractors are engineered to work hand-in-hand with autosteering systems, making integration smoother and faster. These tractors come equipped with critical components such as steering valves, wheel angle sensors (WAS), and a factory-installed steering controller. With this foundation in place, connecting to a third-party steering controller via the tractor’s CAN BUS system allows curvature commands to guide the tractor accurately along a predefined path.

Here's a brief overview of how steer-ready tractors enable efficient autosteering:

• The Connection Process:When a third-party controller is added, it initiates a “handshake” with the tractor’s steering system. Upon connection, the system can send curvature commands that the tractor’s native controller executes through its autosteering components, ensuring precision and consistency.
• Built-in Safety and Monitoring:Designed with safety in mind, most steer-ready tractors include advanced steering valves, such as Sauer Danfoss PVED-CL/CLS, which automatically disengage autosteering when the steering wheel is moved. Additional safeguards include seat switches and roading controls that monitor and adapt to factors like wheel angle, hydraulic pressure, and GPS signals, keeping operations safe and precise.

Key Benefits of Steer-Ready Tractors

• Simplified Installation and Setup: Because steer-ready tractors come with autosteering components installed directly at the factory, integrating a third-party steering controller is relatively straightforward. This setup requires minimal hardware adjustments, allowing for a quick connection via the CAN BUS system. For farmers, this ease of installation translates to reduced setup time and minimal disruptions, letting you get back to work faster.
• Higher Precision for Critical Field Operations:Steer-ready tractors excel in tasks where precision is vital, such as planting and fertilising. With factory-calibrated components tailored to each specific tractor model, these systems provide highly accurate steering and positioning. The autosteering controller receives signals from both the wheel angle sensor (WAS) and GPS, ensuring the tractor maintains the precise path needed for optimal row spacing, minimising overlap and maximising yields. This accuracy contributes directly to better productivity and resource management.
• Smooth and Reliable Operation:The integrated design of steer-ready tractors reduces the risk of system malfunctions and provides smoother operation than many retrofit kits. Built into the tractor’s structure, the autosteering components are protected from wear and environmental damage, increasing their reliability and lifespan. Additionally, most models feature user-friendly controls on the console or joystick, allowing for easy activation and disengagement of autosteering. This intuitive functionality supports seamless transitions between manual and automated steering, helping you maintain efficiency throughout various tasks.
• Enhanced Safety Features:Safety is a priority in steer-ready systems, with components designed to prevent accidents and maintain control. Key safety mechanisms include dual SASA sensors that disengage autosteering when the driver moves the steering wheel, seat switches that stop the system if the operator stands up, and roading switches to disable autosteering when driving on public roads. These built-in measures not only enhance operational safety but also provide peace of mind for farmers working long hours in the field.
  

Considerations for Steer-Ready Systems

While the benefits of steer-ready tractors are considerable, it’s important to be aware of a few potential limitations:

• Single Model Compatibility: Steer-ready systems are designed for specific tractor models, meaning they cannot be easily moved across different vehicles in a mixed fleet. This lack of flexibility can be a disadvantage for farmers with diverse tractor brands.
• Need for Dealer Assistance: Some tractor models require dealer assistance to enable autosteering and calibrating components. This dependency can add time and cost to the initial setup, as it may require specialised equipment and skills that only the dealer can provide.
• Third-Party Activation Costs: A few manufacturers require an activation key to permit third-party controllers to access the tractor’s CAN BUS system, which can add additional steps and costs when setting up third-party autosteering.

Steer-ready tractors offer significant advantages in precision agriculture, from faster installation to high accuracy in field operations. Their built-in components and intuitive design make autosteering systems easier to install and more effective in maintaining accuracy during essential farming tasks. While some setup requirements may require additional considerations, steer-ready tractors are a powerful option for farmers looking to invest in a reliable, efficient technology that enhances productivity and supports safer, more precise farming.