Yes — you can fit an autosteer system to a tractor that wasn’t factory-fitted with guidance or autosteer.
In fact, retrofitting autosteer can be a practical way to bring precision guidance to older tractors without replacing the machine.
For farmers who have a reliable tractor that still has plenty of work ahead of it, being non-guidance-ready doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the benefits of GPS autosteer.
At Vantage Ireland, our PTx Trimble EZ-Pilot Pro Steering Bundle is designed as a retrofit solution, allowing suitable tractors to be equipped with high-accuracy steering without requiring an integrated factory steering system.
What does “non-steering-ready” mean?
A guidance-ready or steering-ready tractor has been designed by the manufacturer to integrate with an autosteer system. It may already have the necessary steering valves, wiring, sensors and connections built into the tractor.
A non-steering-ready tractor doesn’t have this factory integration.
That doesn’t mean it can’t use autosteer.
Instead of controlling the tractor through an integrated hydraulic steering system, the EZ-Pilot Pro uses an electric steering motor mounted to the steering column. This allows the system to physically steer the tractor when autosteer is engaged, while the operator retains normal manual steering when the system is disengaged.
This makes it particularly useful for retrofitting tractors that weren’t originally equipped for integrated autosteer.
How does EZ-Pilot Pro work?
The EZ-Pilot Pro system combines GPS positioning and automated steering to keep the tractor accurately on its guidance line.
The steering motor works with the guidance controller and display to make continuous steering corrections while the tractor is working.
The Vantage Ireland EZ-Pilot Pro bundle includes:
- GFX-1060 display – a large, high-definition touchscreen for operating the guidance system
- NAV-900 GNSS receiver – provides the positioning information required for precision guidance
- EZ-Pilot Pro steering system – electric, high-torque steering assistance
- Universal Terminal – for ISOBUS-compatible implement control
- Professional installation
- 2-year warranty
- 2 years of support
The exact steering platform and installation requirements depend on the tractor make and model, so Vantage can assess the machine before installation.
Do I need to change the tractor’s steering system?
This is one of the biggest advantages of a retrofit system.
With EZ-Pilot Pro, you don’t necessarily need to install a factory-style integrated steering system. The electric steering motor works directly with the tractor’s steering column.
That means a suitable non-guidance-ready tractor can be upgraded without replacing its existing steering system.
What are the benefits of adding autosteer to an older tractor?
You don’t need to buy a new tractor to start using precision steering.
Retrofitting autosteer to an existing machine can help make everyday field operations more consistent and efficient.
Straighter runs
Autosteer keeps the tractor accurately on its guidance line rather than relying entirely on the operator to maintain a straight pass.
This is particularly useful for operations such as:
- Drilling
- Fertiliser spreading
- Spraying
- Slurry application
- Cultivation
- Mowing
- Harvesting
Reduce overlaps and skips
More accurate driving can help reduce unnecessary overlaps and missed areas.
Depending on the operation, this can mean using inputs more efficiently and avoiding repeated passes over the same ground.
PTx Trimble states that its guidance and steering solutions can help reduce skips and overlaps, contributing to savings in inputs such as fuel, seed and fertiliser.
Reduce operator fatigue
Keeping a tractor perfectly online for hours can be tiring, particularly during long days or repetitive field operations.
With autosteer handling the steering corrections, the operator can concentrate more on the implement, field conditions and the wider operation.
Bring older tractors into precision farming
Perhaps the biggest advantage is that you can add modern precision technology to a tractor you already own.
If the tractor is mechanically sound and suits the job, there may be no need to replace it simply because it wasn’t manufactured with factory-fitted autosteer.
What accuracy can I get?
The accuracy you achieve depends on the GNSS correction service being used.
The EZ-Pilot Pro bundle from Vantage Ireland can be configured with different accuracy options, including RTK, CenterPoint RTX, RangePoint RTX and free-to-air SBAS, depending on the requirements of the operation.
The right correction service will depend on what you are using the tractor for, the accuracy required, and your farm’s operating conditions.
Is my tractor suitable for a retrofit autosteer system?
This is the important question.
Not every tractor is identical, so compatibility should be checked before fitting a system.
The make, model and year of the tractor can determine which steering platform and installation kit are required.
That’s why Vantage Ireland’s enquiry process asks for the tractor make/model and year, as well as the required accuracy level.
If you’re unsure whether your tractor is guidance-ready, don’t assume that it isn’t suitable for autosteer. A retrofit system may be an option.
Upgrade the tractor you already have
If you have a tractor that isn’t steering-ready, autosteer is still an option.
The PTx Trimble EZ-Pilot Pro provides a retrofit route to automated steering, combining an electric steering motor with a GFX display and NAV-900 GNSS receiver.
Rather than changing tractors simply to gain access to precision steering, farmers can investigate whether their existing machine can be upgraded.
For many farms, this can be a straightforward way of bringing an existing tractor into a modern precision farming setup.
Want to know if your tractor can be fitted with autosteer?
Vantage Ireland supplies and professionally installs PTx Trimble precision steering systems throughout Ireland and the UK.
Tell us your tractor make, model and year and our team can advise on the suitable retrofit solution.
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