Thinking about adding GPS or autosteer to your tractor? TAMS III can provide grant support for eligible GPS machinery control equipment but whether you can claim depends on the TAMS scheme you qualify under and whether the investment meets the Department’s specifications.

GPS Machinery Control is specifically included as an eligible investment under the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme (TCIS), making TAMS III an important consideration for farmers looking to invest in precision steering.

So, what do you actually need to qualify?

Who can qualify for TAMS III GPS?

For GPS Machinery Control, the relevant TAMS III scheme is the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme.

The Department of Agriculture states that TCIS is open to farmers who have a minimum of 15 hectares of owned, leased or rented land declared under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) or equivalent in the year of application or the preceding year.

This is one of the most important points for farmers considering a GPS investment.

You don’t simply qualify because you own a tractor or because you want to install GPS. You need to meet the eligibility requirements of the relevant TAMS III scheme.

The key eligibility requirement

For the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme:

You must have at least 15 hectares of eligible land declared under BPS, BISS or equivalent in the year of application or the preceding year.

The land can be:

  • Owned
  • Leased
  • Rented

provided it meets the Department’s requirements and has been appropriately declared.

What GPS equipment is eligible?

The TAMS III Tillage Capital Investment Scheme specifically includes GPS Machinery Control among its eligible investment areas.

The Department’s reference costs identify GPS machinery control investments including:

  • Tractor steering control – new machine
  • Tractor steering control – retrofit
  • Yield monitors for combines

The published reference costs provide a specific eligible cost for these investments, meaning the grant is calculated against the applicable TAMS reference cost rather than simply being a percentage of whatever price a farmer pays for the equipment.

This is important when budgeting for a GPS system.

How much grant aid is available?

The standard grant rate under the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme is 40%.

The current TAMS III TCIS investment ceiling is €90,000 per holding, with a higher ceiling of €160,000 where two or more eligible partners are involved in a registered Farm Partnership.

However, the amount that can actually be claimed for GPS will depend on the eligible reference cost for the specific investment and the terms of the scheme.

For example, if the cost of a GPS steering system is higher than the Department’s applicable reference cost, the grant isn’t simply calculated on the full retail price.

This is why it is important to establish the eligible TAMS investment and reference cost before making a purchase.

Does the tractor need to be new?

No.

This is particularly useful for farmers looking to upgrade existing machinery.

TAMS III provides for both new and retrofit tractor steering control under the GPS Machinery Control investment.

That means a farmer doesn’t necessarily need to purchase a new tractor with factory-fitted GPS or autosteer.

A suitable existing tractor can potentially be upgraded with a retrofit precision steering system.

What about guidance-ready tractors?

Whether your tractor was originally supplied with guidance equipment or is being fitted with a retrofit steering system isn’t the main eligibility question.

The TAMS reference costs specifically include both new-machine tractor steering control and retrofit tractor steering control.

The important considerations are whether:

  1. You qualify for the relevant TAMS scheme.
  2. The GPS investment is listed as eligible.
  3. The equipment meets the Department’s specifications.
  4. The investment falls within the applicable reference cost.
  5. You have the necessary TAMS approval before proceeding with the investment.

What does GPS autosteer actually give you?

For farmers who are eligible for TAMS support, the grant can make the move into precision steering more accessible.

Modern autosteer systems can help farmers maintain accurate guidance lines across a wide range of field operations.

More accurate field work

GPS steering can keep the tractor accurately on its planned guidance line, helping to reduce unnecessary overlaps and skips.

This can be particularly useful for:

  • Spraying
  • Fertiliser spreading
  • Drilling
  • Tillage
  • Slurry application
  • Mowing
  • Other repetitive field operations

Reduce overlap

When working with wider implements, even relatively small steering errors can result in repeated passes or untreated areas.

Autosteer helps maintain consistent passes, potentially reducing unnecessary overlap and improving the efficiency of inputs.

Less operator fatigue

Keeping a tractor accurately online for long periods requires concentration.

Autosteer takes much of the continual steering correction away from the operator, allowing greater focus on the implement, field conditions and the work being carried out.

Greater repeatability

GPS guidance can also make it easier to repeat the same working pattern.

For operations where consistent tramlines and passes are important, this can be a significant advantage.

What is the difference between GPS guidance and autosteer?

It is worth understanding the difference before applying for a system.

A GPS guidance display can show the operator where the tractor is and where it needs to travel.

Autosteer goes a step further.

The system automatically controls the steering to keep the tractor on its selected guidance line.

For example, the PTx Trimble EZ-Pilot Pro is an automated steering system designed to provide precision steering on suitable tractors.

The system combines a steering motor with GNSS positioning and an in-cab display to automatically guide the tractor.

What about RTK accuracy?

Farmers looking for higher levels of positioning accuracy can also consider correction services such as RTK.

RTK can provide centimetre-level positioning and high repeatability, making it suitable for operations where accurate passes are particularly important.

The appropriate correction service will depend on the farm, the operation and the level of accuracy required.

When considering a TAMS investment, it is important to establish exactly what equipment and services are included in the eligible investment and what falls outside the TAMS reference cost.

Do I need TAMS approval before buying?

Yes — this is an important part of the process.

Farmers should not assume that purchasing the equipment first and applying for the grant afterwards will qualify.

TAMS grant aid is paid on approved, completed and eligible expenditure, and the Department’s scheme conditions need to be followed.

The Department has also stated that grant aid will not be paid for certain ineligible purchases, including second-hand, ex-demo equipment under the TCIS conditions.

Therefore, farmers should make sure their application has been dealt with correctly and that they understand the approval requirements before committing to the investment.

What should I check before applying?

If you’re considering a GPS or autosteer investment through TAMS III, there are several things worth checking with your agricultural adviser or the Department:

1. Do you meet the land requirement?

For TCIS, you need a minimum of 15 hectares declared under BPS, BISS or equivalent in the year of application or preceding year.

2. Is GPS the correct TAMS investment?

GPS Machinery Control is an eligible investment under TCIS, but the exact equipment needs to meet the Department’s specifications.

3. What is the applicable reference cost?

The Department uses reference costs when determining the amount of investment eligible for grant aid.

4. What grant rate applies?

TCIS currently provides grant aid at 40%, subject to the scheme rules and applicable investment ceiling.

5. Have you received the required approval?

Don’t purchase or proceed with the investment without establishing what is required under your TAMS approval.

When are TAMS applications open?

TAMS III operates through application tranches rather than being continuously open.

The Department has confirmed the following 2026 tranche closing dates:

  • Tranche 13 – 4 September 2026
  • Tranche 14 – 4 December 2026

As TAMS conditions, reference costs and tranche arrangements can change, farmers should always check the latest Department information before applying.

Looking at GPS for your tractor?

If you are a farmer considering GPS autosteer, TAMS III is worth investigating before you invest.

GPS Machinery Control is an eligible investment under the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme, and the Department specifically provides for both new and retrofit tractor steering control.

At Vantage Ireland, we supply and professionally install PTx Trimble precision steering systems, including the EZ-Pilot Pro.

The EZ-Pilot Pro combines automated steering with a GFX-1060 display and NAV-900 GNSS receiver, providing a complete precision steering solution for suitable tractors.

If you’re considering an investment, we can help establish the appropriate system for your tractor and provide the information you need to discuss the investment with your agricultural adviser.

Find out if GPS autosteer is right for your tractor

Talk to Vantage Ireland about the PTx Trimble EZ-Pilot Pro and your TAMS III investment options.

View the EZ-Pilot Pro Steering Bundle →

Always check the latest TAMS III terms, conditions, specifications, and reference costs with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine or your agricultural adviser before committing to an investment.