FJ Dynamics GPS auto-steer: precision at a bargain price?

At a Dutch dairy farm we have a look at a Fendt 820 Vario equipped with the FJ Dynamics GPS auto-steer system. The tractor is mainly used for mowing and manure spreading.

The fact that the Fendt is equipped with the FJ Dynamics GPS auto-steer system can only be recognised by details: a frame on the roof with dual white receivers, two antennas on the roof and, in the cab, a “racing” steering wheel with the steering motor. This steering wheel is an option – with the kit comes a normal three-spoke steering wheel as standard.

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A complete universal set for €5,750

If you click on the FJ Dynamics GPS auto-steer system in the Dutch importer’s web shop, you can order it for €5,750. Then you get a complete universal set to build into a tractor. A separate system is available for self-propelled machinery, which you can order by phone.

If you want to install the kit yourself, you should have some experience working on agricultural machinery. You need to place a steering angle sensor on the front axle and weld a frame on which to place the screen and gyroscope. The latter records levelling, height and movement, so it needs to be level during installation.

If you have a tractor with steering adjustment via a separate lever next to the steering wheel, like the Fendt 820 Vario we are looking at, then assembling the steering wheel is fairly straightforward with one of the supplied fitting bushings for the steering wheel spline. However, if the steering adjustment is in the centre of your steering wheel with a rotary knob, like CNHI tractors have, then this is a bit trickier.

Installment takes about 8 hours

However, this steering adjustment can be rebuilt according to the Dutch FJ Dynamics importer, who recently did this on a new Case IH Puma. On average, you spend about eight hours installing the entire system.

The screen is technically a small computer with a 4G modem and runs on an Android operating system. On it, FJ Dynamics has installed an app, which makes using the system quite simple and intuitive. It is similar to using your smartphone.

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Accuracy of 2.5 centimetres

The hardware of the FJ Dynamics GPS auto-steer system is capable of installing future updates. So this will allow you to move forward for a long time. You won’t be short of anything in terms of accuracy either: the kit has an accuracy of 2.5 centimetres and maintains this accuracy from 18 metres per hour to around 20 kilometres per hour, which is enough for most tasks. This accuracy requires a minimum of three satellites, 4G and an RTK correction signal.

25 satellites detected

While trying the system, there were enough satellites available, some 25 were detected. The system can therefore use all satellites, including European, US and Russian ones. For correction signals, it uses the RTK Fix network, the CHNI network or other providers. It is also possible to drive on an SBAS signal. In Europe, you then use the Egnos signal. You can then drive with an accuracy of 10 to 25 centimetres for free.

The low purchase price of the system does have some consequences. For instance, it is not possible to expand the system with implement guidance. Use of section control during fertiliser spreading or plough steering is therefore not possible and will not be in the future.

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No prescription maps

The Chinese manufacturer wants the system to remain affordable for simple vehicle-controlled jobs, such as mowing and tillage. Furthermore, you cannot work with prescription maps. That’s not so relevant if you don’t have implement control. Harrowing cannot be done with the FJ Dynamics GPS auto-steer system either. For that, another set is available.

Partly because of its price and simple design, it is interesting to do jobs like mowing, fertilising or tillage with the set. The basic version of the FJ Dynamics GPS auto-steer set costs €5,750. It includes everything to run the tractor on GPS with components such as antennas and receivers, steering angle sensor, steering motor with a wide range of spline adapters that fit the steering wheel, gyroscope sensor and a waterproof display that is also suitable for vehicles without cabs. You then have to fabricate your own mounting bracket.

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Use the GPS auto-steer kit on different tractors

If you want to use the same system on several tractors, you can buy an extra wiring loom, steering angle sensor and gyroscope for €1,950 and then transfer the screen, antennas and steering motor to the other tractor. If you have multiple screens, you can transfer data via an SD card or a cable.

For breakdowns, your local dealer/importer provides software support. In practice, most problems can be solved over the phone, as it usually turns out to be a mistake in the settings.