The future of autosteer retrofit kits: market shifts, innovations, and new players
The market for autosteer retrofit kits is evolving rapidly, with increased competition from new providers and significant technological advancements. Even though more tractors come equipped with built-in guidance and automatic steering systems, demand remains strong in certain sectors, particularly among farmers looking to upgrade their existing equipment.
The Future Farming autosteer retrofit kits catalogue has now been updated with several new kits, and the latest technological advancements, covering a variety of brands and models. Currently, 26 systems are included in the catalogue. A separate article, set to be published soon, will provide an in-depth analysis of pricing.
Affordability and precision agriculture demand
The retrofit autosteer market is driven by affordability and precision agriculture demand. Competition, especially from Chinese manufacturers, is making systems more affordable. Advances in GNSS accuracy and OTA updates enhance precision and future-proof systems. Increased ISOBUS compatibility and guidance line synchronisation improve efficiency. It is a growing market, with more companies are entering, expanding options for farmers. New bigger simplified interfaces and controls enhance ease of use.
Comprehensive overview
Our comprehensive overview of autosteer systems, featuring detailed specifications, capabilities, and features, has become a valuable resource for farmers worldwide. But who are the newest players in the market, and what innovations are on the horizon?
Teejet has introduced the A10 ISOBUS terminal, featuring updated software and precision agriculture modules. Farmers can purchase an automatic steering system as an add-on, complete with a steering wheel, for just over €10,000. Meanwhile, the Unipilot Pro from Teejet will be gradually phased out, though it remains available for now.
Affordable alternatives
Another notable addition to our buyers guide is the FJDynamics AT2 MAX, which features a rugged hardware structure and an upgraded 12.1-inch display. The system offers a variety of operational modes, including low-speed mode and area counting mode. It also supports ISOBUS compatibility, enabling precise control of sprayers, seed drills, and other equipment.
CHCNAV has recently launched the NX612, a highly versatile system that offers a wide range of guidance patterns, some of which can be customized to meet specific needs. The NX612 is equipped with high-quality GNSS boards, capable of receiving signals from GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BDS, and QZSS. For high-precision positioning, the system supports SBAS, NTRIP RTK, Radio RTK, and PPP correction technologies.
Another notable addition to our catalogue is the Sveaverken F100 Auto-Steer System, which delivers industry-leading accuracy of 2.5 cm with RTK, ensuring precision even in poor visibility or nighttime operations. The system is designed for easy transfer between compatible vehicles, maximizing equipment utilisation. If RTK signals are unavailable, the system automatically switches to Precise Point Positioning (PPP) technology, providing 10 cm (decimetre-level) accuracy.
Rise of Chinese manufacturers
Overall, the rise of Chinese manufacturers has introduced more affordable alternatives, attracting farmers searching for cost-effective solutions. “We cannot compete with that”, says Mans Vossebeld, product specialist at Ag Leader Europe. “However, we do try to engage in conversations with customers and explain why it is wiser to choose another product.” Despite these challenges, Vossebeld remains optimistic about the future. “We have confidence in the coming year.”
Jarl Hulsman, business manager for OEM partners at Teejet, also acknowledges the impact of low-cost entrants. “I can’t deny that Teejet is affected by this. But I believe that the majority of the market is still in the hands of well-known large companies that offer steering systems, as well as the tractor brands themselves.”
Challenges and growth
Koen van de Sande, owner of GriTech, a supplier of the Chinese manufacturer CHCNAV in the Netherlands, describes the market in as challenging. “At the moment, I do not see things very positively, especially compared to last year. Demand from my dealers has decreased, and fewer quotes are leading to actual sales.”
Natalia Pauge, a precision agriculture specialist at John Deere, sees strong potential for continued market expansion. “We expect the European market to continue growing as more customers recognize the benefits of precision farming. This includes not only the comfort and convenience it offers but also the potential for cost savings, increased efficiency and productivity in the field, as well as enhanced sustainability. Additionally, the regulations in the EU are driving the adoption of site-specific farming practices.”
Angeles Tejedor, a specialist at CEREA GPS, predicts short-term growth, particularly in regions with older agricultural vehicles. “In the short term, there will be a rise, as many countries need to update their tractors with autosteer systems. However, in the long term, the market will experience a negative evolution, as most markets will be saturated with retrofit systems, and new tractors will come with their own guidance systems. We see potential sales in Eastern Europe and South America.”
Hexagon also continues to invest in the growth potential in Brazil, explains Hugo Fagundes, Product Manager Machine Control at Hexagon. “Europe is also looking promising for our factory fit designed solutions, especially for companies targeting autonomy.”
Technological advancements
Technological advancements are pushing the industry forward, with manufacturers introducing larger screens and expanded functionalities. Ag Leader, for example, recently launched the InCommand Go 16, featuring a nearly 40 cm display.
“This is a platform to which we will continue adding features in the coming years”, says Vossebeld. “It also has an integrated internet modem, and multiple tractors can work in the same field using the same map.”
Precision
Precision is a key industry focus. Ag Leader is set to launch RightPath in the second half of the year, enabling passive implement steering to keep equipment centered on the guidance line. CHCNAV is also releasing the NX612 system this summer, featuring a larger 30.5 cm screen, updated software, and additional functionalities.
According to Hulsman at Teejet, manufacturers are also simplifying installation processes. “It’s becoming simpler. A technician often isn’t even needed anymore, which helps keep the system more affordable.”
Hexagon is also making strides in enhancing autosteering performance. “Hexagon has been investing in higher performance auto-steering kits with significant progress in turns, high speeds, and rough terrains,” says Hugo Fagundes at Hexagon.
“We achieved this by improving our IMU signal processing and integrating with higher precision INS such as Hexagon-NovAtel’s SPAN. We’ve also released a new version of our electric motor for the retrofit kit, the Track Controller, now with higher water and dust ingress protection and integrated electronics.”
Cerea has added ISOBUS VT, ISOBUS TC-BAS , TC-SC, TC-GEO, TECU in the past year, enabling the system to enhance efficiency, reduce input costs, and enhance precision. Cerea’s autosteer kits can now also handle several new patterns.
Move On has discontinued production of its TAS autosteer system, though it remains available. The company is now exclusively focusing on AI-driven retrofit steering kits equipped with cameras.
With continuous innovation and shifting market dynamics, the future of autosteer retrofit kits remains promising. While differences in components and functionalities exist, one thing is clear: the industry is moving toward even more advanced solutions.
