As precision farming technologies continue to evolve, more small and medium-sized farm owners are exploring GPS devices and control systems for their agricultural machinery. These solutions offer improved efficiency and cost savings, making them increasingly appealing to farmers aiming to optimise operations and boost yields.

However, despite the wide range of available equipment, many farmers are left wondering: where can I find navigation systems that are compatible with older tractor models? This question becomes even more pressing when working with a limited budget and the need to upgrade without fully replacing existing equipment.

Criteria for Selecting a Company for the Implementation of Precision Farming

Choosing the right company to implement precision farming technologies is a crucial decision that impacts the efficiency of farm digitalisation, resource savings, and the overall quality of agricultural outcomes. With the wide range of solutions available, it’s important to look beyond just the equipment cost and consider factors like compatibility, functionality, support level, and long-term value.

A well-chosen partner ensures the smooth operation of the system, tailors it to the specific needs of your equipment, and helps unlock the full potential of modern agricultural technologies. Below, we’ll explore the key criteria to keep in mind when selecting a company to implement precision farming on your farm.

Criteria for selecting a company for the implementation of precision farming

Factor

Explanation

Compatibility with existing equipment

Before making a decision, ensure the proposed equipment and software are compatible with your existing machinery. Some systems offer a variety of models, which helps avoid unnecessary costs for equipment replacement.

Level of precision and automation

The precision level required depends on the specific tasks. For basic field work, a standard system may suffice, but tasks like inter-row cultivation may need higher accuracy. Consider the system’s automation capabilities to optimise operations.

Total cost of ownership and payback

Look at the full cost of ownership, including installation, staff training, and maintenance. A reliable supplier will help estimate the expected savings and calculate the payback period.

Ease of installation and operation

Modern systems should be easy to install and operate. Pay attention to how quickly the equipment can be set up and the ease of initial use, ensuring minimal complexity during setup.

Level of technical support and service

Ensure the company provides adequate support, including service center access and prompt responses. The company should offer ongoing assistance and be available in your local language.

Scalability and flexibility of solutions

Look for solutions that are scalable, allowing you to expand functionality gradually. A good solution should grow with your farm’s needs, such as adding yield sensors or upgrading software.

Company reputation and experience in the market

Choose a company with a proven track record and reliable implementations. Experience in your region or sector is crucial for ensuring the system’s success.

Transparency of contract terms and legal guarantees

Before purchasing, ensure the terms of delivery, warranties, service, and support are clearly outlined. Be sure to check for any hidden costs or obligations.

Below, we will review the TOP-5 companies offering solutions in precision farming, including both established international manufacturers and emerging tech brands. This guide will help farmers make an informed decision by evaluating the market and selecting the most suitable solution for upgrading their operations.

FieldBee

The FieldBee App is an innovative solution in the agricultural navigation system market. Despite being relatively new, it has quickly gained the trust of farmers due to its affordability and robust functionality. Unlike well-known brands like John Deere, Topcon, and Trimble, FieldBee offers high-quality precision farming systems at a much lower price: starting from €835 for a manual navigation system and €1850 for an RTK kit. This makes precision positioning technology accessible to owners of small and medium-sized farms.

One of the standout features of FieldBee is its mobile app, which is installed on an Android tablet or smartphone, replacing expensive terminals. When paired with an automatic steering system and an RTK receiver, farmers can achieve centimeter-level accuracy, greatly improving efficiency and reducing costs. The easy installation, compatibility with older tractors, and scalability of the system make FieldBee an ideal choice for farm modernization without requiring large capital investments.

John Deere Auto-Trac

John Deere Auto-Trac is one of the most well-known automatic steering systems, offering extensive functionality and high reliability. The system has proven to be an effective solution for upgrading even older agricultural machinery. There are even cases of Auto-Trac being installed on tractors from the 1940s, demonstrating its flexibility and ability to adapt to various equipment models.

However, integrating Auto-Trac into older machines requires individual configuration and additional components. It may also come with technical challenges, particularly in terms of automatic control. Despite these factors, it remains a solid choice for farmers who already use John Deere equipment and are willing to invest in the brand’s ecosystem.

Outback Guidance

Outback Guidance offers the Rebel line of guidance and autopilot systems, specifically designed for hydraulically steered tractors, including models that are up to 45 years old. This makes the system an attractive option for farmers looking to upgrade older equipment without full replacement.

Depending on the required application and accuracy, users can choose from three options: sub-inch, row crop, and broad acre. The sub-inch package, which includes an RTK antenna, provides positioning accuracy of less than one inch and works with both network RTK and a separate base station. The more affordable broad acre package offers accuracy within 15-20 cm, suitable for most standard operations.

However, it’s important to note that Outback’s systems are on the higher end of the price scale, with packages ranging from $7,995 to $15,995, which may be a challenge for farmers with a limited budget.

Trimble Inc.

Trimble Inc. is a well-established name in the precision farming market, known for offering professional solutions in navigation, autopilot, and agroanalytics. These systems are praised for their high accuracy, versatility, and ability to integrate with equipment from different manufacturers. Trimble is widely used in large-scale farms, where scalability and operational stability are essential.

However, for small and medium-sized farms, Trimble may be too advanced in both functionality and cost. Additionally, the system requires branded displays and controllers, which increases the overall project budget. In contrast, FieldBee offers a more practical and affordable solution: it is compatible with a wide range of tractors, including older models, does not require expensive terminals (a regular Android device is enough), and still delivers accuracy comparable to industry leaders.

Topcon Agriculture

Topcon Agriculture is another major player in precision farming, providing navigation, equipment automation, and agricultural process monitoring solutions. Topcon products are designed primarily for professional users and come equipped with their own displays, sensors, and software. The system is popular in large, highly automated farms where stability, power, and integration with digital infrastructure are key.

However, the high cost of the equipment and the complex installation requirements make Topcon systems less accessible for farmers with a limited budget or older equipment. FieldBee stands out in this regard: it is easier to install, requires minimal equipment investment, and allows farmers to start working quickly – without being tied to an expensive proprietary ecosystem. This makes it an especially attractive option for small and medium-sized farms looking to embrace digitalisation without unnecessary expenses.