5 mistakes when choosing agricultural navigation

Automatic steering systems are becoming increasingly accessible, and precise driving using RTK is starting to become an essential part of every farmer's routine. But what should you pay attention to when buying agricultural navigation? What mistakes do people make when considering this investment?

1. Choosing based solely on price

It's well known that everyone first looks at the price of any product. However, it shouldn't be the deciding factor. The cheapest doesn't mean the worst, and the most expensive doesn't mean the best.

The most important thing is to check what the set includes. Does the price cover all the components, or only some and you need to buy the rest yourself? It's also worth paying attention to whether the device gets updates and if there are any hidden subscription costs.  

Agricultural navigation is considered a seasonal and long-term device, meant to be used for many years and make fieldwork easier. So instead of asking how much something costs, it's better to find out what’s included in the price.

2. Not Including subscriptions and RTK signal costs

Systems often have an attractive price, but later it turns out they have a lot of hidden costs like updates, software, and subscriptions.

It's especially worth paying attention to access to the RTK signal. Many agricultural navigations don't provide this system right away, and you have to buy an additional subscription. So it's worth asking the seller what the price includes and what extra costs it might generate.

3. Not checking compatibility with the tractor

We often see that a certain navigation system is "universal," but does it really fit every tractor? Every tractor is a bit different in terms of layout and steering play.

Many people also think that the system can only be installed on modern tractors, which is a big mistake. Older machines are also supported by most agricultural navigation systems.

However, it's always worth contacting the manufacturer before making a purchase to clarify installation issues and any potential obstacles with a specific tractor.

4. Accuracy Given in the Specification

Many people pay attention only to the numbers listed in a product's specification. Of course, what really matters is practical work in the field and the conditions in which we drive.  

Accuracy is one thing, but you also need to pay attention to how the tractor reacts when changing direction and how the GNSS receiver performs on difficult terrain.  

Every machine and system differs in some way, so accuracy won't always be the same for everyone. The data given in the specifications are approximate values that provide a rough idea.

5. Buying a navigation system just for one task

When a user looks for a navigation system, they always have a specific reason and a particular job to do at a given moment. However, it’s not a cheap purchase, so it’s worth checking out the features that a given system has to offer. It’s a device for several seasons, which can make work easier in many situations. We recommend looking into things like:

• driving in straight lines,  
• driving in curves,  
• automatic turning at the end of a field,  
• saving fields and completed passes,  
• ability to work with different machines,  
• possibility to expand the system with additional components.

PWL NanoSteer 210 offer

When designing our navigation system, we primarily wanted it to be accessible to every user.

It has the option to be installed on any tractor with power steering, regardless of whether it's old or new.

The system offers, among other things:

• driving along straight and curved lines,
• automatic U-turns,
• RTK and PPP correction,
• field management,
• operation via a 10-inch tablet,
• the possibility to expand the kit with additional components.

Assembly is done either by the customers themselves or by our installers. We're always just a phone call away and ready to help if you have any questions.

If you're wondering whether this navigation system is right for you, get in touch with us to go over the details and match the system to your tractor.