Tractor guidance recommendations ('search sux on TBN')

[Dadnatron]

I tried in every way imaginable to me, using any word/word combinations (which is a complete joke in and of itself, on this site), to search for this information as I'm sure its come up many times before. But I failed repeatedly

I am looking for recommendations for a lower level GPS guidance system for spraying, drilling, etc. It does NOT need pinpoint accuracy, although the potential for future 'autosteer' upgrade might be nice. It is not a necessity. I've done some research and have looked at the Raven CR7 as well as the AgLeader 800G. Its likely either one would do what I need them to do. I've tried the App store apps... and they were less than useless. I'm open to any brand or options.

I have 130ac of Kentucky farm, so lots of irregular fields broken up between 1-28ac.
Tractor is JD6120M (2017)
Implements most likely used. 40' Grassworks weed wiper, 11' Land Pride drill, Haybuster 10' drill,

1. Easy to use. I don't want to get a degree in order to drive a straight line next the the last one.
2. 'Relatively' good screen... my eyes aren't getting younger.
3. Portable. While this will primarily remain in my JD6120M, I'd like the ability to move it to a side-by-side or other tractor if needed.
4. Price - This is not the kicker for me, but I don't want to pay for a lot of bells and whistles that I'll never use. But I also don't want to fight or dread using it.
5. Potential addon for autosteer. I don't really see this as a likelihood, but all in all, I'd pay a little more if I could potentially add it later, should I desire. Or for a smoking deal, add it now, should one exist.

 

[paulsharvey]

Field Navigator is a very low level system, capable of running on a phone or tablet. I dont know how well it works on premium, but for simple field guidance for spraying, it might be worth a look.

Haven't played with offsets and all; but maybe its a place to look?

 

[Dadnatron]

Field Navigator is a very low level system, capable of running on a phone or tablet. I dont know how well it works on premium, but for simple field guidance for spraying, it might be worth a look.

Haven't played with offsets and all; but maybe its a place to look?

I've tried and been exceedingly frustrated with both Field Navigator as well as Tractor GPS. I even purchased an external antenna. IMO, the app is absolutely worthless. I used it with my iPad Pro 12 and with my phone. A Kindergartener could have drawn more accurately.

 

[dodge man]

I’m a retired land surveyor and have used gps for a while. If you take something like a phone or other single gps unit out you get what is considered an autonomous position. That’s considered to be 10 meter accuracy (33 feet). It’s usually better than that but even if it’s 10 feet that’s not enough to drive a tractor by.

You need what are called corrections. This gives you better accuracy. Usually you have to pay for this service. Something called WASS is free and improves accuracy but still probably not good enough for ag use. Around here I know John Deere offers a yearly subscription. I just googled it and it’s a $1000 to $2000 a year depending on what you get.

There is this misunderstanding that gps gives you this outstanding accuracy’s and it’s just not true. Before I retired the last system we bought from Trimble was about $60,000 and came with two units. GPS also doesn’t work well in the woods.

 

[paulsharvey]

If i was yiu, I would shoot a PM to NorthFlalineman, see what hes running. I know hes running a fairly "affordable" GPS guidance, without auto steer for fertilizer application.

Not 100% his user name, it might me LinemanNFL, or similar, something about line man and north florida in his name

 

[paulsharvey]

ChatGPT - Cost-effective GPS guidance

Shared via ChatGPT

chatgpt.com

 

[paulsharvey]

As No expert at all; I see more sellers, videos, and all on Trimble Ez Guide 250 and antenna than others. Trimble is a real company, so that would likely be a place to start looking. I would make sure you get a good understanding on total package cost, and any subscription, paid updates, ect before committing though

Some brief reseach; about $1800 with upgraded antenna, and no subscription. They "claim" 6-8" accuracy with upgrade or 2 ft without. My thinking, if the upgrade Claims 6-8" you can count on atleast 24" accuracy, as long as you have pretty good open skies. Being in Kentucky, hills may affect that, if your down in a hollar,

 

[Shawn T. W.]

I vaguely remember Tractor Time with Tim on his YouTube channel had some kind of auto steer set up that he was using to mow his "lawn" ... I'm not sure if he has a separate video on it, but I was researching finish mowers IIRC and he was using it ... It used some kind of GPS, and did fairly well on keeping the lines straight.

 

[oldnslo]

Is your tractor set up from factory to utilize GPS? If not that adds some complications since you will need to control steering in some manner.

If not using autosteer are hoping for screen to show guidance error while you steer?

Deere Green Star is not inexpensive but is the only company that I know of with their own system. They have multiple levels of position accuracy.

Note: lower level is susceptible to signal loss by tree cover.

Have used Ag leader but not enough to comment on likes and dislikes.

 

[paulsharvey]

Also, I would make sure with the EZ Guide 250 that its up to date, and supported, it's been out for like 8 years, and I dont know how you update ect.

More of the current version is the TMX 2050, at around $7,000; with supposedly better screen and interface, but same accuracy.