Key Takeaways
- Smart Savings: Utilizing your tractor's existing "steer ready" valves with aftermarket kits saves thousands compared to OEM unlock codes.
- Better Experience: Direct hydraulic integration eliminates the noise and clutter of electric steering motors.
- Instant Reaction: CANBUS and hydraulic connections offer millisecond-level response times for superior line holding.
- Future Proof: Transferable hardware means your investment is not locked to a single machine's VIN.
It sounds like a promise. It suggests your machine is ready to drive itself. It promises to save you from fatigue and overlapping rows. But then you call your dealer to activate it. The quote for the "unlock code" and the proprietary screen often costs as much as a decent used pickup truck.
It feels like buying a house pre-wired for high-speed internet only to be told you have to pay a fortune just to turn the router on.
There is a smarter way to handle this. You do not need to be held hostage by expensive factory unlocks. With the rise of advanced aftermarket auto steer solutions, you can utilize the hardware your tractor already has without breaking the bank.
What Does "Steer Ready" Actually Mean for Your Wallet?
Before we look at the solution, we need to clarify what you actually own. When a manufacturer sells you a machine that is steer ready, it usually means the heavy lifting is done.- The Hydraulics are there: The hydraulic valves required to turn the wheels left and right without your hand on the wheel are installed.
- The Wiring is there: The CANBUS system (the nervous system of the tractor) is laid out to accept steering commands.
- The Sensors are there: Wheel angle sensors are often pre-installed.
Traditional dealer options force you to buy their specific monitor. Then they charge a licensing fee to make these components talk to each other. But technology has moved on. Third-party providers like FJDynamics have cracked the code on compatibility.
"I bought a steer-ready tractor thinking I was saving money. When I saw the bill to actually turn it on, I felt like I was buying the tractor twice. I just wanted the wheels to turn straight without a monthly subscription."— Mark, a Grain Farmer and FJD User from Nebraska
Why Electric Steering Wheels Are Not the Answer Here
For years, if you wanted to avoid dealer prices, your only option was an electric steering wheel. You remove your factory steering wheel and bolt on a bulky motor.While these work well for older tractors, they are not the best choice for a steer ready machine.
- Cab Clutter: The motor takes up legroom. It can knock against your knees during a long shift.
- Noise: You hear the whirring of the electric motor all day.
- Response Lag: An electric motor has to physically turn the shaft. The shaft turns the hydraulics. The hydraulics turn the wheels. It works, but there is a split-second delay.
The Smarter Route: Hydraulic and CANBUS Integration
The modern approach is to tap directly into the tractor's existing infrastructure. This is where solutions like hydraulic steering kits and CANBUS integration shine.Instead of fighting the steering wheel, these systems send digital signals directly to the tractor's valves.
Why Direct Integration Wins
- Clutter-Free Cab: Since there is no motor on the steering wheel, your cab stays exactly how the factory designed it. You keep your original steering wheel and your legroom.
- Instant Response: Digital commands are faster than mechanical hands. When the GPS says "correct 2 inches left," the hydraulics react instantly. This is crucial for high-speed planting or working on uneven terrain.
- Quiet Operation: Silence is golden during a 12-hour shift. No motor noise means a more peaceful work environment.
Tailoring the Solution to Your Fleet
At FJDynamics, we understand that farmers need flexibility. We do not believe in restrictions. We have developed specific configurations to match the machine you have sitting in your shed.1. For the "Steer Ready" Fleet: FJD AS2 Series
If your tractor is already prepped with valves and CANBUS, the FJD AS2 Steer Ready Autosteering System is your best bet.It is designed to plug directly into the machine's CANBUS or ISOBUS ports. It reads the data from your tractor and sends steering commands directly to the onboard computer.- No new valves needed: We use what you already paid for.
- Easy configuring: The system identifies your tractor model for seamless integration.
- High Precision: By using the factory sensors and valves, we achieve incredible line-holding capability.
2. For the Older Workhorse: FJD AH2 Series
What if you have a big, powerful tractor that isn't steer ready, but you want that factory-integrated feel? You do not want a motor on the wheel. You do not have the pre-installed valves.This is where the FJD AH2 Hydraulic Autosteering Kit comes in.
This kit includes a specialized hydraulic valve block that we install onto your tractor's hydraulic system. It essentially upgrades your older machine to "steer ready" status. You get all the benefits of hydraulic steering (power, silence, precision) on a machine that might be twenty years old.
The Diagnostic Edge: Wi-Fi OBD Module
Modern farming is about data. Both the AS2 and AH2 systems can be paired with the FJD Wi-Fi OBD Module.This serves as a bridge between your tractor and the FJD tablet. It allows for wireless communication of vehicle speed, hitch position, and PTO status. But more importantly, it offers diagnostic capabilities.
If the tractor throws a code or if the steering feels "heavy," the OBD module helps visualize the data flow. This makes troubleshooting simple. You do not need to wait for a service tech with a laptop to tell you what is going on.
Comparison: OEM vs. Electric vs. FJD Integrated
We built this table to help you decide which route offers the best value for your operation.| Feature | OEM Unlock Code | Electric Motor Wheel | FJD AS2/AH2 Integrated |
| Cab Environment | Clean | Cluttered & Noisy | Clean & Quiet |
| Steering Accuracy | High | Medium/High | High |
| Installation | Software Only | Hardware Install | Plug-and-Play (AS2) |
| Transferability | Low (Locked to VIN) | High (Moveable) | High (Moveable) |
| Cost Efficiency | Low (Expensive) | High | High |
Is Installation Complicated?
This is the most common concern we hear. "I am a farmer, not a computer engineer."We get it. That is why we focused on seamless integration.
For the AS2 system on a steer ready tractor, the installation is often just connecting a few harnesses to existing ports in the cab or under the panel. Since the valves are already there, you are not dealing with hydraulic fluid or messy hoses.
For the AH2 hydraulic kit, it does involve plumbing into the hydraulic lines. However, our kits are designed with standard fittings and clear guides. Many farmers install it themselves in an afternoon. Others have their local mechanic handle the wrench work while they set up the software.
Ready to Upgrade Your Operation?
You bought a tractor with potential. That "Auto Steer Ready" sticker was a promise of efficiency. Paying a premium just to turn on a feature you already own does not make business sense.Precision farming is essential for reducing overlap, saving fuel, and managing fatigue. Whether you choose to utilize your tractor's CANBUS system with the AS2 or upgrade your hydraulics with the AH2, you are taking control of your farm's efficiency.
Smart farming is not about using the most expensive gadget. It is about using the right tool that puts money back in your pocket.
Stop letting your tractor's potential sit idle.
Contact FJDynamics to see if your machine is compatible with the AS2 Steer Ready system or the AH2 Hydraulic kit. Let us help you farm smarter.