In the ever-evolving world of precision agriculture, hydraulic navigation systems have emerged as game-changers, enabling farmers to achieve unparalleled accuracy and efficiency in their operations. Among the industry leaders, FJD stands out with its innovative hydraulic navigation kits, designed to cater to a wide range of tractors and farming needs.
In this blog, we will show you exactly how FJD's hydraulic navigation systems work, guiding you through different options and helping you choose the perfect FJD kit for your farm. We'll also explore the latest trends in precision agriculture and provide practical advice so you can make the best decision for your unique needs.
Three Types of FJD Hydraulic Navigation Kits
Broadly speaking, FJD's hydraulic navigation solutions are classified into three categories, each tailored to specific tractor configurations and operational requirements. Here's the breakdown:
Type 1: Navigation Kits Retrofitted with Hydraulic Valves (AH1 & AH2)
These kits are ideal for tractors that lack pre-installed hydraulic steering systems. They require the addition of a hydraulic valve, making them versatile for all tractor types.
- AH1 (Dual Antenna): Offer enhanced accuracy with dual GNSS antennas, perfect for heavy-duty tasks like land leveling.
- AH2 (Single Antenna): Provide more advanced features, such as automatic U-turn, guidance line management, and terrain compensation.
Market Insight: Retrofit kits are universally compatible, making them a strong choice for older tractors or those without pre-installed systems. They are particularly advantageous for front-loading applications.
Type 2: Steer Ready (Non-CANBUS) Navigation Kits (AS2 Non-CANBUS)
Designed for tractors manufactured five or more years ago, these kits cater to models with pre-installed hydraulic steering valves that support analog signals (PWM or Ratiometric communication).
- Key Features:
- No need for additional hydraulic valves.
- Compatible with older Steer Ready models from OEMs like CNH, John Deere, and Claas.
- Require GNSS antenna, control box, pressure sensor, and wiring harness for activation.
Type 3: Steer Ready (CANBUS) Navigation Kits (AS2-CANBUS)
Representing the future of precision agriculture, these kits are designed for modern tractors equipped with CANBUS-compatible hydraulic steering valves.
- Key Features:
- Support digital signal communication, ensuring higher accuracy and reliability.
- Plug-and-play compatibility with many tractors from big brands.
- Directly control the pre-intalled DANFOSS OSPE steering valve for seamless integration.
As steer-ready tractors have come pre-equipped with hydraulic steering valves from OEMs like CNH, John Deere, and Claas, the FJD AS2 steer-ready navigation kits eliminate the need for additional hydraulic valve installations, and you only need to purchase GNSS antenna, control box, and corresponding harnesses.
A Closer Look Into Steer Ready (CANBUS) Navigation Kits
Tractors with CANBUS tech often have special parts sticking out. The most common physical component is the Danfoss OSPE Steering Electro-Hydraulic Valve. Another hint is the PVED digital controller (look for labels ending in -CC/CL/CLS).
You can also check the dashboard too – tractors with CANBUS usually have an OFF-ROAD button. There are also some CANBUS interfaces that can be easily found on some of the popular big-brand tractors. For example, CANBUS tractors from Case, New Holland, and Steyr provide a unified CANBUS connector, while Massey Ferguson and JCB have one 9-pin reserved CANBUS connector in the cabin, and Fendt offers a 4-pin interface for CANBUS Connection.
For these CANBUS-compatible tractors, FJD's Steer Ready (CANBUS) navigation kits generally include:
- Control Box: Process GNSS data and issue steering commands.
- GNSS Antenna: Achieve high-precision positioning for accurate navigation.
- Angle Sensor: Monitor steering angles to maintain optimal course alignment.
- Wiring Harness: Facilitate seamless integration with the tractor's existing systems.
Choosing the Right Hydraulic Navigation Kit
Selecting the appropriate hydraulic navigation kit depends on several factors, including your tractor's age, existing systems, and operational requirements. Here's a quick guide to help you decide:For Older Tractors or Non-Steer Ready Models:
- Opt for the navigation kits (AH1 or AH2) with hydraulic valves for retrofiting.
- Choose between single or dual antennas based on your precision needs.
- Select the appropriate hydraulic valve (30L/60L, Open/Closed Center) based on your tractor's specifications.
- The Steer Ready (Non-CANBUS) kit is your best bet.
- Ensure compatibility with your tractor's analog signal system.
- Invest in the Steer Ready (CANBUS) kit for future-proof precision.
- Enjoy direct control of the factory-equipped DANFOSS OSPE valve for superior performance.
The Future of Farming: CANBUS Is Leading the Way
As agriculture becomes increasingly technology-driven, CANBUS-compatible systems are poised to dominate the market. Their ability to support advanced features like real-time data sharing, automated steering, and seamless integration with other farm management tools makes them indispensable for modern farming.For farmers ready to embrace this technological leap, FJD's CANBUS navigation kits offer a quick way to obtain unparalleled efficiency and sustainability. Whether you're retrofitting an older model or upgrading a state-of-the-art machine, FJD has the tools to transform your operations.
By understanding the details of each category and aligning them with your specific requirements, you can unlock the full potential of precision farming. The future of agriculture isn't just about working harder—it's about working smarter, and FJD is here to guide you every step of the way.
You may also want to read:
- Hydraulic Power: The Secret Weapon of FJD AH1 for Large Tractors and Heavy-Duty Equipment
- Smart Farming on the Rise: How FJD Solutions Solve Challenges for Tractor Auto Steer Systems
- How to Choose the Right Autosteering Unit for Your Steer-Ready Tractor