How to Choose an Autopilot System for Agricultural Machinery: Specifications, Benefits, and Key Selection Criteria

Automatic steering systems have become a cornerstone of modern precision agriculture. They do far more than simply “guide” a tractor across a field – they ensure operational accuracy, resource efficiency, uniform application of fertilizers and crop protection products, reduce operator fatigue, and establish a new standard of agricultural production.

With the advancement of technology, farmers today can choose between budget-friendly solutions that deliver high accuracy and premium autopilot systems offering deep integration and extended functionality. This article focuses on a comparison between the popular budget solution TerraNavix and the premium electromechanical Hexagon Auto Steering system, as well as an overview of which machinery can be retrofitted and what key factors should be considered when selecting an autopilot.

Why Autopilot Systems Have Become Essential in Modern Agriculture

Automatic steering addresses several critical challenges in agricultural production:

• Fuel savings – achieved by eliminating overlaps and misaligned passes.
• Reduced machinery wear – fewer unnecessary passes and optimized load distribution.
• Increased yields – even minor inconsistencies in field operations can lead to measurable losses.
• Process stability – independent of operator experience or weather conditions.
• Continuous operation – comfortable and reliable work at night, in dust, fog, or complex terrain.

Autopilot systems are fundamentally about control, predictability, and profitability in every technological operation.

Types of Autopilot Systems: Hydraulic vs Electromechanical

There are two main types of automatic steering systems on the market:

1. Hydraulic Autopilots

These systems connect directly to the tractor’s hydraulic steering system. They provide maximum accuracy and fast response but require complex installation and involve higher costs.

2. Electromechanical Autopilots

These systems control the tractor via an electric motor mounted on the steering wheel.

Key advantages:

• versatility (compatible with almost any type of machinery);
• quick installation;
• lower cost;
• easy transfer between tractors.

Electromechanical systems have become the primary driver of affordable precision agriculture for farms of all sizes.

Budget vs Premium Solutions: TerraNavix vs Hexagon

Below is a clear and structured comparison to help farmers make an informed decision.

TerraNavix: Maximum Affordability with ±2.5 cm Accuracy

Technical Specifications:

• Accuracy: ±2.5 cm (RTK)
• Operating speed: 0.5–18 km/h
• Display: 10.1”, Android 10, IP65
• Electric steering wheel: RW2 ≥6.5 N·m, 100 rpm
• GNSS antenna: P300, multi-GNSS, IP67
• IMU with terrain compensation (T3)
• Protection rating: IP65/67
• Connectivity: USB, CAN, GNSS, 4G, Bluetooth
• Installation time: up to 4 hours

Key Advantages:

• Operation from as low as 0.5 km/h – ideal for seeding, planting, spraying, and harvesting.
• Intuitive interface – easy to use even for first-time users.
• Fast installation – up to 4 hours.
• Stable performance on slopes thanks to IMU and T3 terrain compensation.
• Flexible RTK connectivity – via SIM card or radio link.
• Cost-effective – an ideal solution for small and medium-sized farms.

TerraNavix makes precision agriculture accessible even with limited budgets.

Hexagon Auto Steering: Premium Integration and Advanced Functionality

Technical Specifications:

• Power supply: 12 V
• Operating speed: from 3 km/h
• Compatibility: over 150 tractor models
• Terrain compensation: 6-axis gyroscope
• Guidance patterns: straight, circular, and curved lines
• Data exchange: storage and transfer of guidance lines between devices

Advantages of the Premium Solution:

• Deep integration with other Hexagon precision farming systems, including:
  • automatic sprayer section control;
  • seeding monitoring;
  • automatic variable-rate fertilizer application;
• Faster trajectory calculations;
• Maximum stability at higher speeds;
• Significantly expanded functionality for large farms and agricultural holdings.

Hexagon represents scale, infrastructure, and a complete precision agriculture ecosystem.

Machinery Compatible with Autopilot Systems

In general, electromechanical autopilots are compatible with almost any machinery, including:

• tractors without CAN bus systems;
• older-generation equipment;
• tractors with mechanical or hydraulic steering;
• combines and sprayers;
• machinery manufactured in China, Europe, the United States, or Ukraine.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Autopilot

1. Accuracy and RTK availability
   Support for different signal types depending on operating conditions:
   • free satellite signal;
   • paid satellite correction signal;
   • RTK signal connectivity.
2. Guidance patterns
   For complex terrain, support for parallel, circular, and curved lines is essential.
3. Terrain compensation
   An IMU or gyroscope is a mandatory component.
4. Integration with other systems
   Critical for large farms operating extensive fleets of machinery.
5. Installation and mobility
   Quick installation and removal are important if machinery is frequently changed.
6. Budget
   Budget systems can deliver the same level of accuracy as premium solutions; the difference lies in functionality.

Expert Recommendations: Which Autopilot to Choose

Choose TerraNavix if you:

• operate a small or medium-sized farm;
• want maximum accuracy at minimal cost;
• work with multiple machines and need system portability;
• are taking your first step toward digitalization.

Choose Hexagon Auto Steering if:

• you manage a large agricultural operation with an extensive machinery fleet;
• full integration with multiple systems is required;
• advanced analytics, variable-rate application, and automatic section control are priorities.

An autopilot system is an investment that typically pays for itself within one to two seasons through fuel savings, reduced overlaps, and increased yields. The right choice depends on farm scale, digital maturity, and budget.

TerraNavix is the optimal solution for farms seeking an affordable, mobile, and user-friendly precision steering system.
Hexagon Auto Steering is a professional-grade solution offering advanced integration and premium process accuracy.

Any modern tractor can be retrofitted with an autopilot system, making it possible to begin digital transformation quickly and without excessive financial burden.