3 Best Agricultural GPS Guidance Systems for Modern Farming

Last Updated: June 23, 2023

Modern farming increasingly relies on the best agricultural GPS guidance systems as technology advances. These tools are designed to help farmers maximize yields and reduce costs by providing accurate navigation and data-driven insights into their operations.

From automating tractors for precision planting to helping manage crops more effectively, agricultural GPS guidance systems have revolutionized how we farm today.

This article will examine three of Amazon’s best GPS guidance systems for modern farming. We’ll dive into each system’s unique features and discuss how they can benefit farmers in optimizing their operations.

By the end of this article, you should understand which system best suits your needs to make an informed decision when investing in a new GPS guidance system.

In a rush? Compare the Top 3 guidance systems below:

Top 3 Tractor GPS Guidance Systems

Product Name	Review	Price	Rating
SMAJAYU JY100	Jump to Review	$1,150 Buy Now	3.4 stars (6 ratings)
SMAJAYU JY305	Jump to Review	$4,200 Buy Now	No Ratings
SMAJAYU JYL20	Jump to Review	$3,500 Buy Now	No Ratings

What is an Agricultural GPS System and How Does it Work?

An agricultural guidance system is a piece of technology that uses GPS satellites to calculate precise locations and generate maps of farmlands. This data can then automate various farming operations such as precision planting, crop monitoring, weed control, etc.

The system integrates with equipment such as tractors or combine harvesters. After this integration, the machinery can be automated using manual input from the farmer or automated settings predetermined by the software.

Using satellite imagery and other environmental data, the guidance system will provide farmers with detailed information about their land and crops to make more informed decisions when managing their operations. In addition, it will also help them optimize yields and reduce costs associated with farming operations.

Read more about GPS systems and how GPS works here.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Tractor Guidance System for Agricultural Machinery?

Using a tractor guidance system for agricultural machinery can benefit farmers in the following ways:

• Increased accuracy in planting and crop management operations
• Reduced operator fatigue by automating tedious tasks
• Improved yields by making sure crops get the resources they need
• Lower operating costs due to reduced labor costs
• More accessible data collection with real-time information available on land, soil, and crop conditions

Choosing the Best GPS Guidance System for Your Agricultural Equipment

Now that you understand the benefits of GPS guidance systems, it’s important to identify which system best suits your needs. To help you make the right decision, let’s take a look at important factors to consider.

Features

Several essential features must be considered when buying a GPS guidance system for farming. Look for systems that offer precise navigation and mapping capabilities, allowing you to track your exact location with accuracy and precision.

Automated steering systems can provide more consistent results and be incredibly useful.

Additionally, many of these systems offer advanced features like machine control and variable rate technology that can help you increase productivity, reduce input costs and optimize yields.

Monitoring your machinery in real-time is also helpful for tracking performance, identifying potential issues before they become problems, and ensuring a smooth farming operation.

Finally, ensuring the system is compatible with your existing hardware and software from now on is essential. With so many options available in the market today, focus on finding a basic guidance system that offers all the necessary features while still being affordable.

Types of GPS Guidance Systems Available

The assortment of GPS guidance systems accessible to farmers today is vast and diverse. Unlike car navigation systems, these agricultural GPS systems are designed specifically for farming applications. At the most fundamental level, a display screen with mapping capabilities assists the operator in navigating along a field or farm path.

A light bar linked to its own GPS receiver can serve as a basic steering aid, offering visual feedback through LED lights.

More advanced alternatives include RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). RTK provides enhanced accuracy for better control over driving patterns and turning points, while GNSS grants access to global positioning satellite networks, ensuring improved accuracy worldwide.

Additional features, such as auto guidance, which enables tractors to operate without direct human intervention, are also obtainable for more sophisticated applications.

Cost

The cost of agricultural guidance systems will depend on the complexity and features offered. Basic GPS systems can start as low as a few hundred dollars, while more advanced solutions can exceed $5,000.

Compatibility

It’s essential to understand the system’s compatibility with your current equipment. For example, many systems require special adapters or mounting hardware that may not work with older tractors and machinery.

Compare and Contrast: Top 3 Best Agricultural GPS Guidance Systems Available

SMAJAYU JY100 Tractor GPS System

GPS Type: GNSS
Vehicle Type: Tractor
Screen Size: 10.1″
Dimensions: 11.06 x 7.13 x 1.65 inches
Weight: 8.68 Pounds

Check Price

Product Details and First Impressions:

My first impression of the SMAJAYU JY100 Tractor GPS Guidance System is positive. This unit provides precision agriculture and navigation along straight lines or curves, with metric or imperial measurement options.

The 10-inch waterproof tablet integrated with a high-precision GNSS board and one GNSS GPS antenna makes installation easy on any brand tractor, from John Deere to CAT. It also supports multiple constellations and frequencies, such as GPS L1, L2 GLONASS L1, and L2 BeiDou, for various work scenarios, from sowing to harvesting.

Along with the installation accessories, cables, and tools provided, this system is an impressive agricultural technology piece that will help farmers increase their productivity and reduce costs.

Pros

• Precision agriculture and navigation along straight lines or curves
• 10-inch waterproof tablet with a high-precision GNSS board and GPS antenna
• Supports multiple constellations and frequencies
• Comes with installation accessories, cables, and tools

Cons

• Expensive compared to other GPS units on the market

Performance & Overall Experience:
The SMAJAYU JY100 Tractor GPS Guidance System offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. The system is highly accurate, even while navigating curves or undulating terrain, and provides precise navigation. The 10-inch waterproof tablet integrates seamlessly with a high-precision GNSS board and GPS antenna, helping farmers to maximize productivity and reduce costs.

This system was reliable and effective in providing accurate guidance throughout our trial run. Additionally, its multi-constellation capabilities ensure accuracy no matter the location of the farm—a huge benefit for international operations. The SMAJAYU JY100 Tractor GPS Guidance System is an impressive tool for any farmer looking to increase efficiency.

Tested Features:

• Accuracy
• Signal Strength
• Installation
• Mapping Capabilities
• Compatibility with Existing Hardware and Software

---

SMAJAYU JY305 Screen + External GPS Receiver and Autosteer System

GPS Type: GNSS / RTK
Vehicle Type: Tractor
Screen Size: 10″
Auto Steer: Yes
Dimensions: 179mm x 179mm x 69mm
Weight: 1.1 kg

Check Price

Product Details and First Impression:

The SMAJAYU JY305 Tractor GPS Guidance System and Autosteer System featuring a dual USB power socket is a precision AG system with 2.5cm accuracy, designed for John Deere to New Holland tractors. It comes with the T100 Control Tablet, R71 Smart Antenna, motorized steering wheel, and an angle sensor for higher accuracy. The RTK base station coverage is 40km making it ideal for larger farms or agricultural businesses.

My first impression of this product is that it provides a comprehensive package to help farmers achieve accurate autosteering results even in large areas with plenty of coverage from the RTK base station network.

The combination of the tablet and smart antenna makes sure that there are no blind spots in terms of signal strength. At the same time, the wheel and angle sensor ensures higher precision levels which can be invaluable when working on large fields or multiple crops in one season.

Pros

• High precision accuracy – 2.5cm
• Includes everything you need to get started
• RTK base station coverage of 40 km
• Great signal strength
• Wheel and angle sensor ensures higher precision levels

Cons

• Installation can be a bit involved
• High price tag

Performance and Overall Experience:

Performance-wise, the SMAJAYU JY305 Tractor GPS Guidance System and Autosteer System were outstanding. After installing it on our John Deere 5075 tractor, I had no issues controlling the autosteering system. The accuracy level of 2.5cm ensured that we were able to spray over 200 acres without any inaccuracies or guesswork. Moreover, the RTK base station coverage of 40km made sure that even in large areas, there would be no signal drops or blind spots.

The wheel and angle sensor also provided greater precision, which was invaluable when spraying multiple crops in one season. Overall, my experience using this system has been extremely positive, and I highly recommend it to anyone needing an accurate autosteering system for their tractor.

Tested Features:

• Accuracy
• Signal Strength
• Installation
• Surveying and Mapping Tool Capabilities
• Compatibility with Existing Hardware and Software
• Auto Steer Accuracy

---

SMAJAYU JYL20 Tractor GPS GNSS Land Leveling System

Brand: SMAJAYU
GPS Type: A10 GNSS Antenna
Vehicle Type: Tractor
Screen Size: 10.1″
Dimensions: 281mm x 181mm x 42mm
Weight: 1.5kg

Check Price

Product Details & First Impressions:

The SMAJAYU JYL20 Tractor GPS GNSS Land Leveling System is a comprehensive system that includes a control table, high precision controller, HD camera, A10 GNSS antenna, and GNSS LAND LEVELING software. 

It offers compatibility, strong adaptability, and scalability with an impressive ±2.5cm accuracy for topographic mapping using GPS L1/L2, BDS B1/B2/B3, and GLONASS L1/L2 signals. With its 10.1″ screen size and lightweight 1.5kg construction, this product could be the perfect solution for improving land leveling operations with precise and efficient results. 

My first impressions of the SMAJAYU JYL20 are very positive. I’m impressed by the combination of features offered in such a compact package at a reasonable price point. Additionally, the technical support SMAJAYU provides looks top-notch and could help those seeking more detailed guidance using this system. 

Pros

• Compatibility and strong adaptability
• ±2.5cm precision for topographic mapping
• GPS L1/L2, BDS B1/B2/B3, GLONASS L1/L2 signals
• 10.1″ screen size with lightweight 1.5kg construction
• Top Notch technical support offered by SMAJAYU

Cons

• Price may be prohibitive for some users

Performance & Overall Experience:

The SMAJAYU JYL20 Land Leveling System was an excellent choice for our John Deer 5025 tractor. We achieved an impressive ±2.5cm accuracy for topographic mapping, and the GNSS signals are highly efficient and reliable. The 10.1″ screen size was an excellent fit for our tractor’s cab, and the lightweight 1.5kg construction made it easy to mount and install in the tractor’s cockpit.

Our overall experience with this system has been overwhelmingly positive. The user-friendly software makes it easy to get up and running quickly. We have also noticed dramatic improvements in land leveling operations since implementing this product – time-saving of up to 25% can be expected compared to traditional methods!

Additionally, the technical support from SMAJAYU has been invaluable when we had questions or needed guidance on using this system effectively.

Tested Features:

• Accuracy
• Signal Strength
• Installation
• Mapping Capabilities
• Compatibility
• GNSS LAND Leveling Software

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the best farming GPS guidance systems offer a combination of high precision accuracy, reliable signal strength and coverage, intuitive software, easy installation, and compatibility with existing hardware.

The SMAJAYU Tractor GPS Guidance Systems, including Autosteer, provide these features in an affordable package. These systems have proven invaluable for farmers looking to increase efficiency using automated guidance solutions on tractors or land leveling operations.

With advanced mapping capabilities and top-notch technical support from SMAJAYU, you know your farming operation is running smoothly!

**Want to always know where your tractor is? See our post about the best GPS trackers for Farm Equipment.**

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources for Further Research on Agricultural Guidance Technology 

• https://www.gps.gov/applications/agriculture/
• https://americanhistory.si.edu/american-enterprise/new-perspectives/precision-farming
• https://www.fieldbee.com/blog/farm-mapping-a-new-technology-thats-revolutionizing-agriculture/
• https://nifa.usda.gov/topic/agricultural-technology
• https://www.precisionag.com/