Guide
Virtual guidance or auto steering?
With virtual guidance, the on-board computer shows the line and the operator drives the machine. With auto steering, the system also corrects the steering and keeps the machine aligned on its own. Both start from the same on-board computer and the same antenna.
What virtual guidance is
Virtual guidance shows, on the on-board computer screen, the line the machine should follow, calculated from the position of the GNSS antenna. The operator follows the indication and corrects the steering by hand.
It is the first step in precision farming: more parallel passes and less overlap, without installing anything on the machine's steering. It is used in spraying, in fertiliser application and in orchards.
What auto steering is
With auto steering, an actuator on the steering makes the corrections and keeps the machine aligned on parallel lines, straight or curved. The operator handles the turns and the implement, with less fatigue on long working days.
To take over the steering, just move the wheel and the system disengages. On Agres systems, disengagement can also be triggered by an optional remote control.
The three Agres auto steering systems
All three work with the agroNave, isoView and geoNave computers, with 40 cm to 1 cm (RTK) accuracy depending on antenna and signal correction, and integrate with isoFarm.
e-Steer, electric
Electric actuator with a high-torque magnetic system, for many machine types. Quiet, responsive and easy to install.
See the e-Steerh-Steer, hydraulic
Acts on the hydraulic circuit through a dedicated block. Suited to self-propelled machines and work at higher speeds.
See the h-Steerready, factory-fit
For machines that come from the factory ready for auto steering: it uses the original steering system and hydraulic block.
See the ready
How to choose
- Start with virtual guidance if the goal is to align your passes and reduce overlap without changing the machine's steering.
- Move to auto steering when the operation calls for the same alignment for hours on end, with less effort from the operator.
- Pass-to-pass accuracy depends on the antenna and signal correction, not just the steering: see the levels on the signal corrections page.
- The ANR 10 antenna covers virtual guidance and, for auto steering, it can be upgraded with the ANP 21 or 40 module.
From guidance to auto steering, in one kit
The suggested kits combine on-board computer, antenna and auto steering for each operation.