Fertilising, seeding and spraying create overlaps. Even experienced drivers cause overlaps of 8–12% without a steering system. On an 80-hectare farm this adds up:
- Fertiliser approx. €1,280 per year on double-fertilised areas
- Seed approx. €426 extra consumption
- Crop protection approx. €640 unnecessary cost
- Diesel approx. €213 from inefficient driving paths
This example calculation is deliberately based on average and rather conservative values. It is intended to illustrate the order of magnitude of possible savings. The actual saving depends on factors such as farm size, crop rotation, the inputs used, working widths and the individual overlap. Every farm can easily work out its own figure by using an average overlap, the area farmed and its own costs for fertiliser, seed, crop protection and diesel.
The NX510 SE is an automatic steering system that allows many tractors and other vehicles to be retrofitted with a compact, modern and comprehensive solution - at a price that every farm can afford. It offers significant productivity gains, works in all visibility conditions and reduces driver fatigue. The combined GNSS+IMU terrain compensation technology ensures steering accuracy of up to 2.5 centimeters and provides superior performance in planting, seeding and crop protection operations. The NX510 SE is an advanced guidance controller that works with multiple correction sources and five satellite constellations: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and QZSS. The integrated 4G modem seamlessly connects to all industry-standard DGPS and RTK corrections to achieve centimeter-accurate guidance. In addition, terrain roll and pitch compensation technology ensures high accuracy - even in challenging environments and terrain. NX 510 SE CHCNAV Automatic guidance system Accuracy: RTK VRS 2.5cm Warranty: 2 years Consisting of:10” CB-A10 display based on an Android tablet Integrated 4G modem in the tablet modern GPS receiver/steering controller PA-3-SE (CHCNAV receiver)RTK accuracy upgrade GPS + Glonass + Galileo + Beidou + QZSS Integrated 4G modem in the receiver Steering hub motor incl. steering wheel Gear adapter for your machine - please specify with every order Steering angle sensor with gyroscope for easy installation Reversing camera Cable set with integrated main switch RAM display holder
The NX510 SE is an automatic steering system that allows many tractors and other vehicles to be retrofitted with a compact, modern and comprehensive solution - at a price that every farm can afford. It offers significant productivity gains, works in all visibility conditions and reduces driver fatigue. The combined GNSS+IMU terrain compensation technology ensures steering accuracy of up to 2.5 centimeters and provides superior performance in planting, seeding and crop protection operations. The NX510 SE is an advanced guidance controller that works with multiple correction sources and five satellite constellations: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and QZSS. The integrated 4G modem seamlessly connects to all industry-standard DGPS and RTK corrections to achieve centimeter-accurate guidance. In addition, terrain roll and pitch compensation technology ensures high accuracy - even in challenging environments and terrain. NX 510 SE CHCNAV Automatic guidance system Accuracy: RTK VRS 2.5cm Warranty: 2 years Consisting of:10” CB-A10 display based on an Android tablet Integrated 4G modem in the tablet modern GPS receiver/steering controller PA-3-SE (CHCNAV receiver)RTK accuracy upgrade GPS + Glonass + Galileo + Beidou + QZSS Integrated 4G modem in the receiver Steering hub motor incl. steering wheel Gear adapter for your machine - please specify with every order Steering angle sensor with gyroscope for easy installation Reversing camera Cable set with integrated main switch RAM display holder
LACOS LC TWO Max 120Das Set beinhaltet: LACOS LC TWO 12" Display (100003)LACOS Terminal Halter-Set LC TWO (10300088)LACOS CAB Displaykabel mit Kameraanschluss (10200097) CHCNAV Lenksystem NX510( 8006020050)GA Lenkwinkelsensor (1911110056) LACOS MOD Autosteering (10500009) LACOS MOD NG (10500020) LACOS MOD ISOBUS SC Medium (10500007) LACOS MOD TC-GEO (10500005)
LACOS LC TWO Max 120 inkl. HydraulikventilDas Set beinhaltet:LACOS LC TWO 12" Display (100003)LACOS Terminal Halter-Set LC TWO (10300088)LACOS CAB Displaykabel mit Kameraanschluss (10200098)CHCNAV Lenksystem NX510 Steer Ready inkl. PWM Kabel (80060110093)GA Lenkwinkelsensor (1911110056)PWM Hydraulikventil CC inkl. Kabelsatz und Wechselventil (90000100)LACOS MOD Autosteering (10500009)LACOS MOD NG (10500020)LACOS MOD ISOBUS SC Medium (10500007)
With an RTK steering system, overlaps are reduced to under 1%. With a stable RTK correction signal, CHCNAV and LACOS systems work with ±2.5 cm track accuracy. The savings potential scales directly with farm size.
The actual saving depends on farm size, crop rotation and the inputs used. All details on the profitability calculation can be found on the retrofit a GPS steering system page.
Automatic steering system: what the driver gains
An automatic steering system takes over steering completely. The driver can focus on the implement – settings, fill level, quality control. The track stays constant because the steering system works precisely and repeatably.
The system works accurately regardless of the time of day, weather or driver condition. All accuracy levels and the exact difference from passive display systems are explained on the parallel guidance systems page.
Seasonal workers, too, achieve the same quality as experienced regular drivers with automatic guidance – less training effort, fewer correction loops.
RTK, DGPS or standard GPS – which accuracy do you need?
Standard GPS varies by 3–5 metres depending on reception. DGPS improves this to 30–50 cm – sufficient for cereals, grassland and primary tillage. An RTK steering system brings you to ±2.5 cm with a stable reference station: necessary for row crops (sugar beet 45 cm, maize 75 cm row spacing), band spraying and mechanical weed control.
Rule of thumb: anyone growing row crops or doing band spraying needs RTK. For all other applications it is a question of economics. All the technical background on correction signals, NTRIP and base stations is explained on the RTK steering system page.
Which machines benefit the most?
Not every machine gains the same benefit from a steering system. The tighter the tolerance and the more expensive the input, the greater the leverage.
- Field sprayer: RTK is essential for band spraying. With LACOS Section Control, individual nozzle sections switch off automatically on headlands – 8–12% less crop protection product in field trials.
- Seed drill / row crops: RTK accuracy is a prerequisite for mechanical weed control. The system stores the seeding track – with maize and sugar beet, the hoeing frame follows exactly the same line months later.
- Fertiliser spreader: DGPS already reduces overlaps considerably. For larger working widths and homogeneous soils, DGPS is sufficient for clean connecting passes.
- Cultivator / plough: DGPS is enough for most farms. Guidance protects the soil structure and reduces turning errors – without RTK being strictly necessary.
Retrofitting a GPS steering system: Steer-Ready, hydraulic or steering-wheel motor?
Which retrofit path fits depends on one question: does your tractor already have a factory steering preparation? With a stable RTK correction signal, all three paths deliver ±2.5 cm track accuracy.
- Steer-Ready/CAN bus: the GPS system communicates directly with the tractor electronics. No mechanical intervention, the cab stays unchanged. Typical for CLAAS from approx. 2013, Fendt from approx. 2010, John Deere from approx. 2011–2014.
- Hydraulic: a proportional valve is integrated directly into the oil circuit. No motor on the steering wheel, no noise in the cab – the lowest-maintenance option for tractors without Steer-Ready.
- Steering-wheel motor: a brushless motor is mounted on the steering wheel. Works with practically any tractor – including older models and special machines. More on all retrofit options on the all retrofit options in detail page.
GPS steering system for contractors: machine utilisation and ROI
For contractors, a GPS steering system pays off differently than for a single farm. Three factors matter:
- Machine change: with the CHCNAV machine preparation, the display and receiver can be moved between tractors. One system runs on several machines – without a second complete set.
- Utilisation: GPS works at night and in poor visibility. Anyone who fully uses their working windows increases machine utilisation at no extra cost.
At LEDAB we work out the economics for contractors based on real operating hours – honestly, even if the result means a more affordable solution.
Night, slopes, rain: the system always runs
GPS guidance does not depend on the weather or daylight. With a stable RTK supply and a clear line of sight to the satellites, accuracy stays constant – even on slopes. Near woodland edges or under obstacles the correction signal can be impaired. All technical details on correction signals and system technology are explained on the RTK steering system page.
CHCNAV steering systems – technology from the surveying world
CHCNAV originally comes from surveying technology – construction sites, mining, cadastral surveying. That hardware sits inside the steering systems: multi-GNSS reception (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS), an integrated 4G modem and an IMU sensor that compensates for slopes of up to 15%. The NX510, NX610 and NX612 range covers every farm size, from the entry-level system to the ISOBUS UT variant. All details on the CHCNAV steering system range at LEDAB.
LACOS: guidance and machine control through a single terminal
LACOS goes beyond pure guidance: the ISOBUS terminal controls the steering system and the implements together, and Section Control switches nozzle sections automatically. You will find all details on the LACOS steering system page.
Parallel guidance and steering system: not the same thing
A parallel guidance system shows the driver the track on the display – without active steering intervention. The exact difference from an automatic steering system and all accuracy levels are explained on the RTK steering system page.
Buying and retrofitting a steering system: LEDAB advises nationwide
Want to know which system suits your farm? LEDAB advises free of charge – send us the make, model and year of construction for a compatibility check. All system variants at a glance: CHCNAV steering system and LACOS steering system.
CHCNAV - NX610 Steering System UT
The NX510 SE is an automatic steering system that allows many tractors and other vehicles to be retrofitted with a compact, modern and comprehensive solution - at a price that every farm can afford. It offers significant productivity gains, works in all visibility conditions and reduces driver fatigue. The combined GNSS+IMU terrain compensation technology ensures steering accuracy of up to 2.5 centimeters and provides superior performance in planting, seeding and crop protection operations. The NX510 SE is an advanced guidance controller that works with multiple correction sources and five satellite constellations: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and QZSS. The integrated 4G modem seamlessly connects to all industry-standard DGPS and RTK corrections to achieve centimeter-accurate guidance. In addition, terrain roll and pitch compensation technology ensures high accuracy - even in challenging environments and terrain. NX 510 SE CHCNAV Automatic guidance system Accuracy: RTK VRS 2.5cm Warranty: 2 years Consisting of:10” CB-A10 display based on an Android tablet Integrated 4G modem in the tablet modern GPS receiver/steering controller PA-3-SE (CHCNAV receiver)RTK accuracy upgrade GPS + Glonass + Galileo + Beidou + QZSS Integrated 4G modem in the receiver Steering hub motor incl. steering wheel Gear adapter for your machine - please specify with every order Steering angle sensor with gyroscope for easy installation Reversing camera Cable set with integrated main switch RAM display holder
CHCNAV - GPS data cable (NMEA)
For transferring the GPS data to another terminal (from the COM2 port of the receiver to an RS232 interface)
CHCNAV - NX612 Steering System UT
The NX510 SE is an automatic steering system that allows many tractors and other vehicles to be retrofitted with a compact, modern and comprehensive solution - at a price that every farm can afford. It offers significant productivity gains, works in all visibility conditions and reduces driver fatigue. The combined GNSS+IMU terrain compensation technology ensures steering accuracy of up to 2.5 centimeters and provides superior performance in planting, seeding and crop protection operations. The NX510 SE is an advanced guidance controller that works with multiple correction sources and five satellite constellations: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and QZSS. The integrated 4G modem seamlessly connects to all industry-standard DGPS and RTK corrections to achieve centimeter-accurate guidance. In addition, terrain roll and pitch compensation technology ensures high accuracy - even in challenging environments and terrain. NX 510 SE CHCNAV Automatic guidance system Accuracy: RTK VRS 2.5cm Warranty: 2 years Consisting of:10” CB-A10 display based on an Android tablet Integrated 4G modem in the tablet modern GPS receiver/steering controller PA-3-SE (CHCNAV receiver)RTK accuracy upgrade GPS + Glonass + Galileo + Beidou + QZSS Integrated 4G modem in the receiver Steering hub motor incl. steering wheel Gear adapter for your machine - please specify with every order Steering angle sensor with gyroscope for easy installation Reversing camera Cable set with integrated main switch RAM display holder
CHCNAV - 10m steering angle sensor cable extension
10m steering angle sensor cable extension
Aktivierungsmodul CHCNAV
Aktivierungsmodul CHCNAV-Fendt COM II-III Joystick Das Aktivierungsmodul für CHCNAV Lenksysteme erweitert kompatible Fendt-Traktoren mit COM II-III Joystick um eine intuitive Bedienmöglichkeit. Fahrer können das automatische Lenken direkt über den Joystick aktivieren oder deaktivieren, ohne die Hand vom Bedienelement nehmen zu müssen. Das erhöht Sicherheit, Komfort und Effizienz im Arbeitseinsatz. Vorteile auf einen Blick Direkte Joystick-Aktivierung: Einfache Steuerung des CHCNAV Lenksystems während der Fahrt. Kompatibel mit allen CHCNAV Lenksystemen NX510, NX610, NX612
CHCNAV - 1,5m cable extension for steering wheel motor
1,5m cable extension for steering wheel motor
CHCNAV - NX510 SE Steering System -Steer Ready
The NX510 SE - Steer Ready is an automatic steering system that allows many pre-equipped tractors and other vehicles to be retrofitted with a compact, modern and comprehensive solution at a price that any farm can afford. It offers significant productivity gains, works in all visibility conditions and reduces driver fatigue. The combined GNSS+IMU terrain compensation technology ensures steering accuracy of up to 2.5 centimeters and provides superior performance in planting, seeding and crop protection operations. The NX510 SE is an advanced guidance controller that works with multiple correction sources and five satellite constellations: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and QZSS. The integrated 4G modem seamlessly connects to all industry-standard DGPS and RTK corrections to achieve centimeter-accurate guidance. In addition, terrain roll and pitch compensation technology ensures high accuracy - even in challenging environments and terrain. NX 510 SE CHCNAV Automatic guidance system Accuracy: RTK VRS 2.5cm Warranty: 2 years Consisting of:10” CB-A10 display based on an Android tablet Integrated 4G modem in the tablet modern GPS receiver/steering controller PA-3-SE (CHCNAV receiver) RTK accuracy upgrade GPS + Glonass + Galileo + Beidou + QZSS Integrated 4G modem in the receiverCAN-BUS control box Rear view camera Cable set with integrated main switch RAM display holder