What is GPS Farming? Top GPS Farming Tractors Explained

Farming is changing a lot. In the old days, it was all about hard work, good experience, and a lot of guessing. New tools are now being used to save farmers time, money, and diesel. GPS Farming is one such useful tool.

Many people have heard of GPS farming, but they do not fully understand what it is or how it can help in real farm work. In this article, we will explain the meaning of GPS farming, the working of GPS farming, and discuss the best tractors that can support GPS farming.

What is GPS Farming?

GPS farming simply means using GPS technology to do farm work more accurately. GPS is short for Global Positioning System. It works with the help of satellites in the sky to show the exact location of a tractor or field on a screen.

In simple words, GPS farming helps farmers:

• See where their tractor is in the field
• Drive the tractor in straight lines
• Avoid working in the same area again
• Save diesel, time, seed, fertiliser, and spray
• Farming based on GPS is also called precision farming.

How Does GPS Farming Work?

GPS farming works with the help of:

• GPS satellites
• A GPS device or screen fitted in the tractor
• Extra software and sensors

When the tractor is moving, the GPS screen shows:

• Paths where the tractor has already worked
• Which area is still left
• Whether the lines are straight or not

In advanced systems, the tractor can even drive itself, reducing the effort of the driver.

Where Is GPS Farming Used?

GPS farming is useful in many farm activities.

Ploughing and Field Preparation

• Tractor moves in straight lines
• No zig-zag movement
• No overlapping
• Field work feels smooth

Sowing and Planting

• Correct seed spacing
• Straight rows
• No double sowing
• No empty spaces

Fertilizer Application

• Fertilizer used only where needed
• Less waste
• Lower cost

Spraying

• No double spraying
• Less chemical use
• Better crop safety

Harvesting

• Full field coverage
• Less fuel use
• Faster work

Benefits of GPS Farming

GPS farming gives farmers many benefits.

• Saves diesel
• Saves time
• Reduces waste of seeds, fertiliser, and spray
• Improves crop yield
• Tractor driving becomes easier
• Reduces tiredness and stress

Because of all this, GPS farming is becoming popular in modern agriculture.

Is GPS Farming Beneficial to Small Farmers?

Yes, GPS farming is helpful for small farmers also.

Today:

• Basic GPS systems are low-cost
• Mobile-based GPS systems are available
• GPS tractors are available for rent at local hiring centres
• Good money can be saved every season by using GPS for sowing or spraying

Best GPS Farming Tractors Explained

Many tractor brands now offer GPS-ready models or GPS add-on options. Some popular tractors that support GPS farming are listed below.

GPS Supported Mahindra Tractors

Mahindra provides GPS and precision farming options in selected models.

• GPS guidance available
• Field mapping support
• Suitable for large and medium farms

Indian farmers know and trust these tractors well.

John Deere GPS Tractors

John Deere is a leader in GPS farming technology.

• Advanced GPS guidance
• Auto steering option
• Very accurate field work

These tractors are mostly used on large farms and for commercial farming.

New Holland GPS Tractors

New Holland offers GPS support in higher models.

• GPS-based guidance systems
• Useful for sowing and spraying
• Saves fuel and time

These tractors are popular in many farming areas.

Case IH GPS Tractors

Case IH comes with high-accuracy GPS systems.

• Very accurate GPS
• Auto guidance
• Suitable for large land areas

These are mainly used for large-scale farming.

Massey Ferguson / TAFE GPS Tractors

TAFE and Massey Ferguson offer GPS as an optional feature.

• Simple GPS systems
• Good balance of cost and technology
• Suitable for Indian farming conditions

Sonalika and Other GPS-Ready Tractors

GPS systems can also be fitted on Sonalika and other brands.

• GPS can be installed separately
• Works with mobile and screen systems
• Budget-friendly options

Many farmers fit aftermarket GPS kits on these tractors.

Is GPS Fitted on All GPS Tractors?

No. GPS is not always fitted by the factory.

There are two types:

• Factory-fitted GPS tractors (costly)
• GPS-ready tractors where GPS can be added later

Most farmers choose GPS-ready tractors to keep costs low.

Cost of GPS Farming Tractors

The cost depends on:

• Type of GPS
• Manual or auto steering
• Brand and accuracy

Basic GPS systems are affordable, while auto steering systems cost more. But savings in diesel and farm inputs usually recover the cost over time.

Top GPS Farming Tractor Models in India

• Mahindra Arjun Novo 605 DI
• Swaraj 744 FE
• John Deere 5310
• New Holland 3630 TX
• Kubota MU 5501

The other GPS-compatible tractor models in India include Mahindra 575 DI, Mahindra 585 DI, Mahindra Yuvo 575 DI, Swaraj 735 FE, John Deere 5050D, John Deere 5405, Massey Ferguson 1035 DI, Massey Ferguson 245 DI, Massey Ferguson 9500 Smart, Sonalika Tiger DI, Sonalika Sikander RX, Eicher 380, Eicher 485, Eicher 557, Powertrac Euro 50, Powertrac Euro 60, New Holland 4710, New Holland Excel 6010, Kubota NeoStar and Kubota L4508, which are also commonly used with GPS guidance and precision farming systems in India.

And the most recently launched Sonalika DI 745 Gold & Sonalika DI 55 III Gold

Future of GPS Farming in India

GPS farming has a bright future in India.

In the coming years:

• GPS systems will become cheaper
• More tractors will come GPS-ready
• Government support may increase
• Farmers will move toward smart farming

GPS farming is a big step toward modern agriculture.

Final Words

GPS farming is not hard or scary. It is a helpful tool that makes farm work easier, faster, and more accurate. Even small use of GPS, like during sowing or spraying, can make a big difference. As diesel and input costs rise, GPS farming helps save money and increase farm production. Using GPS farming today means preparing for the future of farming. For more info about the Tractors and agriculture, do visit our website Merikheti.com.