Kubota expands precision agriculture technology beyond large tractors with a new dealer-supported autosteer system designed for compact tractors, utility equipment, mowers, and RTVs.
Precision agriculture technology has traditionally been associated with large row-crop tractors and high-horsepower equipment. Kubota is aiming to change that with the launch of WorkSmart Autosteer, a new precision guidance system designed specifically for compact and utility-sized equipment.
Unveiled at the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, the system extends guidance technology previously available on larger agricultural machines to a wider range of equipment used by farmers, ranchers, contractors, and turf professionals.
Kubota describes WorkSmart Autosteer as functioning much like an autopilot system. While the operator remains fully in control of the machine and field decisions, the technology automatically maintains the desired guidance line, helping reduce steering fatigue and improve operational consistency.
The system is compatible with both new and existing Kubota equipment.
"WorkSmart Autosteer is not about removing the operator from the decision; it is about helping to remove fatigue and error from the equation," said Austin Hawkins, Senior Manager of Technology Sales and Marketing for Kubota North America. "At your command, the machine holds the line, so you stay sharp, cover more ground and still get home with something left for the people who matter most."
Designed for More Than Large Acreage Operations
Many precision guidance systems currently available were originally developed for large row-crop tractors and are often installed as aftermarket solutions.
Kubota says its approach differs because the technology is engineered specifically for the machine model on which it is installed. The company believes this provides a more integrated user experience while allowing customers to purchase, finance, install, service, and warranty the product through a single dealer relationship.
The move could be particularly appealing to livestock producers, hay growers, specialty crop operators, orchard and vineyard managers, that operate smaller equipment but still want the benefits of precision guidance.
Two Levels of Accuracy Available
WorkSmart Autosteer is offered with two correction options depending on operational needs.
The first uses SBAS (WAAS) correction and provides repeatable pass-to-pass accuracy of approximately six to eight inches without requiring a subscription.
For operators requiring greater precision, Kubota also offers a PPP correction option capable of delivering approximately one-inch accuracy. This level is intended for specialty crop production and other applications where small variations in machine position can affect yield, crop quality, or marketability. An annual subscription is required for the PPP service.
Both options operate through the same user interface and are designed to provide a straightforward learning curve for both first-time and experienced guidance users.
Potential Benefits Extend Beyond Straight Rows
Kubota highlights several potential economic benefits associated with the technology.
Maintaining a consistent guidance line can help reduce overlap between passes, which may lower input waste by ensuring seed, fertilizer, and crop protection products are placed more accurately. Reduced overlap can also improve field efficiency by allowing operators to spend more time covering new ground instead of retracing previously completed areas.
The company notes that the technology can help create more consistent results regardless of operator experience level, allowing newer operators to achieve guidance performance similar to those with many years of field experience.
Because the system can be used across a range of equipment and applications, Kubota sees opportunities in broad-acre farming, hay production, specialty crops, turf management, road grading, mowing, spraying, spreading, and cultivation operations.
Dealer Installation and Support
Kubota says authorized dealers can install the system in approximately two hours and provide operator training following installation.
The platform operates through the WorkSmart Autosteer mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices. Kubota also offers tutorials, calibration resources, and operational videos to assist users with setup and ongoing operation.
Early field feedback appears encouraging.
Tom Butner of Marshall Service Company in Missouri said the dealership recently installed WorkSmart Autosteer for two customers, including a row-crop producer and a hay operation.
According to Butner, steering performance has been strong, while ease of use has been one of the technology's biggest selling points, particularly for operators who have never previously used precision guidance systems.